Birthday Watch May 1968! Seiko 5 6119-6020 Sports 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 Sports SUWA
Year of Production: May 1968
Movement: 6119
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: Silver Dial, 3D Baton Markers and Dagger Hands
Width: 38mm
Height: 42.5mm
Thickness: 14mm
Lug width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality NATO Bund Strap with Genuine Calf Leather Pad
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable on-line sources, the Seikomatic and Sportsmatic models were retired in 1967, and the 6119A debuted in November 1967 and it ceased production in 1975.

The 6119 was used for many of the Seiko ranges now available because of its robust attribute yet it was slimmer and had more features than the previous models it superseded.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A SEIKO 5 SPORTS SUWA in very good condition.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko 5 Sports SUWA, Model 6119A-6020 21 Jewel Automatic and has acquired Collectors status recently.

This seldom seen May 1968 Vintage Seiko has a beautiful and well preserved silver sunburst dial albeit minor Patina (Wabi-Sabi: The Perfect Imperfections / Imperfect Perfections) found around the 12H Index. The Chapter Ring remains clean. The lumen material on the silver baton indices and hands have disintegrated (due to age) but the indices, hands and even the date / day window remain in very good condition.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in July 2022. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

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 original and in very good condition albeit a few hairlines scratches being present which is common for vintage watches.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date quickset works flawlessly by pushing the crown in, and pulling out the crown for hands adjustment. The day quickset is via turning the hands backwards and forwards past midnight. Another unique feature is that the day is only in English.

The sports bezel found within the case is operated via rotating the crown when crown is in closed position. This is a critical issue because there are many watches in the market with inoperable inner bezels that affects the value of the timepiece.

Equipped with the 6119A movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, show excellent readings i.e. rate of +2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 174! Such readings are highly exceptional even for brand new modern automatic watch standards! 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 38mm (without crown) and 42.5mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, the watch size is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new hi-quality NATO Bund style Black Nylon Strap with Calf Leather padding is chosen to match the sportiness of this timepiece. 

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 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 May 1968! 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.

This is a truly magnificent May 1968 Seiko 5 SPORTS SUWA in very good condition; 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!