Birthday Watch May 1968! Seiko Unique J13019A Seikosha 17 Jewel, 15K DAINI Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Unique
Year of Production: May 1968
Movement: J13019A
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D 15K Solid-Gold Tiger Eye Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 32mm
Lug to Lug Height: 39mm
Thickness: 9mm
Lug Width: 16mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Prior to the debut of the Seiko Super and Seiko Unique, all Seiko watches had a mini-second hand, hence a separate mini-movement within the main movement that powered the second hand. It seems a separate second hand movement was considered a much simpler and more effective system than to incorporate the second hand with the minute and hour hand. But that all changed circa 1950 when they OFFICIALLY launched the Seiko Super 15J (SUWA) and the Seiko Unique 15J (DAINI).

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a gorgeous May 1968 Seiko Unique, Model J13019A 17 Jewel 15K Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch in near mint condition.

This seldom seen Seiko Unique vintage has a pearl white dial that has gracefully and uniformly aged to buttery-beige, compliments of Patina (AKA Wabi Sabi - the "Imperfect Perfections / the Perfect Imperfections") forming at the edges of the dial. This marries beautifully with the 15K solid gold indices and hands. The result - the "Perfect Patina" as it is called by watch collectors that is extremely pleasing to the eye.

Careful cleaning was performed on the 15K solid gold Indices and hands that brought out their immaculate condition, and the crystal glass is also in excellent condition.

The classical designed case was buffed to remove age marks and miniscule hairline scratches caused by aging and is in stunning condition.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H positions and tucked away nicely to prevent damage or snags. The crown is original.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 10 September 2023; hence it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

It is equipped with 17 Jewels whilst operating at 18,000 beats an hour. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 210! 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 32mm (without crown) and 39mm respectively. The lug width is 16mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and women.

A brand new sandy-brown vintage design genuine leather strap comes with a silver buckle that enhances the watch dial and case. The strap even though brand new shows slight signs of aging; hence 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.

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 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. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided.

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 May 1968! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will GREATLY appreciate over time.

This is a May 1968 Seiko Unique Mechanical Watch in stunning condition with a beautiful vintage dial, movement, case, and immaculate 15K solid gold indices and hands; so, be "unique" (excuse the pun) and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This timepiece IS a collectors item and should not be worn and is worth investing in because it will surely be worth a pretty penny as time goes by.

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