Birthday Watch June 1965! Seiko 5 6619-8030 Sportsmatic JDM 21J Automatic Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: 5 Series JDM SUWA
Year of Production: June 1965
Movement: 6619
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Hi-Quality Vintage SS bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seiko Sportsmatic 6619 movement made its debut circa October 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo, Japan Olympics.

The 6619 comes from the 66XX series that originated from Caliber 410 that commenced the Sportsmatic series in 1963. The 6619 is Seiko's first ever timepiece to have a quickset date via pushing the Crown in.

This particular June 1965 timepiece would have been one of the earliest Sportsmatics produced with the 6619 movement.

Meant solely for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), this is a highly sort-after Collectible Timepiece; and its "AD"(Applied Dial) makes it even more worthwhile to own. For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is an almost non-existent PRE-SUWA (logo) in excellent condition.

This seldom seen June 1965 Vintage Seiko has a beautiful and immaculately preserved silvery-white sunburst dial that was given a good clean-up. The 3D-styled silvery-white Block Indices, Dauphine Hands, Date Window and silvery Chapter Ring are in superb condition after undergoing a good clean-up as well.

Its typical cylindrical shaped silver case and (non-Seiko) vintage SS bracelet were buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal was given a good rub and is almost spotless as well. Do note that there are minor chippings located below the case near the rim of the back case. Please refer to pictures 8 and 9. This was caused by the previous owners inexperience in opening the back case to service / repair the watch. But these minor chippings do not affect the watch's integrity in any form whatsoever, and they cannot be seen while the timepiece is worn.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The day / date quickset works flawlessly by pushing the crown in to adjust the date and pulling out the crown to adjust the time. The day quickset is something quite unique to this movement / model. The day quickset is via turning the hands backwards and forwards past midnight. A tutorial video concerning the day change can easily be found on YouTube.

Because it is strictly a JDM model, the Day is only in Kanji, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped, cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in September 2022. In short, it was given an overhaul, and should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 6619 movement, it has 21 Jewels and operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +9 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 232! 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.

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 near MINT condition.

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

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A vintage (non-Seiko) SS bracelet is provided. The earlier Seiko watches did not come with Seiko bracelets until Seiko began producing their own bracelets circa1968. The watch also comes with a brand new crocodile designed genuine leather strap with silver buckle as part of the deal. The Buyer has the option to choose a different design and / or colour strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

The pictures provided show the watch in excellent condition, 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. 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 preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as 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 June 1965! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

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 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 June 1965 Seiko 5 Sportsmatic 6619-8030 AD JDM Automatic Timepiece; 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!