Issued by Ben Baker, the head of the Counter Insurgency Support Office (CISO), this Seiko 5 was made available for, and issued to Military Assistance Command- Vietnam (MACV) 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 them 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 its 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 June of ‘68 is better condition than most. The bezel and case back are stainless steel, but the mid case is a base metal with a steel plate. Though it faces up quite nicely with only light wear to the upper surfaces, the lower edges of the case exhibit moderate wear on the corners, although none that would compromise the movement through regular wear. It is unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal. The dial is a perfect and stunning charcoal gray sunburst with luminous Arabic markers, and the hands are large batons with a clean polished finish. The 6119 behind the dial is keeping near perfect time post service, and the date can be quickset via the crown. The day can be set semi quickset. We’ve paired it with a heavy grain brown leather that highlights the dial and offers great comfort on the wrist. A true grail for military watch enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to add a piece of history to your rotation.

Kvarnsjo Leather Brown Grain Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 11/7/20

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 19mm