Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Embodying the sharp design ethos of mid-century Japanese watchmaking, the Seiko Business-A was specifically crafted for the professional class of the 1960s. Boasting a high-jewel automatic movement and a sophisticated profile, this reference 8306-9030 represents a fantastic era of Seiko's history, combining elegant dress watch aesthetics with robust daily-wear engineering, underscored by its delightful engraved dolphin caseback. Brand: Seiko Model: Business-A Reference Number: 8306-9030 Serial Number: 6947316 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8306A Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices and notable amber patina around the outer perimeter Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and distinct dial edge patina Dial and Hands The watch features a striking silver dial with a radiant sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The dial furniture is sophisticated, utilizing an applied Seiko logo alongside multi-faceted applied baton indices that feature recessed central black channels for excellent contrast. The sharp, polished dauphine hands harmonize perfectly with the indices, also utilizing black central stripes. The text "BUSINESS-A" and "DIASHOCK 30 JEWELS" is executed in crisp, clean sans-serif typography. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. Notably, the dial exhibits a very distinct, heavy amber patina that has developed predominantly around the extreme outer perimeter and rehaut, creating a unique framing effect, while the central area remains largely clean. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case presents classic vintage proportions with sharply defined lugs that curve comfortably downward. The polished surfaces of the case flanks and the smooth bezel show an array of honest hairline scratches and handling marks, entirely consistent with a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The recessed, subtly knurled crown is tucked away neatly at the four o'clock position, preserving the symmetry of the case sides. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal that shows minor surface wear but offers clear visibility of the intricate dial details. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Seiko automatic caliber 8306A, a sophisticated movement utilizing 30 jewels. The macro photography reveals a clean and well-preserved mechanism, with the rotor proudly stamped with "SEIKO 30 JEWELS" and the mainplate clearly engraved with "JAPAN 8306A". The case is sealed by a screw-down stainless steel caseback featuring a charming, clearly visible engraved dolphin motif, along with crisp serial and reference stampings. Timegrapher results reflect current performance at -55 to -60 seconds per day; the movement is running and operational. Strap The watch is fitted with a dark brown textured leather strap that features contrasting white edge stitching and is secured by a standard stainless steel buckle. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains strong overall geometry while displaying expected superficial wear and surface marks indicative of its age. The primary visual characteristic is the prominent, even amber aging around the outer edge of the dial, which lends the piece a strong vintage aesthetic without obscuring the central sunburst finish or the highly polished applied markers. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the recessed crown. Remarks With its beautiful dauphine hands, multifaceted markers, and the reliable 8306 caliber, the Business-A is an excellent representation of Seiko's commitment to high-quality, professional timepieces in the 1960s. The unique patina profile makes this a piece with undeniable character. History Introduced during a period of massive expansion and innovation for Seiko, the Business line was targeted directly at Japan's growing demographic of salarymen. These watches needed to be incredibly reliable for daily office wear while projecting a refined, modern image. By equipping them with high-jewel count automatic movements, Seiko ensured they performed as well as they looked. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional, working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SBD-0001