Birthday Watch August 1966! Seiko 8305-8030 Seikomatic-R SUWA 30J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seikomatic-R
Year of Production: August 1966
Movement: 8305
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 35mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Hi-Quality Vintage Milan Mesh SS Bracelet and Genuine Leather Strap
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, Seiko SUWA developed the 83XX series in 1963 - an automatic movement that also incorporated the mechanical winding feature. It also uses certain elements of the 62XX series movements with the intention to create a slimmer (dress) watch.

This August 1966 Seiko 8305-8030, Seikomatic-R, 30 Jewels Automatic timepiece is the predecessor to the 8306 Business-A model. The "R" stands for "Re-worked," hence it is an improved 840 movement, perhaps incorporating certain elements of the 62XX series into this movement.

Originally meant for the Japanese market, this has become a highly sort-after Collectible.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko SUWA but without the logo, in stunning condition, hence the Dolphin located on the back-case. The "AD" (Applied Dial) indicates that the indices are elevated and are supposedly pure silver filled what with the material quality and excellent lifespan.

It's original sunburst ivory white dial is in immaculate status albeit miniscule Patina (Wabi-Sabi: The Perfect Imperfection / The Imperfect Perfection) growing around the 6H position. The dial gives off a vintage-like golden-grey hue at certain angles and light conditions. The crystal has been given a good rub and is almost spotless as well.

Its timeless shaped silver case, hands and indices are in excellent condition after undergoing 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.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands quickset operates in the traditional manner by pulling the crown to the first and second levels respectively; and both rotate flawlessly.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in November 2022; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the classic 8305 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, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of -5 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 251! 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 and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 35mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the bracelet and can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a hi-quality vintage mesh bracelet and an additional brand new hand-stitched coffee brown genuine leather strap with silver buckle as part of the deal. The Buyer is provided 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.

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.

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

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.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none has beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, 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 1966. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

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 (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-R 8305-8030AD 30J automatic watch; 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!