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 (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 them plausible deniability if encountered, 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 phenomenal. The bezel and case back are stainless steel, but the mid case is steel plate over brass. As is typical, wear through at the lug points and case edges is present. It remains unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal. The dial is a flawless charcoal gray sunburst with luminous Arabic markers, and the hands are large batons with a clean polished finish. The luminous material is the original, and has developed a slight, warm patina throughout. 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 semi-quickset. As they were issued for military use, most were removed from their original bracelets in favor of a NATO or similarly styled field strap. The bracelets were often misplaced or never reattached, so finding a complete example with the original bracelet is essentially unheard of. This is one of only two examples offered in our history to still have the original bracelet attached, making it even rarer than most. This is a collector’s dream for both watch and military enthusiasts, and an opportunity that won’t likely be repeated.

Original Seiko Five Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 1/17/21

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 19mm