Birthday Watch June 1968! Seiko 860 / 7622-8981 Champion Calendar DAINI JDM 17J Mechanical Watch

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Seiko 860 Champion Calendar
Year of Production: June 1968
Movement: 860 / 7622-8981
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D White Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 44mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality BAMBI Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the original Seiko Champion debuted in the fall of 1962 showcasing two Seikosha 54 versions ~ Champion Calendar (with date), and Champion (without date).

The new 850/860 2nd generation movement made its entrance in 1963 (850 w/o date / 860 with date). It was circa 1964 that Seiko began officially re-naming their 3 digit models into 4 digits. It did not occur overnight but was a gradual process due to the number of existing / operating calibers.

Originally meant for the Japanese market, this is a highly sort after collectors watch and its "AD"(Applied Dial) status makes it even more desirable to own, and it is almost non-existent as well.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 860 Champion Calendar Seikosha DAINI (with Star logo) in near mint condition.

It's original sunburst ivory-white dial is in immaculate status after a good clean-up. The dial gives off a vintage-like silvery-beige-white hue at certain angles and light conditions. The indices, hands and date window had undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection have been meticulously removed. They are now in stunning condition. The crystal was replaced with a hi-quality Japanese Plexiglass.

Its timeless shaped silver case was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and given a good buff thereafter; however, there may be a few minor scratches and age marks remaining but are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 1 November 2023. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

The crown is original and located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works flawlessly.

Equipped with the classic 860 / 7622 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 218 in a straight and centered 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 expert and painstaking calibration done.

The case width and height are approximately 36m (without crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand new BAMBI hi-quality Midnight Black genuine leather strap with silver buckle which is pure class. The Buyer is provided the option to choose a different design and coloured strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

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.

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 demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box 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 / similar models in the market, BUT none has 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 1968. 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 an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten the 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 an extremely rare Seiko 860AD / 7622 Champion Calendar watch; 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!