With an array of marine life icons used to describe and identify the waterproofness of a specific watch or collection of watches, perhaps none leave as many questions for collectors as Seiko’s Sea Lion variants. Often attached to the Weekdater line, and considered by some to be a close relative of the Seikomatic family, little definitive information exists about this particular subset of vintage Seikos. What I can tell you is that many use some of Seiko’s more impressive calibres, are most often seen in what I’d consider dressier styles, and as far as i can tell, are always day/date models. This example from November of ‘65 was not going to get by me. It houses the 8306 automatic, akin to the JDM Seikomatic-R and Business-A, and a head turning dial layout. The case features sloping lugs with crisp angles and mixed finishes that perfectly showcases a stunning dial. A rich silver sunburst with heavy graining topped with a glossy lacquer finish that throws light and color in every direction. A thin black crosshair intersects the tapered points of the cardinal markers, save the three, as that space is occupied by a framed day/date window. The markers are applied cones with hidden luminous wells that, when illuminated, reflect off of the polished tension ring. The luminous on the polished hands is also hidden and applied to the underside to reflect off of the dial. Though typically I wouldn’t alter the original luminous material, one of the most appealing aspects of this model is the luminous layout. As it is hidden from view in the light, I painstakingly re-lumed the hands and markers so that the owner can experience it’s haunting glow. The 30 jewel movement is a true gem that showcases innovation to Seiko’s approach at the time. Rather than using the “magic lever” pawl, the winding mechanism incorporates a complicated, yet very efficient integrated “inversion roller” reverser system that is silky smooth and can be wound manually via the crown. The date can be quickset via the crown in the second position, and the day is semi-quickset. Post service it is keeping near perfect time with ample reserve. It is unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal. We’ve paired it with a stone gray grain leather that’s comfortable on the wrist and adds great versatility. Vintage dress at its best, this Sea Lion is in the crosshair of form at function.

Kvarnsjo Leather Stone Gray Grain Leather with White Stitch (cheapestnatostraps.com)

Serviced 8/2/19

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 19mm