Birthday Watch January 1967! Seiko 6602-9981 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: January 1967
Movement: 6602
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Solid-Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko Two Toned President SS Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sites, 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 gold-filled Seiko SUWA Seikosha Sportsman Calendar 6602. The seahorse on the case-back indicates this watch was meant for sea-sports and can act as a dress watch in the evening ~ clever.

Most such models were cannibalised for their markers / lumens to replace those damaged in Seiko 62Mas Diver's watches that had greater value. Hence, not many fully original 6602 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 6602-9981 Gold-Filled Sportsman Calendar Mechanical watch brings 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 clean-up. The 14K solid-gold indices, hands and date window are in immaculate condition after a good cleaning as well. 

The gentleman-like cylindrical shaped gold-filled case was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present but barely noticeable. The glass is original and was given a good rub-down and is now excellent. 

The signed 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 and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 10 September 2023. In short, 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 iconic 6602 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 281 with a super straight and centered line! Such readings are truly 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.  

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (w/o crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

This watch comes with the two-toned original Seiko signed SS bracelet meant for this model. It too was given a good 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 Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

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

The pictures provided shows the watch 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. A brand new EVA is provided instead.

This extremely rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in January 1967, 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 a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 120.00 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 Watch with original Seiko signed two-toned vintage SS bracelet; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.