Retro Seiko TV Dial Automatic Watch 6319-5201

Recently I have been doing some read up on seiko watches only recently was interested in some vintage seiko's. Apparently seiko made some stunning and amazing movements back in the 1970's like the brilliant 6138 manual wind automatic chronograph movement. Looking for my very first vintage seiko I decided to go for a simple automatic movement.

Browsing the options available at ebay, I stumbled upon a very nice looking Seiko 5 TV Dial 6319 watch. Now usually I really dont favour square watches but this one looked very pleasing to my eyes. I can imagine wearing this as a dress watch and an everyday office watch.

SPECIFICATIONS:

calibre Seiko 6319

Brand:	Seiko – Made in Japan
Gender:	Men’s
Movement type:	Mechanical - automatic
Oscillator frequency:	21 600 vibrations per hour
Number of stones bearing:	21 jewels
Display time:	3 hands
Caliber function:	Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day, Date
Case:	Stainless Steel

According to my friend (another WIS) it kinda looked like a King Seiko :). The age of this watch is predicted to be about 35 years old made in 1977!!! (Now thats older than me)

This watch was posted to me from Bulgaria and now its safe al the way in its new home in Malaysia :)

Case : Square case measuring about 41mm lug to lug and 38mm side to side. Its almost the same size as my Seiko 10 bar diver (just a few mm short). Its thinner too and just nice for a dress watch. The crown is small and tuck away under the casing. No manual wind so a small crown works. Lug size is 20mm so Nato's and leather straps might be good for it. The watch case says "water resistant" but I dont think I will bring it even for a shower.

 

Dial : The dont make them like they used to. The dial is white with a hint of 3 tone pattern. Hour markers are embossed steel with lume tips. Embossed Steel "Seiko","5" logo and an embossed steel border around the day/date display make a very exquisite look :). The crystal is arcryllic and probrably replaced (but if it wasn't....damn!!!). The hands are simple and nice with lume. There is virtually no more lume and I guess getting it relumed would be good.

The bracelet : What I like best about the bracelet is the end links that tapers and fits nicely with the watch. It tapers down to a very small 15mm and it has folded links. Most vintage watches all have folded links but it follows the shape of your wrists very nicely.

 

Conclusion :

This watch is a testament that Seiko made some very robust and interesting watches even waaayyyyy before I was born. The fact that this watch is running strong and fine after 35 years still amazes me.

 

There are many other TV seiko TV dial watches on ebay, browse for one and grab one while you still can. remember you are not just buying a watch, you are getting HISTORY... :)