Birthday Watch September 1971! Seiko 7018-7000 Speed-Timer Flyback Chronograph JDM DAINI 23J (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Speed-Timer Chronograph JDM
Year of Production: September 1971
Movement: 7018
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 37.5mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40.5mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Aviation NATO Strap with Leather Padding and Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The Seiko 6138 and 6139 movements were specifically designed for their newly developed watch range ~ the Chronograph that took the world by storm.

The 6139 is the world’s first automatic chronograph that uses a column wheel and vertical clutch. The 6138 followed shortly afterwards. Both were nicknamed “Sports Speed Timers” even though certain models did not indicate these wordings.

Both movements were developed in 1969 with different tasks to handle. The 6138 was developed on the 6139 platform but with the intention of having an added chronograph hand to measure elapsed hours; and it also included the column wheel and vertical clutch for more precise stopwatch measurement. But, unlike the 6139 that only has one sub minutes dial, the 6138 comes with two – minutes and hours. And the 6138 can be hand wound.

Enter the 7018-7000 circa early 1971 that was a marked improvement from the 61XX movement. This timepiece was equipped with the "Flyback" complication that allows the user to restart the chronograph on-the-fly without having to first stop and reset it. This is extremely useful when timing consecutive laps on the speedway.

The 7018 had the thinnest chronograph movement (measuring 5.5mm) until Frédéric Piguet, a movement manufacturer, introduced his caliber 1185 circa 1987. Do note that the exact date of the 1185 launch is uncertain because this movement was commonly used by many Swiss watch companies that wish not to provide such sensitive information.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko-DAINI-7018-7000 Chronograph FLYBACK JDM in near mint condition.

This seldom seen September 1971 7018 Chronograph has a beautiful and immaculately preserved gunmetal-black reflective dial, silver day/date window, chapter ring, 3D-styled silvery-white baton Indices’ and hands that were deeply cleaned and are now in stunning condition. The hand lumens are faintly operable. The mini-chronograph 30 minute silver dial and black hands are in pristine condition too.

Nicknamed "Baby Panda," because of its mini dial, this classy shaped silver case was also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal is original and is constructed from mineral glass and is in excellent condition after a good rub.

The crown is located at the traditional 2H, 3H and 4H positions and are nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The day / date quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the 3H crown to the first and second level to adjust the date / day (clockwise & counter-clockwise) and time respectively. Crown 2H is for the chronograph start/stop and the 4H is for the reset of all three hands. All are working flawlessly.

Because it is a 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 27 August 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing, and should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the improved and highly prized 7018A movement, it has 21 Jewels and operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 213 with a straight and centered 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, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 44mm (without crown) and 47mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand-new hi-quality Aviation Bund NATO strap with leather padding for added comfort and silver buckle. 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 watch comes with original seals and gaskets, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch in excellent condition, 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 or purposeful carrying case 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 preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, 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 September 1971! 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$ 400.00 to S$ 600.00 for a proper overhaul of a chronograph, an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten the bracelet links of this watch - 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 Seiko Flyback Chronograph 7018-7000 Gunmetal Black Dial JDM in mint 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!