Seiko Automatic 17 Jewels – Ref. 6309-8080 – Blue Sunburst Dial – January 1978 A very attractive and authentic vintage Seiko Automatic, reference 6309-8080, dating from January 1978, featuring a deep blue sunburst dial, automatic 17-jewel movement and period Seiko stainless-steel bracelet. This model represents the unmistakable aesthetic of Seiko's 1970s production, with its geometric cushion / tonneau-shaped stainless-steel case, integrated-looking bracelet design and elegant metallic blue dial. The reference 6309-8080 is documented in period Seiko material, including the 1978 Seiko Casing Parts List for Overseas markets. Identification Brand: Seiko Reference: 6309-8080 Serial number: 813994 Production date: January 1978 Movement: Seiko automatic calibre 6309 Jewels: 17 Dial code: JAPAN 6309-814LR Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date Case: stainless steel Dial: blue sunburst Bracelet: stainless steel, Seiko signed End pieces: marked 153 Dating The case back carries serial number 813994. According to Seiko's serial-number system, the first digit indicates the production year within the relevant decade and the second digit indicates the month. Combined with the production period of the calibre 6309 and the documented appearance of reference 6309-8080 in Seiko's 1978 material, this example can be dated to January 1978. Dial One of the most attractive features of this watch is its original-style deep blue sunburst dial, which produces different shades of blue depending on the angle and lighting. The dial is signed: SEIKO AUTOMATIC 17 JEWELS At 6 o'clock it carries the marking: JAPAN 6309-814LR The difference between the case reference 6309-8080 and the dial code 6309-814LR is normal for Seiko watches of this period: the former identifies the calibre/case combination, while the latter identifies the dial configuration. The dial is completed by applied silver-tone baton hour markers, matching baton hands, central seconds hand and a framed day-date window positioned at 3 o'clock. Movement The watch is powered by the renowned Seiko calibre 6309 automatic mechanical movement, one of Seiko's robust and widely respected automatic movements of the period. Main characteristics: Automatic mechanical winding 17 jewels 21,600 vibrations per hour Central seconds Day and date indication Seiko-signed automatic rotor Japanese manufacture The movement has been opened and visually inspected, and detailed photographs of the movement are included in the listing. Timegrapher Test The watch was also tested on a mechanical timegrapher / chronocomparator before being offered for sale. The recorded test strip shows a compact, regular and consistent trace, without obvious major instability during the recorded test period. This indicates that the movement was running in a stable and consistent manner at the time of inspection and testing. The original chronocomparator test strip is clearly shown in the photographs so that prospective buyers and collectors can evaluate the result themselves. Please note that the test represents the behaviour of the watch during the recorded inspection and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of exact daily accuracy in every position or under all wearing conditions. No claim of a recent complete mechanical overhaul is made. Case and Dimensions The stainless-steel case has the characteristic broad, angular cushion-shaped profile typical of Seiko design during the 1970s. Approximate dimensions, as shown with the digital caliper in the photographs: Case width excluding crown: approx. 32.3 mm Case length: approx. 40.1 mm Bracelet width at case: approx. 20.4 mm The compact dimensions combined with the substantial cushion case give the watch a particularly characteristic 1970s appearance on the wrist. Bracelet The watch is fitted with a period stainless-steel Seiko bracelet with a Seiko-signed folding clasp. The bracelet complements the geometric design of the case particularly well and contributes strongly to the authentic vintage appearance of the watch. The end pieces are marked 53, as visible in the detailed photographs. The bracelet and clasp show scratches, marks and surface wear resulting from normal use over many decades. Condition The watch is offered in authentic vintage condition. The stainless-steel case shows scratches, small marks, rubbing and general surface wear consistent with its age and previous use. The bracelet and clasp likewise show visible wear, scratches and signs of use. These traces of age have deliberately not been concealed and are clearly documented in the numerous high-resolution photographs. The blue dial remains particularly attractive, retaining its strong sunburst effect and excellent visual character. The crystal shows normal signs of age and use visible under close inspection and certain lighting conditions. The photographs form an important part of the condition description and allow the buyer to examine the case, bracelet, dial, movement, case back and individual details carefully before bidding. Water Resistance The case back is marked WATER RESISTANT, reflecting the original specification of the watch. However, because this is a vintage watch approaching 50 years of age, current water resistance has not been pressure tested and is not guaranteed. Contact with water is therefore not recommended unless the watch is first professionally pressure tested and, where necessary, fitted with appropriate new seals. Collector Interest This is an appealing example of late-1970s Seiko design, combining: the reliable automatic calibre 6309 an attractive blue sunburst dial a distinctive 1970s cushion-shaped case day-date indication a period Seiko stainless-steel bracelet documented movement inspection documented chronocomparator testing clearly visible case and dial reference numbers serial-number dating to January 1978 An attractive vintage Seiko for both collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese mechanical watches from the 1970s.The photographs form an important part of the condition description and allow the buyer to examine the case, bracelet, dial, movement, case back and individual details carefully before bidding. Water Resistance The case back is marked WATER RESISTANT, reflecting the original specification of the watch. However, because this is a vintage watch approaching 50 years of age, current water resistance has not been pressure tested and is not guaranteed. Contact with water is therefore not recommended unless the watch is first professionally pressure tested and, where necessary, fitted with appropriate new seals. Collector Interest This is an appealing example of late-1970s Seiko design, combining: the reliable automatic calibre 6309 an attractive blue sunburst dial a distinctive 1970s cushion-shaped case day-date indication a period Seiko stainless-steel bracelet documented movement inspection documented chronocomparator testing clearly visible case and dial reference numbers serial-number dating to January 1978 An attractive vintage Seiko for both collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese mechanical watches from the 1970s. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the description and reviewed all images- This is a vintage mechanical timepiece. Due to its age and original components, slight variations in performance, accuracy, or behaviour may occur over time, even if fully functional at the time of testing. The watch will be professionally packed using protective materials. Shipping is tracked. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch. The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or incorrect address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply.