Birthday Watch October 1973! Seiko 5 6119C-6003 SUWA 21J Automatic Watch

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seiko 5
Year of Production: October 1973
Movement: 6119C
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Block Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The 6119C is the third and final upgraded model of the 6119 movement. According to most reliable online sources, the 6119 made its debut in 1967 and ceased production in 1975.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a highly sort after Collectible Seiko 5 Model 6119C-6003 Seikosha SUWA in immaculate condition.

Deep cleaning was conducted to reveal a beautiful and well preserved midnight black dial, 3D Block Silver Indices, Pencil Hands, Date / Day Window and Chapter Ring.

The case and case back were buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The mineral glass is also in fine condition.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pushing the crown lightly and harder to adjust the date and day accordingly, and pulling out the crown for hands adjustment.

The Day is in Arabic and English, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped, cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and basic calibration conducted in January 2023. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 6619C movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +18 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 227! 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 38mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, the watch size is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand new hi-quality genuine leather strap with built-in quick release spring bars and silver buckle is selected to accompany this timepiece. The Buyer has 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 servicing the 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 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. 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 October 1973! Another no-brainer is the fact that its value 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 polish and tighten the 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 magnificent October 1973 Seiko 5 SUWA in stunning condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, window, movement and case, and an awesome vintage genuine leather strap; 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!


Seiko 5 6119C-6003 1973 October SUWA 21J Automatic Wrist Watch Timepiece