Birthday Watch March 1972! Seiko 6602-7040 SUWA JDM 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: 6602 Series
Year of Production: March 1972
Movement: 6602
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Stick Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42.5mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Original Seiko Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The 6602, formerly known as Cal 957, made its debut circa 1961. This movement is normally found in Seiko Sportsman and Seahorse models.

This extremely rare Seiko 6602-7040 Mechanical watch is rather unique because it is one of the last mechanical watches produced in 1972. The reason - mechanical watches are "old school" yet they have an extremely strong heartbeat, have better accuracy due to less parts used, and can last a lifetime or even two!

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Seikosha SUWA. The seahorse is not found on this timepiece because this watch was not designed for land or sea sports but rather a day to day go-to watch that can be worn with jeans or even evening wear ~ clever.

Furthermore, this "Last of the Mohicans" mechanical watch is a highly sort-after Collectible because it is also a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model.

The original silvery white dial is in very good condition. However, miniscule patina (Wabi-Sabi: The Perfect Imperfection / The Imperfect Perfection) is making a subtle entrance at the center of the dial and spreading outwards thereby giving it a rather unique two tone of silvery bronze / gold sunburst effect that is not only unique but rather pleasing to the eye. Many vintage watch collectors do go crazy over such dials that have patina at its infancy. The lumen on the hands are operable which is a nice surprise!

The masculine cylindrical shaped silver case and bracelet were also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and buffed as best as possible afterwards; however, there are some hairline scratches present that are hardly noticeable unless one is scrutinizing. The glass is original and was given a good rub-down.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown for adjustment. There is no quickset for the date.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 25 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 thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the iconic 6602 movement, it has 17 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 superb readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 198 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, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (without crown) and 42.5mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the Seiko President SS designed bracelet that originally accompanied this watch can handle wrists up to 21.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

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 and bracelet are in excellent condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been de-magnetised 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 well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not two-toned that has minimally aged and is 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 March 1972. 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 a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean, 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 Seiko 6602 with a classy and original President design SS bracelet; 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!