Birthday Watch March 1968! Seiko 5 6119A-8020 SUWA 21J 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: Seiko 5
Year of Production: March 1968
Movement: 6119A
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Block Silver Indices and Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Brand New Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch


According to most legitimate online information, the 6119 made its debut in 1967 and ceased production in 1975.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a highly sort-after Collectible March 1968 Seiko 5 Model 6119A-8020 SUWA in near mint condition.

Deep cleaning was conducted to reveal a beautiful and well preserved silvery-white dial, 3D Silver Baton Indices, Dauphine Hands, Date / Day Window and Chapter Ring.

The case also underwent deep cleaning via ultrasonic immersion and was buffed afterwards as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The glass was replaced with a hi-quality Japanese mineral glass.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pushing the crown to adjust the date, and pulling out the crown for hands adjustment. The day quickset is via rotating the crown to and from 8H and 4H pass midnight.

The Day is in English, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 4 April 2024. In short, it was given a proper overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 6119A movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 143 with a relatively straight. 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 calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, the watch size is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new genuine leather strap with silver buckle accompanies this timepiece.

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.

Even though the seals and gaskets are intact / replaced, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch case in pristine condition (no dents 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 nice purposeful carrying case or box 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 watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in March 1968! Another no-brainer is the fact that 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$ 10.00 to clean, 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 a truly magnificent March 1968 Seiko 5 SUWA in stunning condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, date window, 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!