Birthday Watch May 1966! Seiko 6206-8100 Seikomatic SUWA 26J 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: May 1966
Movement: 6206
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 26
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Original Seiko Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seiko 6206 movement made its debut in 1963. This movement was an improved version of the Caliber 400 (later 410) movement. In between these 2 movements were the 6201 and 6220.

The 6201 was used in the first Seiko 5 Seikomatic but it was the 6206 that laid the groundwork for the 62xx series that brought forth the Grand Seiko to the world.

The 6206 movement is found in Seikomatic's and Weekdater's, and is highly sort after because it is not only a thing of beauty but its components were cannibalised for many more expensive watches, thereby this particular 6206-8100 is highly sort after due to its scarcity.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko SUWA Seikosha Dolphin series. The dolphin was used to impress its higher waterproofing capabilities; hence, it was used by many for shallow diving instead of the typical diver's watch that coincidentally uses the 62xx movement as well when first introduced!

This extremely rare Seiko Seikomatic Two Window is a sight to behold! It's original milk white dial, reflective chapter ring, beautiful fluted bezel, 3D silver baton indices, logo, hands, date/day window, case and back case are also in pristine condition after a thorough clean-up. The crystal has been replaced with an original Seiko crystal.

The timeless masculine cylindrical shaped silver case had undergone ultrasonic cleaning, and was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The date and time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level for date and time adjustment respectively. The day quickset is via turning the hands forwards and backwards past midnight. Another unique feature is the day is only in English.

Its movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 26 August 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 well revered 6206 movement, it has 26 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 163! 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, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

An original Seiko signed SS bracelet accompanies this timepiece. It too was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and given a good rub after that.

To the best of our knowledge while overhauling this timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified.

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

The pictures provided show the watch's case in pristine condition (no dents, dings and major scratches), 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. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case 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 timepiece will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in May 1966! 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 an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 100.00 to buff a complete watch with bracelet inclusive of tightening of 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 truly magnificent May 1966 Fluted Seiko Seikomatic SUWA Two Window watch in near-mint condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement, case and vintage SS bracelet; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!