At the top of the Sportsmatic line, Seiko’s “Deluxe” models offer affordable sophistication and classic mid-century design. This example from April of 1965 is packed with detail, nuance, and style. The dial is a rich charocoal sunburst topped with a slick lacquered finish that’s absolutely mesmerizing. The hours are marked by applied, polished baguettes with subtle detailing. The hour and minute hands are polished and beveled dauphines that contrast beautifully against the smoky 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 typical wear, and its dolphin insignia and other markings are mostly worn, and only visible from certain angles. We’ve paired it with a soft gray suede that plays nicely with the dial, and offers a comfortable fit and finish. It’s unpolished and 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 Heritage Gray Suede with White Stitch

Serviced 5/19/22

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 18mm