RESTORED! Birthday Watch March 1976! Seiko Actus 7019-8120 DAINI Hi Beat 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: Seiko Actus
Year of Production: March 1976
Movement: 7019
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D White Baton Indices and Syringe Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Vintage SS Non-Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

As most Seiko die-hard fans know, the Seiko Actus was manufactured and assembled in Japan, and meant solely for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

The Seiko Actus was manufactured in both SUWA and DAINI factories because both factories competed against each other (think Apple and Macintosh) that brought out the best designs and movements during that era.

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 7005 and 7019 movements made their debuts in the same year of 1969.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is an overhauled Seiko Actus Hi-Beat DAINI that is near mint condition. Unlike the Seiko 5 Actus that is a lower valued model, this is a Seiko Actus that is extremely rare.

It's original midnight matt black dial, 3D white baton indices, greyish logo, syringe hands, case and back case are in pristine condition after a good clean-up. The original crystal was replaced with a brand new aftermarket crystal. The original crystal will be provided as part of the deal.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is easily accessible. The date and time quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first and second level to adjust the date and time respectively. The day quickset is via pushing in the crown. Cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled and re-assembled on 28 October 2023, thus it had undergone a complete overhaul and not a basic service which includes a proper cleaning of the main spring. It 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 7019 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 excellent readings i.e. rate of +3 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 323 with a relatively straight line! 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.

The case width and height are approximately 38mm (without crown) and 41mm 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.

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

The SS bracelet is an original Seiko Actus designed for this particular model. It too was given a good cleaning via ultrasonic emersion and a buff and is now in excellent condition albeit minor scratches related to age.

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, what with its age of almost 46 years being taken into consideration.

The pictures provided show the watch’s 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. An aftermarket box / 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 watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in March 1977! 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 an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten links for such a watch with bracelet - 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 stunning, highly sort after March 1976 Seiko Actus Black Dial and Case Hi-beat DAINI in near MINT condition with a beautifully preserved midnight-black dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement and case; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This watch looks even more stunning in real-time!

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