Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Sportsmatic represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, designed in the 1960s to offer robust automatic reliability paired with sharp, mid-century elegance. Conceived as the ideal everyday timepiece for the modern professional, the Sportsmatic line eliminated the need for manual winding, a feature proudly highlighted by its signature recessed crown at the four o'clock position. This particular example perfectly encapsulates the charm of vintage Seiko, boasting a brilliant sunburst dial and a timeless stainless steel case that remains as versatile today as it was over half a century ago. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Reference Number: 7625-8293 Serial Number: 861354 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 7625, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably crisp dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, radiating outward from the center pinion. The dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, showing virtually no spots or moisture damage, which is a rare find for a watch of this vintage. It is adorned with applied, faceted steel baton indices that provide excellent depth and legibility. The applied "SEIKO" logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while the lower half features crisp black printing reading "Sportsmatic 17 JEWELS" alongside the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory lightning bolt logo. A sharply stepped metallic frame borders the date aperture at three o'clock. The dial code "JAPAN 7625 - 8320S AD" is clearly printed along the bottom edge. The time is indicated by a classic set of steel dauphine hands and a sweeping center seconds hand. Under macro inspection, the hands display a light, honest oxidation and subtle aging consistent with the watch's era, adding a touch of authentic vintage character without detracting from the overall striking appearance. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a timeless, classic profile with gracefully sweeping lugs and a smooth polished bezel. A defining characteristic of the Sportsmatic line is the recessed crown positioned cleanly at four o'clock, emphasizing the automatic nature of the movement by visually suggesting that manual winding is unnecessary. The case shows honest, even signs of vintage wear, with superficial surface scratches and micro-marks visible on the flanks and lugs, but it retains a strong overall shape without signs of heavy over-polishing. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that sits proud of the bezel, offering a warm vintage distortion at the edges while remaining clear and highly legible. The screw-down caseback is in excellent condition, with its factory engravings—including "STAINLESS STEEL 7625-8293 WATER PROOF", the central Seiko and Suwa logos, and the serial number—remaining deep, crisp, and easily readable. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 7625, a robust 17-jewel automatic movement produced by the revered Suwa Seikosha facility. Known for its durability and efficient winding mechanism, this caliber was a foundational workhorse for Seiko's mid-century automatic lineup, featuring a date complication and a reliable sweeping seconds function. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome, period-correct style brown leather strap featuring tonal side stitching. The strap is supple and appears to be in excellent, lightly worn condition, secured comfortably to the wrist with a classic stainless steel tang buckle. Condition This Seiko Sportsmatic is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining incredibly crisp and vibrant with a beautifully preserved sunburst finish. The case exhibits normal, age-appropriate wear with light scratches that speak to an honest life of use, while the caseback engravings remain remarkably sharp. The hands show minor, expected vintage oxidation that harmonizes well with the overall aesthetic. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Lug Width: 18 mm Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Sportsmatic with a dial as pristine as this example is becoming increasingly difficult. It is a quintessential 1960s dress watch that balances utilitarian reliability with a refined, sophisticated dial layout. Whether paired with a suit or worn casually, it offers an incredible entry point into vintage Japanese horology with a design that simply does not age. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic was a pivotal collection that helped democratize the automatic watch. By utilizing efficient "Magic Lever" winding technology and tucking the crown away at the four o'clock position, Seiko sent a clear message to consumers: this is a watch that takes care of itself. The Sportsmatic line was instrumental in establishing Seiko's global reputation for producing highly reliable, beautifully designed, and accessibly priced mechanical watches, paving the way for the legendary Seiko 5 series that would follow. 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). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. 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. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI16QAEN2000