The Seiko Sportsmatic story dated back to 1963. The year where Seiko introduced the first Sportsmatic 5. Sportsmatic 5 is targeted to set a new standard in affordable price mechanical watches with combining the innovation of automatic movement, 3 bar water resistance and same level day-date display window. Seiko is so proud of their invention of the ‘Magic Lever’ technology, the designers made the crown of the watch smaller and hid it under the lip of the case at 4 o’clock, giving Seiko 5 its signature look. The ‘Magic Lever’ technology means that the movement can be winded with the rotor in both directions to increase efficiency and the wearer rarely needs to use the crown. The unique case design and technology used are still continuing in all the Seiko 5 series watches we found today.
So the watch is named as 5, but what does it mean? The 5 is actually Seiko's 5 principal attributes for the watch series.
1. Durable case and bracelet with the diashock technology
2. Watch Corwn at 4 o'clock
3. Automatic winding,
4. day/date indication, and
5. Water-resistant.
This particular example the 6619-8090 manufactured in the 1960s was fitted with a smooth lug case, the shape of the case blends in the crown of the watch into part of the case. Besides, the date changing mechanism of the movement is rather special. To change the date of the watch, you can press the crown of the watch. Due to the complex mechanical movement, it is a rare find this particular example in such a nice condition.
The sword hand used in this Sportsmatic inspired the designer of later generation Grand Seiko and also the black date wheel on the watch added the modern feeling to the watch. Just by looking at it at your first glance, you would not have belive this watch is already 50 years old.
It's a rare chance to such a mint example from the market, so grab it before you lose it.
