Birthday Watch February 1964! Seiko Champion 850/851 J15018 DAINI, 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: Champion 850/851
Year of Production: February 1964
Movement: 851
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Dial and Hands: 3D 14K Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Seiko Signed Genuine Snake Leather Strap with Gold-Plated Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the original Seiko Champion debuted in the fall of 1962 showcasing two Seikosha 54 versions ~ Champion Calendar (with date), and Champion (without date).

The new 850/860 2nd generation movement made its entrance in 1963 (850 w/o date / 860 with date). It was circa 1964 that Seiko officially renamed their 3 digit into 4 digit models. It did not occur overnight and was a gradual process due to the number of existing / operating calibers. This is when the 860 was renamed 7622 but the 850 remained at 850. Perhaps Seiko already planned to abolish the 850 hence no 4 digit upgrade? If so, this is surely a one-of-a-kind timepiece we have here!

ORIGINALLY MEANT FOR THE JAPANESE MARKET, THIS IS A HIGHLY SORT AFTER COLLECTIBLE and the unmentioned "AD" (Applied Dial) status makes it even more desirable to own; and it is almost non-existent as well. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to find a gold-filled Champion 850 in near-mint condition. FYI, the Seiko Champion was designed to supersede the Seiko Laurel that ceased production around the same time as the former's debut.

An interesting point to note is that the 850 caliber was meant for the Seiko Champion whereas the Seiko Champion Alpinist was equipped with the 851. Yet both movements are exactly the same! Hence, the dial for this watch states 850 but the movement within states 851; thus the Buyer should not freak-out and assume he purchased a lemon!

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A SEIKO SEIKOSHA CHAMPION DAINI (without logo) in stunning condition.

After a good clean-up, the original silvery-white dial is now in stunning condition and adds a beautiful contrast to the cleaned 14k gold hands, indices and gold-filled case. Indeed, the effect is spectacular to say the least.

Its timeless shaped gold-filled case, 14K hands and indices are in near-mint condition and had undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection have been meticulously removed albeit a few minor scratches and age marks remaining on the case that are barely noticeable. The crystal had been replaced with an original NOS Seiko crystal.

The signed crown is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled and re-assembled on 25 August 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a service. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the specially named 851 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 181 in a super straight centred line! Such readings are truly 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and painstaking expert calibration.

The watch comes with an original Seiko genuine snake skin strap with gold buckle for added class.

The case width and height are approximately 36m (w/o crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; 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 or modified parts.

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

The pictures provided shows the watch 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.

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.

This very rare Collectible will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in February 1964, and its value will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Champion 850 / 851 gold-filled watch in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.