RESTORED! Birthday Watch July 1966! Seiko 8346-8000 Seikomatic-R SUWA JDM 27J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seikomatic-R SUWA
Year of Production: July 1966
Movement: 8346
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 27
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Dauphine Hands
Width: 36.5mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Two-Toned Genuine Leather Strap
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

In 1963, Seiko SUWA developed the 83XX series - an automatic movement that also incorporated the mechanical winding feature. It also uses certain elements of the 62XX series movements with the intention to create a slimmer (dress) watch.

This July 1966 Seiko 8346-8000, Seikomatic-R, 27 Jewels Automatic Wristwatch is the predecessor to the 8306 Business-A model and the 8305 Seikomatic-R models. The "R" stands for "Re-worked," hence it is an improved 840 movement, perhaps incorporating certain elements of the 62XX series into this movement.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a SUWA (without the logo) in near mint condition.

Its timeless shaped silver case, hands and indices are in near mint condition and had undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection have been meticulously removed. There may be a few minor scratches and age marks remaining on the case that are barely noticeable.

Its original sunburst ivory white dial had also undergone a deep cleaning and is in stunning condition. The dial gives off a vintage-like champagne hue at certain angles and light conditions. The crystal is brand new and has been given a good rub and is spotless as well.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands quickset operates in the traditional manner by uncorking the crown to the first and second levels respectively; and both rotate as they should.

There is no proper quickset for day adjustment. The day quickset is via turning the hands backwards and forwards past midnight to 4H and backwards to 8H for until the correct day appears in the window. The day is only in English due to the size of the movement and case.

This beautifully preserved watch was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 25 November 2023. Hence, it was given a complete overhaul instead of a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the classic and extremely rare 8346 movement, it has an impressive 27 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of 0 seconds and amplitude of 153! 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted. 

The case width and height are approximately 36.5mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand-new hi-quality genuine two-tone leather strap with silver buckle as part of the deal.

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.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case 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. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

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

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 / similar models in the market, but none has 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 July 1966.

Valued between S$ 424.00 to S$ 813.00, this overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece is being sold here for S$ 478.00 which is extremely reasonable. So, NO LOW-BALLERS, please! Take note that low-ballers, trolls and wannabe advisors (whose "advise" is completely unwelcomed) will not be entertained, and should they persist, they will be reported and blocked!

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 an extremely rare and highly sort-after silver-cased Seiko Seikomatic-R 8346-8000AD 27J automatic watch with mechanical winding capabilities; so, be unique and own a July 1966 Birthday Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone.