Birthday Watch 1966! Collectible! Seiko 62GS 6246-9000AD Chronometer Seikomatic 39 Jewel, JDM "Week-Data" (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: 62GS Chronometer SUWA
Year of Production: 1966
Movement: 6246
BPH: 19,800
Number of Jewels: 39
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton White-Gold-Filled Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality BAMBI Genuine Leather Strap
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

A somewhat brief history concerning the Seiko Chronometer Seikomatic SUWA:

The year is 1963, Seiko SUWA Seikosha decided to approach Neuchâtel and was allowed to participate in their annual watch competition, making them the first ever Japanese watch company to participate in this prestigious competition. The results for Seiko were somewhat disappointing due to a few mitigating factors. Nonetheless, they, being the believers in the Code of Bushido (seeking perfection in anything and everything) began to push amongst themselves (SUWA and DAINI) to greater heights in the coming years.

The year is 1967, Seiko DAINI sweeps 2nd, and 4th position for watch brands. Seiko SUWA sweeps 3rd position. Omega comes in first position. The Europeans realized that the Japs were coming.....

1968 sees Neuchâtel cancel their competition that year. Interesting. Seiko participates in the Geneva Observatory Wrist Watch competition instead where different rules and calculation standards were applied. The first 3 spots were won by a European quartz consortium. The fourth to tenth positions were awarded to Suwa-Seikosha that dominated the top 23 positions. When the winning measurements were calculated using the Neuchâtel N-Score system, a score of 1.33 (equal to Neuchâtel 58.19) was recorded that was significantly lower than their previous years results - the lower the better. The all-time record for a mechanical watch was held by Omega (56.42) in 1967.

Thus began the reign of the movements that were used in the Seikomatic, Lord Matic, King Seiko and Grand Seiko. This Seiko Chronometer Seikomatic is just such a watch.

The Seiko 6246 (39J) movement made its debut in 1966. This movement was an improved version of the 6245 (35J).

The 6246 movement is found in Seikomatic's and Grand Seiko's, and is the first ever movement used by Grand Seiko. In short, THIS SEIKOMATIC CHRONOMETER IS A GRAND SEIKO IN DISGUISE!

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A Seiko SUWA SEIKOMATIC LION SERIES. It seems the gold Lion emblem (found on the case-back) was used to solidify its Chronometer status and show the world its Neuchâtel and Geneva Observatory status! The Lion Series also confirms its production in 1966 whilst the GS case-back indicates year of production in 1967.

Furthermore, this is a Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) but most importantly, THE MODEL NUMBER AND THE CASE-BACK NUMBER TALLY'S 100% WHICH IS THE HOLY GRAIL FOR WATCH ENTHUSIASTS. Thus, to say this is a Collectible is an understatement!

This extremely rare Seiko Seikomatic Chronometer 62GS is simply stunning! It's original silver Dial, Chapter Ring, Indices, Date / Day Window and Hands were given a thorough clean and are now in MINT condition. Yet, a golden hue rests upon the dial at certain angles. Amazing!

The timeless masculine cylindrical shaped silver case with strong lug presence was also subjected to ultrasonic immersion and buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present. An original Seiko glass was used to replace the existing glass.

The crown is located at the traditional Seikomatic 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date and time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level for date (both directions!) and time adjustment respectively. The day quickset is via turning the hands forwards and backwards past midnight.

Being a JDM, the day is in English and Kanji. Cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in December 2022. In short, it was given a proper overhaul and not a basic servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thus providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 6246 movement, it has 39 Jewels that operate at a unique 19,800 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 +7 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 261! 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 calibration conducted.

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 case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A beautifully crafted high quality hand-stitched Bambi Jet Black genuine leather strap with matching black stitching is provided to enhance the colour of the case and dial.

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

The pictures provided shows the watch 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 watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 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 (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 a truly eye-popping 1966 Seiko Chronometer Seikomatic SUWA 62GS in breathtaking condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement and case; 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!