Birthday Watch December 1969! Seiko 6602-9982 Sportsman Calendar 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Sportsman Calendar
Year of Production: December 1969
Movement: 6602
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Solid-White-Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko Vintage SS Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seiko Sportsman made its debut in 1960 utilising the 4361 movement.

This Seiko Sportsman Calendar used the 6602 movement to incorporate a date window. The 6602, formerly known as Cal 957, made its debut circa 1961. This movement is normally found in Seiko Sportsman and Seahorse models.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a JDM white-gold-filled Seiko SUWA Seikosha Sportsman Calendar 6602.

Most such models were cannibalised for their markers to replace those damaged in Seiko 62Mas Diver's watches that had greater value. Hence, not many fully original 6602 White-Gold Filled models exists thereby making this timepiece literally a "one-of-a-kind" and highly sort after due to its increasing scarcity.

This extremely rare Seiko 6602-9982 White-Gold-Filled Sportsman Calendar Mechanical watch brings vintage sexiness to a new level! It's original ivory white dial with sunburst design portrays a variety of hues from various angles, shows almost no signs of aging after a good and thorough clean-up. The solid white-gold markers, hands and date window are in immaculate condition after a good cleaning as well.

The gentleman-like cylindrical shaped silver case was cleaned and buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present. The crystal glass has been replaced.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown for adjustment. There is no quickset for the date.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 29 September 2023; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the iconic 6602 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 174 with a decent straight line. Such readings are extremely 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 36mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

This watch comes with the original Seiko signed SS bracelet meant for this model. It too was given a good wash and polish and is now in excellent condition albeit miniscule scratches on the watch buckle.

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

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been de-magnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

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.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not two-toned that has minimally aged and is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in December 1969. 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.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish the entire watch 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 highly sort-after Seiko Sportsman Calendar 6602-9982 Watch with original Seiko signed vintage SS bracelet; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!