Birthday Watch February 1960! Seiko Cal 603 J15031D Seikomatic JDM 30J Gold-Filled 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
Year of Production: February 1960
Movement: 603
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hand and Dial: 14K 3D Solid Gold Indices, Dauphine Hands and Gold-Filled Case
Width: 37mm
Height: 43mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 603 movement made its debut in 1960 and became known as the 6201 movement when Seiko began to rename all 3 digits calibers to 4 digits.

This movement was used in the Seikomatic and Silverwave models. So, it is safe to assume that this February 1960 JDM watch is one of the first or earliest batch of Seikomatics produced using the 603 movement.

This is a truly one-of-a-kind, highly sort-after February 1960 Vintage Seiko Seikomatic Cal 603, J15031D 30 Jewels Japan Domestic Model (JDM) Gold-filled Mechanical Watch in near-mint condition.

This extremely rare vintage Seiko Seikomatic 603 is a sight to behold! For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A PRE-SUWA (logo) in immaculate condition and it has the Cool Spinner Logo and 8 pointed star located below the Diashock wordings that authenticates it's "AD" status i.e. solid-gold, and gold-filled timepiece.

Its original ivory white dial, 14K gold-filled indices and hands are in pristine condition after undergoing a good cleaning.

The timeless cylindrical shaped gold-filled case was buffed as best as possible albeit some hairline scratches may be present. The acrylic glass was replaced and is in excellent condition. The crown is original and located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage and snags, yet easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 27 July 2023. Hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It 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 603 movement, it has an impressive 30 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 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 188 with a relatively centered straight line! Such readings are extremely 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 37m (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the genuine leather saddle strap can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The brand new hi-quality moody blue semi-suede vintage leather strap with matching stitching and gold buckle is chosen to emphasize the gold case and dial, and is extremely comfortable to wear. 

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’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.

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 one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in February 1960! 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.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten bracelet links for the entire 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 overhauled Seiko Seikomatic 603 Mechanical Watch with a classy moody blue semi-suede genuine leather dress strap that compliments the case and dial perfectly; 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!