Restored! Birthday Watch May 1965! Seiko 860 / 7622-8981 Champion DAINI 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 Dress Watch
Model: Seiko 860 Champion Calendar
Year of Production: May 1965
Movement: 860 / 7622-8981
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36.5mm
Height: 44.2mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality CREPHA Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to the 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 began officially re-naming their 3 digit models into 4 digits. It did not occur overnight but was a gradual process due to the number of existing / operating calibers.

Originally meant for the Japanese Domestic Market, this almost non-existent timepiece is a highly sort-after Collectible and its "AD"(Applied Dial) status makes it even more desirable to own.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 860 Champion Calendar Seikosha DAINI (without the logo) in near-mint condition.

Its timeless shaped gold-filled case, 14K hands and indices are in stunning condition and had undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection have been meticulously removed. There may be a few minor scratches and age marks remaining on the case but are almost invisible to the naked eye.

It's original sunburst ivory white dial is in immaculate status after a good clean-up. The dial gives off a vintage-like silvery-beige-white hue at certain angles and light conditions. The crystal is original and have miniscule scratches that are only visible at certain angles. I did not replace the crystal because it is original. However, I will be more than happy to replace it with an aftermarket acrylic crystal FOC should the buyer wishes me to do so.

The crown is original and located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works flawlessly.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 15 August 2023. In short, it underwent an overhaul and not a basic service, and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind. 

Equipped with the classic 860 / 7622 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -3 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 245 in a straight centered line! 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the expert and painstaking calibration done. 

The watch comes with a brand new Crepha high quality Chestnut-Brown genuine leather strap and gold buckle which is pure class. 

The case width and height are approximately 36.5m (w/o crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate 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 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 rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in May 1965, and its value will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko 860AD / 7622 Champion Calendar Gold Filled watch; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.