Birthday Watch August 1965! Seiko 8306-8000 Seikomatic-R SS SUWA JDM 30J Automatic Watch

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seikomatic SUWA
Year of Production: August 1965
Movement: 8306
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Vintage Classic SS bracelet and Genuine Leather Strap
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online information available, the Seiko 8360 movement made its debut in 1965 and lasted for four years until 1969. This movement was used in the Seiko Business-A, Seikomatic, Seikomatic-R and in some Sea-Lion Case Back models. Hence, it is safe to assume that this August 1965 watch is one of the earliest and oldest of the Seikomatic-R model using the 8306 movement.

THIS IS A HIGHLY SORT AFTER COLLECTORS WATCH because its "AD"(Applied Dial) status makes it even more worthwhile to own due to its almost non-existence status but more importantly, the model number (8306-8000) is found in the EXACT FORMAT on both DIAL and CASE BACK which is the holy grail for many vintage watch collectors.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A PRE-SUWA (logo) Seiko Seikosha in near MINT condition.

Designed for the business executive in mind, this classy 8306-8000 30 Jewel Automatic has an immaculately preserved reflective Silver Sunburst Dial that creates a two-tone effect from certain angles which is extremely pleasing to the eye.

The 3D silver baton indices, reflective chapter ring, date / day window and silver hands are in magnificent status after undergoing a thorough cleaning.

The timeless cylindrical shaped silver case was buffed as best as possible albeit some hairline scratches may be present. The acrylic glass was replaced and is in excellent condition.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The date quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first level to adjust the date via clockwise or counterclockwise (very unique!). The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out to the second level. The day quickset is via turning the hands backwards and forwards past midnight.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously serviced, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in November 2022. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 8306 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 -16 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 247. Such readings are exceptional even for 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 36mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

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

The timepiece comes with a vintage classic high quality SS Bracelet and a genuine leather strap with silver buckle. The Olive Drab Green-Brown Vintage Leather Strap with white stitching emphasizes the silver case and dial, and is extremely comfortable to wear. 

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 August 1965! 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.

This is a truly magnificent August 1965 Seiko SUWA in stunning 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!