FULLY RESTORED! Birthday Watch April 1997! Seiko 7S36-0070 Rally Diver 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Rally Diver
Year of Production: April 1997
Movement: 7S36
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Lumen Indices and Hands
Width: 41.5mm
Lug to Lug Height: 44mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko Vintage SS Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 7S26 and 7S36 movements made their debuts in 1996. The 7S26 movement was the backbone of the Seiko 5 range and many other models such as the Diver SKX007 and the SNK 7S26 range.

The 7S36C was the last variant that debuted worldwide in 2011 but 2010 models are known to be found in JDM models. The 7S26 and 7S36 were discontinued in 2018 in favour of the 4R3X range that had hacking features.

However, before its discontinuation, Seiko decided to create a range of re-editions using the 7S36 movement and the SBSS017 Rally Diver Range was just one of them due to the success of the Rally Racing Divers and Sports Divers of the 70s by both SUWA and DAINI factories.

This Re-Edition Made in Japan 7S36B-0070 is the reincarnation of the famous Seiko 5 Sports 5126-8130 that is currently valued between S$ 779.00 to S$ 1,490.00 (depending on condition and scope of supply).

However, this Re-edition comes with 23J at 21,600BPH instead of the 5126 21J 19,800BPH but it looks exactly the same except for the bracelet. Thus, it too has a stunning midnight black dial, 3D silver baton lumen markers and hands whilst the second hand is red ala sports design. The bezel is also located around the crystal as per typical diver watch because in truth, this is a Sports Diver's model.

A deep cleaning was conducted on this seldom seen April 1997 Seiko Rally dial, white day/date window, chapter ring, 3D-styled silvery-white baton lumen indices, and baton lumen hands. They are now in mint condition and extremely pleasing to the eye. Surprisingly, the dial lumen indices work as though it was brand new.

Its squarish shaped silver case with built-in lugs was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and a good polished soon followed to reveal a fantastic finish albeit a few miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal is original and is in excellent condition after a good rub.

The entire watch will be given another good buff prior to handing over to the Buyer.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The day and hands quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first and second levels to adjust accordingly.

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 13 August 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a standard servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 7S36B movement, it has 23 Jewels and operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of -4 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 234 with a straight and centered 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, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 41.5mm (without crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 20mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new aftermarket vintage designed SS Signed Bracelet accompanies this timepiece.

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 in stunning 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 April 1997! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

TAKE NOTE NOT TO COMPARE PRICES WITH THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED RE-EDITION SEIKO 5 SPORTS SRPK09K1 SPECIAL EDITION THAT HAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SHAPE DESIGN AND USES A STANDARD SKX CASE.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean, polish and 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 highly sort-after April 1997 Seiko 5 Sports 7S36-0070 Rally Diver that is not easily available; 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!