Birthday Watch! April 1972 Seiko 5 Actus 6106-7470 SS SUWA 23J Automatic (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: 5 Series Actus SS SUWA
Year of Production: April 1972
Movement: 6106
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Dagger Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand New Good Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, Seiko introduced the 6106 movement in 1967.

As most Seiko die-hard fans know, the Seiko Actus was manufactured and assembled in Japan and solely meant for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

The Seiko 5 Actus was manufactured in both SUWA and DAINI factories because both factories competed against one another (think Apple and Macintosh) that brought out the best designs and movements during that era.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a SEIKO 5 ACTUS SUWA 6106-7470 Automatic Watch in excellent condition.

The two-tone reflective blue dial,3D baton silver indices, baton hands, day/date window are in stunning condition after a good deep cleaning. The case and is also in excellent condition after cleaning albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal has been replaced.

The crown is original and is located at the 4H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible. The date quickset works by pushing the crown in to adjust the date. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out.

Because it is a JDM, the Day is in Kanji and English, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 23 April 2025. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with the famous 6106 movement, it has 23 jewels and operates at 21,600 beats an hour giving it an extremely high level of accuracy. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 206! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 38mm (without crown), and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand new beautiful genuine leather navy blue strap with matching stitching is also provided to enhance the colour of the case and dial. 

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in stunning condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in immaculate condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this rare watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in April 1972! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

This watch model is valued between S$ 318.00 to S$ 525.00 on various auction / online sites from really horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is" condition, to refurbished, to pristine / New Old Stock models. Note: the mentioned prices do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This fully overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece is being sold here for S$ 388.00 which is extremely reasonable. 

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly gorgeous April 1972 Seiko 5 Actus SUWA in immaculate condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement and case; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!