Birthday Watch 1963! Seiko Seikomatic 395 / 8325 Self-Dater 39J Gold Capped SUWA 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: Seikomatic Self-Dater SUWA
Year of Production: 1963
Movement: 395 / 8325A
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 39
Hand and Dial: 3D Solid Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Height: 46mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Suede Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 395 (39J) made its debut in 1963. It superseded the 394 (24J) movement introduced in 1962.

This movement was predominantly used in the Seikomatics. The objective was to create a day to day high-quality timepiece with a date window for the rising number of affluent executives. This watch surpassed that expectation in flying colours.

The Seiko 395 is also known as the 8325 when Seiko began adjusting all 3 digit model numbers to 4 digit circa 1968. 

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A PRE-SUWA (logo) Seiko Seikosha in near mint condition, hence the Cool Spinner Logo instead. It is a Collectible due to its age, hacking feature, 395 movement and AD status (proved by the 6 pointed unique star) and the "Water-Proof" AKA "Proof" Dial. I cannot find any other Seikomatics having 39 jewels or more before the introduction of this timepiece.

THIS WATCH IS GOLD CAPPED AT 260 MICRONS. An average person's hairs width is only 40 micron, thus the 18K gold is 6.5 times thicker than an average persons hair which is quite substantial.

This 18K solid gold 3D Indices, hands and date window are in mint condition after a thorough cleaning. The egg-white dial has changed colour and has taken on a greenish-grey hue that marries exceptionally well with the egg white dial, gold indices, hands and case. The gold capped case shows signs of age due to the softness of its gold so it is considered in superb condition with its super sharp lines that are still beautifully maintained. It too was given a good cleaning and buff. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape, lines and the gold cap but there are still miniscule scratches remaining. The classical designed dome crystal is original and it too was given a good buff.

The crown is present at its traditional 4H position and nicely tucked away to prevent damage and snags yet easily accessible. The date and time quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first and second levels accordingly.

Equipped with the excellent 395 / 8325 movement, it operates at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it outstanding 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 205 with a straight 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 conducted.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 4 September 2023; hence it was given an overhaul instead of 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.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 46mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand new hi-quality genuine suede leather strap with gold buckle is selected to bring out the best from the patina white dial and gold-capped case. However, the Buyer has 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 thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent condition 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 almost all are not in the same quality condition or is well maintained as what you see here. 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 1963! 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 a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on condition of the watch), and S$ 40.00 to polish the watch case - 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 highly sort-after non-existent 260 micron gold capped Seikomatic 395 AD Collectible timepiece in stunning condition; 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!