Seiko - Seiko 5 - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Seiko 5 Automatic – Black Dial – Day-Date – Stainless Steel – 40 × 36 mm A distinctive vintage Japanese Seiko 5 Automatic, combining the reliability of traditional Seiko engineering with the bold geometric styling of classic 1970s wristwatches. Featuring an elegant black dial, applied gold-tone hour markers, a practical bilingual day-date display and a stainless-steel case measuring 40 × 36 mm, this timepiece captures the enduring appeal of vintage Japanese mechanical watchmaking. Powered by the renowned Seiko automatic calibre 6309, it offers an attractive combination of mechanical character, everyday functionality and unmistakable vintage design. Technical Details Brand: Seiko Collection: Seiko 5 Model: Automatic Day-Date Movement: Seiko automatic movement Winding: Automatic Case: Stainless steel with a distinctive angular, cushion-inspired design Dimensions: 40 × 36 mm, excluding the crown Crystal: Acrylic Dial: Black dial with gold-tone Seiko branding, applied hour markers and a contrasting white minute track Hour Markers: Applied rectangular gold-tone markers with light-coloured inserts Hands: Silver-tone hour and minute hands with luminous-style inserts and a slender gold-tone central seconds hand Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date Case Back: Stainless-steel Water Resistance: Marked "Water Resistant" on the case back, but not tested. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed. Strap: Generic black leather strap Wrist Size: Suitable for a wrist of up to approximately 21 cm Accessories: Supplied with a generic presentation box Condition Report Grade B – Good vintage condition, with visible signs of wear consistent with age. The watch displays the natural signs of ageing and regular use expected from a vintage Seiko automatic timepiece. The stainless-steel case presents visible surface scratches, scuffs and small marks, particularly around the angular case edges, bezel and lugs. The brushed metal surfaces retain their distinctive vintage appearance. The black dial remains visually attractive, featuring applied gold-tone hour markers, contrasting hands and the characteristic Seiko 5 emblem beneath the brand name. Light age-related marks, dust-like specks and minor imperfections are visible on the dial and around the outer minute track, consistent with the watch's age. The framed day-date display at 3 o'clock adds a practical feature and provides an attractive contrast against the dark dial. The bilingual calendar presentation is particularly characteristic of vintage Japanese automatic watches. The acrylic crystal shows signs of age and use, including visible surface marks and fine scratches. The stainless-steel case back also presents scratches and traces of previous handling, while the engraved Seiko identification markings remain legible. The fitted black strap complements the understated sporting appearance of the watch and shows signs of use. The watch is supplied with a generic presentation box. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the condition report and provide the best indication of the watch's actual cosmetic condition. The water resistance has not been tested and cannot be guaranteed. Despite the original "Water Resistant" marking on the case back, contact with water should be avoided unless the watch has been professionally inspected, pressure-tested and appropriately resealed. Story & Heritage The Seiko 5 collection occupies an important place in the history of Japanese watchmaking. Introduced in 1963 with the Seiko Sportsmatic 5, the collection was developed around the idea of creating dependable automatic wristwatches that combined practical functionality, robust construction and accessible mechanical technology. The name "Seiko 5" became associated with five fundamental characteristics: automatic winding, a day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown and durable case and bracelet construction. These principles helped establish the collection as one of Seiko's most recognisable families of mechanical watches. During the 1960s and 1970s, Seiko played a significant role in transforming the international watch industry. While Swiss manufacturers were traditionally associated with mechanical precision, Japanese watchmakers increasingly demonstrated their ability to produce reliable, technically advanced and attractively designed timepieces on a large scale. The Seiko 5 collection became an important expression of this philosophy, offering mechanical watches that could accompany their owners through everyday life without sacrificing distinctive design or practical features. This particular Seiko 5, reference 6309-8150, reflects the bold aesthetic that characterised many Japanese watches of the 1970s. Its stainless-steel case moves away from traditional round proportions, adopting a more geometric, cushion-inspired silhouette with broad surfaces and sharply defined edges. The 40 × 36 mm case creates a substantial yet balanced presence on the wrist. Its angular architecture surrounds a traditional circular dial, producing an attractive contrast between the modernist exterior and the familiar arrangement of the time display. The black dial is one of the most appealing elements of this example. Its deep colour provides an elegant background for the applied gold-tone hour markers and the Seiko emblem, while the light-coloured inserts and contrasting hands contribute to the watch's legibility. The framed day-date aperture at 3 o'clock introduces one of the defining characteristics of the Seiko 5 collection. The bilingual calendar reflects Seiko's international approach to watchmaking and adds an interesting detail for collectors of vintage Japanese timepieces. At the heart of the watch is the Seiko Calibre 6309, a well-known automatic movement associated with numerous vintage Seiko models. Developed during an important period in the brand's mechanical history, the 6309 family became appreciated for its straightforward construction and practical approach to automatic timekeeping. The movement operates through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, using an oscillating rotor to wind the mainspring and supply energy to the mechanical regulating system. This traditional mechanism remains one of the enduring attractions of automatic watches, offering a direct connection between everyday wear and the operation of the timepiece. Another distinctive feature is the recessed crown positioned near 4 o'clock, a design choice frequently associated with vintage Seiko automatic watches. This arrangement contributes to the smooth profile of the case while reinforcing the collection's practical sporting identity. Today, vintage Seiko 5 watches continue to attract collectors who appreciate Japanese mechanical engineering, authentic period styling and the historical importance of accessible automatic watchmaking. With its distinctive black dial, gold-tone details, angular stainless-steel case, bilingual day-date complication and Seiko 6309 automatic movement, this Seiko 5 represents an appealing example of vintage Japanese horology. A characterful mechanical timepiece that combines the practical philosophy of Seiko engineering with the unmistakable design spirit of the 1970s. Internal Reference Number VER-22

Estimate:£201.02

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