Yeah, I know – “minimalist” and “bling” are not usually bedmates, and in its time this watch was probably considered neither, but whatever the description, this is an intriguing watch.
Seiko’s 6619
series debuted in 1964. The movement is a 21 jewel automatic which could not be
wound manually unless you consider the “side to side” shake you use to get
these started as manual wind. Interestingly I discovered on the internet that
the 6619A can be wound manually if you take the back off and turn a large screw
under the rotor with a screwdriver – apparently an aid for watchmakers.
The movement
is described as an extremely efficient but simple “workhorse” and my watch
certainly seems to support that view. It continues to operate reliably decades after
it was first manufactured (February 1965).
But back to
the minimalist bling. The “bling” is of course subjective but let’s just say
that in my collection, it has more bling than most. I have enhanced the look
with a striking blue band and I just love the whole appearance.
The dial is
minimalist by Seiko standards. An unpretentious applied SEIKO logo is
under-scored with smaller type – WEEKDATER 21 JEWELS at 9 ‘o’clock and joined
with crosshairs and a Day/Date window at 3 ‘o’clock. Small batons at the hourly
indices points are located on a textured gold chapter ring. The dial itself is
champagne coloured although (and this is the outstanding feature of this watch)
the colour changes according to light and the angle of the dial.
The dial
goes from an almost light grey matt appearance to a beautiful creamy shine
depending on how you angle your wrist. The hands are gold and appear flat but
the edges pick up light beautifully and it is easier to read the time on this
watch than many similar designs.
I like many
things about this watch – its simple design, its cushion shaped case, the
slight tuxedo look generated by the chapter ring, the mesmerizing dial, and the
fact that it is still operating efficiently after more than 55 years. Oh, and
the touch of “bling”. Definitely a keeper in my humble collection.
Dimensions:
Diameter:36.2mm
Lug To Lug: 42.7mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Drilled lugs.
I still have mine. I purchased it in Cyprus in 1965 for £16 (Cypriot) which would have been around the same in the UK because it was Cypriot pound was pegged to the UK pound until 1973. I also bought a made to measure suit for the same price.
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