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

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

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

According to most reliable online sources, Seiko SUWA developed the 83XX series in 1963 - 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 Gold-Filled Case November 1966 Seiko 8346-8000, Seikomatic-R, 27 Jewels Automatic Watch 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.

Originally meant strictly for the Japanese Market, this is thus, a highlysort after Collectible with AD status.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko SUWA (without the logo) in near mint condition. The "AD" (Applied Dial) indicates that the 3D Baton Indices and Dauphine Hands are 14K solid gold and the case is gold-filled.

Its timeless shaped gold-filled case, dial, solid-gold hands and indices are in MINT condition after undergoing a painstaking cleaning process whereby almost all imperfections were meticulously removed. There may be a few minor scratches and age marks remaining on the case but are almost invisible to the naked eye.

It's original sunburst ivory white dial gives off a vintage-like golden-white hue at certain angles and light conditions which is pleasing to the eye. 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 pulling the crown to the first and second levels respectively; and both rotate flawlessly.

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.

This beautifully preserved watch was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 30 September 2023; hence it underwent a complete overhaul instead of a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years 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 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 214 in a straight and somewhat 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, 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 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand-new hi-quality genuine calf leather strap and gold buckle to compliment the gold case. The Buyer is provided 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.

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 November 1966. 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 clean and 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 gold-filled Seiko Seikomatic-R 8346-8000AD case 27J automatic watch with mechanical winding capabilities; 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!

Birth Year Watch Month November 1966 Seiko 8346-8000 Seikomatic-R