Birthday Watch March 1966! Seiko 6206-8010 Seikomatic SUWA 26J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seikomatic
Year of Production: March 1966
Movement: 6206
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 26
Hand and Dial: 3D Block Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Two-Toned Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sites, the Seiko 6206 movement made its debut in 1963. This movement was an improved version of the Caliber 400 (later 410) movement. In between these 2 movements were the 6201 and 6220. The 6201 was used in the first Seiko 5 Seikomatic but it was the 6206 that laid the groundwork for the 62xx series that brought forth the Grand Seiko to the world.

The 6206 movement is found in Seikomatic's and Weekdater's, and is highly sort after because it is not only a thing of beauty but its components were cannibalised for many more expensive watches, thereby this particular 6206-8010 is highly sort after due to its scarcity.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko SUWA Seikosha Crown and Dolphin series. The crown indicates royal quality and 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 in 1965!

This extremely rare Seiko Seikomatic Two Window is a sight to behold! It's original silvery-white Dial, 3D silver block indices, dauphine hands, date/day windows, logos, case and case-back are also in pristine condition after a deep clean-up. There is a miniscule build-up of patina from 12H to 4H dial edge that is almost impossible to notice. The timeless masculine cylindrical shaped silver case was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present.

The crystal has been replaced and is now in mint condition.

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.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 15 October 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 at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 6206 movement, it has 26 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 excellent readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 232 with a 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 and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new hi-quality two-toned genuine leather strap with built-in quick-release spring bars and silver buckle accompanies this timepiece. 

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 show the watch's case 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. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind timepiece will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in March 1966! 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, and S$ 100.00 to clean, polish and 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 truly magnificent March 1966 Seiko Seikomatic SUWA Two Window watch in near-mint condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement, and case; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!