Birthday Watch February 1965! Seiko 6218-8950 Seikomatic Weekdater SUWA 35J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seikomatic 
Year of Production: February 1965
Movement: 6218
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 35
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Vintage Bambi Super Engineer SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seiko 6218 movement made its debut in 1964. The 6218 is an improved version of the 6206 and many consider this movement as a forerunner to the GS6245 and GS6246 that were launched in 1966. 

The 6218 movement is found in Seikomatic's and is highly sort after because it resembles the Seiko Chronometer GS6246 and it also has a higher number of jewels (35) and BHP (36,000) compared to previously launched Seiko models, and also due to its scarcity.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko SUWA Seikosha Dolphin series. The dolphin was used to impress its higher waterproofing capabilities; hence, it was used by many for shallow diving instead of the typical diver's watch that coincidentally uses the 62xx movement as well when first introduced!

This extremely rare Seiko Seikomatic's original silvery-white dial, reflective chapter ring, 3D silver baton indices, logo, hands, date/day window, case and silver case-back are in pristine condition after a thorough clean-up. The crystal was given a good buff.

The masculine shaped silver case had undergone a proper cleaning, and was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present. 

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The date and time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level for date and time adjustment respectively. The day quickset is via turning the hands forwards and backwards past midnight. Another unique feature is the day is only in English.

Its movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 1 May 2024; hence it underwent an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 6218 movement, it has 35 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings of an average rate of +19 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 176 with relatively straight lines! 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

A hi-quality Vintage Bambi Brand Super Engineer SS Bracelet comes with the watch. It too was given a deep ultrasonic cleaning, a buff and is now in excellent condition. 

To the best of our knowledge while overhauling this timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified. 

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

The pictures provided shows the watch in pristine condition (no dents, dings 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. A brand new EVA pouch is provided.

This extremely rare timepiece will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in February 1965, and its value 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 an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 100.00 to clean and buff the complete watch with bracelet inclusive of tightening of links (if applicable) - 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 magnificent February 1965 Seiko Seikomatic SUWA watch in near-mint condition; so, be unique and own a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.