At the top of the Sportsmatic line, Seiko’s “Deluxe” models offered affordable sophistication and classic mid-century design. This example from May of 1965 is packed with detail, nuance, and style. The dial is a silver sunburst of tight concentric circles with a lacquered finish that creates a veritable playground for light and color at every angle. The hours are marked by applied, polished baguettes with subtle detailing. The hour and minute hands are polished and beveled dauphines that are surprisingly legible against the “light show” dial, and the lengthy sweep nearly touches the minute track. A steep beveled chapter frames the dial, and rises to meet a wide fluted inner bezel. The case has an almost faceted appearance with flat polished surfaces, and large stout lugs. The recessed crown sits at about the four o’clock position, and above it is a separate pusher that is used to quickset the date. This is a feature that is unique to the 7606/19 models, and care should be taken to only operate it when the hour hand reads after 3:00 AM, and before 9:00 PM to avoid damage to the calendar mechanism. The day cannot be quickset, but can be set manually set by advancing or retreating the time until the correct day is displayed. The embossed case back shows minimal wear, and its dolphin insignia and other markings are all clearly visible. We’ve paired it with a smooth midnight leather that adds a formal edge to the casual finish, as this piece is just begging to be worn with a crisp black suit. It is completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and the 7619 is keeping excellent time post service. With more than a half-century of experience, this one is ready to bring some class to any line up.

Kvarnsjo Leather Smooth Midnight Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 4/11/22

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 18mm