Birthday Watch October 1975! Seiko 5 Actus 6106-8670 SS SUWA 23J Automatic (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: October 1975
Movement: 6106
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D silver Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko 5 Actus SS sign bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sites, 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 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. Thus, the value of each vintage watch is determined by the movement within. So, the buyer must exercise due diligence when purchasing a Seiko Actus, Seiko 5 Actus etc. and which movement calibers they are using and the number of jewels because the value is determined by these important factors.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 5 Actus JDM SUWA 23J in stunning condition and is highly sort after due to its unique sunburst indigo-blue dial and its design scarcity.

The sunburst-indigo-blue dial, 3D baton style silver indices, day/date window, stick hands and case are in immaculate condition after a deep cleaning to bring out the hidden true beauty.

This hour-glass shaped silver case with built-in lugs underwent ultrasonic immersion and a good rub while maintaining its super sexy curves and lines. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape albeit some miniscule scratches remain. The crystal is original and was given a good polish; however, scratches are still present but are not obvious due to the dark coloured dial.

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 JDM, the day is in English and Kanji - cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 4 October 2023; hence, it underwent an 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 6106 movement, it has 23 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 odd hours of calibration, shows very impressive readings i.e. rate of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 147 with a near 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 37mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

The SS bracelet is an original Seiko 5 Actus signed. It too was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and given a good polish afterwards and is now in excellent condition albeit miniscule scratches on the buckle.

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 case seal was replaced, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in near mint 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 models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition or is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind timepiece will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in October 1975! 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 an 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 beautiful Seiko 5 Actus 6106-8670 case 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!