Birthday Watch November 1971! Seiko 5 Actus 6106-7470 SS SUWA 23J 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: Actus 5
Year of Production: November 1971
Movement: 6106
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Silver Indices and Stick Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet / Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Blue Suede Genuine Leather Strap
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to the most legitimate information online, Seiko introduced the 6106 movement in 1967.

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

The Seiko 5 Actus was manufactured in both SUWA and DAINI factories because both factories competed against one another (think Apple and Macintosh) that brought out the best designs and movements during that era.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a highly sort after November 1971 Seiko 5 Actus SS SUWA 6106-7470 23 Jewels Automatic Dress Watch in pristine condition.

The coffee-black dial with blue rim, 3D silver baton indices, stick hands, day/date window and case are in immaculate condition after a good clean-up. The glass has been replaced and is now spotless. The original glass will be provided with this watch upon purchase.

The crown is located at its traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date quickset works as it should by pushing the crown in for adjustment.

Because it is a JDM, the Day is in Kanji and English, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped, cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibration conducted on 20 October 2023; hence it underwent an overhauled and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with the famous 6106 movement, it has 23 jewels and operates at 21,600 beats an hour giving it an extremely high level of accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows stunning readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 141 with a straight centered line! Such readings are highly 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 40mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and strap length is 20cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new, hi-quality, genuine blue suede leather strap with silver buckle comes with the timepiece. 

To the best of our knowledge while overhauling this timepiece, everything excluding the SS bracelet / strap and recently replaced crystal are original, thereby it is considered in outstanding condition.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in immaculate 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, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch 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 November 1971! 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 (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including 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 November 1971 Seiko 5 Actus SUWA in stunning condition with a beautifully preserved unique 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!