Birthday Watch November 1968! Seiko 5 6119-8220 "Jumbo" SUWA 21J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seiko 5
Year of Production: November 1968
Movement: 6119
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 2 Tone Block Indices and Baton Lumen Hands
Width: 37mm
Height: 43mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality 2 Tone Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the 6119 movement made its debut in 1967, and it ceased production in 1975.

The 6119 was used for many of the Seiko ranges now available (at that time) because of its robust attribute yet it was slimmer and had more features than the previous models it superseded.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 5 6119-8220 SUWA "Oversize" Japan Domestic Model (JDM) in excellent condition that had acquired Collectible status recently due to its rarity.

This seldom seen November 1968 Vintage Seiko 5 6119-8220 "Jumbo" has a beautiful and immaculately preserved Navy Blue dial that was given a good clean-up. The 3D-styled two tone silvery-white Block Indices, Baton Hands, Date Window and Chapter Ring are in superb condition after a good clean-up. The baton hand lumens work faintly.

This beautifully and uniquely shaped silver case is in superb condition with its super sharp lines and beautiful maintained but nonetheless, it was given a good ultrasonic wash and polish. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and lines but there are still miniscule scratches remaining that are barely noticeable. The classical designed flat crystal is original, and it too was given a good buff.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The date quickset works as it should by pushing the crown in and uncorking the crown for hands adjustment. The day quickset is via turning the hands backwards and forwards past midnight.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 17 August 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the excellent 6119 movement, it operates at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings rate of 0 seconds and amplitude of 165 with a straight centered 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 19mmand the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand new tanned 2 tone navy-blue snakeskin designed leather strap with matching stitching and oversized silver buckle is chosen to marry with the blue / silver dial indices 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.

Even though the seals and gaskets are intact, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent condition 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.

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 in the same quality condition 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 someone special born in November 1968! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This particular curved rectangular shaped Seiko 5 is valued between S$ 379.00 to S$ 1,015.00 on various auction / online sites from horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is," to refurbished, to pristine condition models. New Old Stock (NOS) / Fully Restored models are valued between S$ 1,389.00 to S$ 1,902.00. Do note that the mentioned prices may / do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This overhauled, calibrated and buffed Collectors timepiece is being sold at S$ 779.00 which is extremely reasonable.

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 a highly sort-after Seiko 5 6119-8220 JDM SUWA in excellent condition; so, be unique and own a November 1968 Birthday Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone.