Restored! Birthday Watch! August 1970 Seiko World Time 6117-6400 SUWA 17J Automatic (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: World Time GMT SUWA
Year of Production: August 1970
Movement: 6117
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Luminous Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 41.1mm
Lug to Lug Height: 45.2mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Vintage Seiko SS Bracelet that came with the watch
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, Seiko introduced the 6117 movement in circa 1968, first appearing in the Seiko Navigator Timer (6117-8000/8001). These watches were part of Seiko’s response to growing interest in pilot and travel watches during the Jet Age. The 6117-6400 was one of the later models using this movement.

The Seiko 6117-6400 features a world cities bezel: A rotating inner bezel showing 24 time zones. This allows the wearer to track time in multiple cities. It also has a 24-hour fixed ring on the dial: Works in conjunction with the red GMT hand.

Unlike more complex world timers with independent time zone setting, this watch allowed the user to rotate the inner city bezel to align local time with a reference city and then read other cities' times from the GMT hand. It was a simpler yet effective travel solution. The Red GMT hand cannot be adjusted via the crown: it is geared to the hour hand, completing one full rotation every 24 hours.

This Collectible is extremely rare due to its black dial and silver rotating bezel.

The two-tone reflective black dial,3D baton silver indices, baton hands, date window are in stunning condition after a good deep cleaning. The case and is also in excellent condition after cleaning albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The original crystal has been polished.

The crown is original and is located at the 4H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible. The date and hands quickset works by pulling out the crown to the first and second level for adjustment accordingly.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 30 April 2025. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with the unique 6117 movement, it has 17 jewels and operates at 21,600 BPH giving it an extremely high level of accuracy. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 190! 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 calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 41.1mm (without crown), and 45.2mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 17.5cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The SS bracelet is the original Seiko bracelet that accompanied the timepiece. It too underwent ultrasonic cleaning and is now in stunning condition. 

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 stunning 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 rare watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in August 1970! 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.

This watch model is valued between S$ 730.00 to S$ 1,525.00 on various auction / online sites from really horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is" condition, to refurbished, to pristine. There are no price indications for NOS models at the time of writing. Note: the mentioned prices do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This fully overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece is being sold here for S$ 1,177.00 which is extremely reasonable. 

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 250.00 to S$ 350.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 100.00 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 gorgeous August 1970 Seiko World Time SUWA in immaculate condition with a beautifully preserved vintage 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!