Birthday Watch January 1963! Seiko Cal 603 / 6201 Seikomatic 30J Mechanical Watch

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Seikomatic
Year of Production: January 1963
Movement: 603 / 6201
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 603 movement made its debut in 1960 and became known as the 6201 movement when Seiko began to rename all 3 digits calibers to 4 digits. This movement was used in the Seikomatic and Silverwave models; hence, it is safe to assume that this May 1960 watch is one of the first or earliest batch of Seikomatics produced using the 603 movement.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a pre-SUWA (logo) in excellent condition with the Spinner Logo below the 12H marker. Its 6 pointed star located below the "Diashock" wordings authenticates it's "AD" status i.e. silver filled indices and hands.

It's original ivory white dial has aged gracefully with greenish patina growing at the edges of the dial thus giving it the "vintage-ness" it deserves. The silver indices and hands are in very good / mint condition respectively after a good clean-up.

The timeless cylindrical shaped silver case was cleaned and buffed as best as possible albeit some hairline scratches may be present. The acrylic glass was also given a good buff.

The crown is original and located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage and snags, yet easily accessible.

Its movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and basic calibration was conducted in October 2022. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 603 movement, it has an impressive 30 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +11 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 195! Such readings are impressive 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 basic calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 36m (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the genuine leather saddle strap can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new very good quality jungle green crocodile designed vintage leather strap with matching stitching and silver buckle is chosen to emphasize the silver case and dial, and is extremely comfortable to wear. The Buyer is given the option to choose a different design and coloured strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

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.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case 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.

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 January 1963! 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$ 120.00 to S$ 150.00 for a proper servicing, 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 highly sort-after Seiko Seikomatic 603 Mechanical Watch with a classy leather dress strap that compliments the case and dial perfectly; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!

Birthday Watch January 1963 Seiko Caliber 603 Seikomatic 30J Mechanical Watch