Seiko's "Seikomatic" line up from the 1960's offer some of the cleanest layouts and most visually appealing designs to come out of era. Mid-century modernity and minimalism that's just as timeless today as it was when they were introduced more than 50 years ago. This Seikomatic-R from December of ’67 is a scarcely seen variant that offers a few benefits not found in its cal. 62 brethren. For starters, the 30 jewel movement (all of which are functional) is a true gem, and showcases Daini’s innovative approach to an integrated autowind mechanism. Rather than the ubiquitous “magic lever,” the winding mechanism incorporates a complicated, yet very efficient inversion roller and reverser system that is silky smooth and can also be manually wound via the crown. The case styling is ultra-classic, though care was taken to qualify it as a “water proof” reference via the gasketed crown and crystal, and screw down case back. This is further backed up by the double branding of this model as a “Sealion CR-220.” Seiko made use of an array of marine life icons to describe and identify water resistance, though none leave as many questions for enthusiasts as the Sealion variants. They are often attached to the Weekdater line, and in many cases, fall under the Seikomatic family. Little definitive information exists about this particular subset, but I can tell you that many house some of Seiko’s more impressive calibres, are typically casual/dress styles, and as far as i can tell, are always day/date models. Case in point, this one features the classic Seiko “C” architecture with a circular brushed finish on the lugs, and a polished and beveled bezel. The dial is a silver sunburst with a lacquered finish and clean printed branding. The applied markers are machined baguettes with black inlay, and the hour and minute batons are machine finished to match. The day/date window sits at three behind a thin polished frame. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service it’s keeping near perfect time. Paired with a chestnut leather with white stitching, it’s in phenomenal condition, and sure to be fast favorite on any roster.

CNS Smooth Chestnut Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 3/29/23

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 20mm