Issued by Ben Baker, the head of the Counter Insurgency Support Office (CISO), this Seiko Sportsmatic 5 was made available for, and issued to Military Assistance Command- Vietnam (MAC-V) Studies and Observation Group (SOG) operatives. His office was charged with supplying any number of sterile or “non-attributable” items for members of the various recon teams within the SOG. From cameras to knives, and in this case, watches, these team members needed equipment that would allow the plausible deniability if captured, so they were issued without GI stock numbers. Evidence backing the issue of this watch in particular was discovered in a book by Frank Greco entitled “Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.” With is clandestine military association, and having become nearly impossible to source, these Seiko MIL watches are at the top of every collector’s list. Considering its history, this example from April of ‘67 is unbelievable. The dial is a stunning charcoal gray sunburst with luminous Arabic markers, and only a couple of very slight blemishes in the lacquer finish. The hands are large, beveled batons with a clean polished finish that still hold their original luminous material. The 6619 behind the dial is keeping near perfect time post service, and the date can be quickset by pushing inward on the crown. The day must be manually set by advancing or retreating the time. Unlike the latter 6119 variant, the case is built completely from stainless steel rather than having a base metal mid-case with plating loss and corrosion issues. It’s unpolished, and the case corners and lines are still quite crisp after more than 50 years of service. Engraved on the top of the case back appear to be the initials GEA, and at the bottom, 1968. It’s completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and a stunning example overall. We’ve paired it with an olive drab suede that’s a near perfect match to the warm patina of the luminous dial markers for a combo that’s sure to grab more attention than you’d like. For both vintage Seiko and military enthusiasts alike, this one is a grail that’s sure to go as quickly as it arrived. 

Kvarnsjo Leather Olive Nubuck Suede Leather with Silver Stitch

Serviced 3/28/21

Diameter- 36.5mm

Lugs- 19mm