Past Timepieces: Vintage 7009-6001 Automatic Seiko 5
For July’s Clockwork Synergy and DC Vintage Watches monthly watch and strap giveaway, we thought we would change it up a bit. Up for grabs in this month’s joint giveaway is a women’s early 1970’s Seiko 5 7009-6001 automatic watch, with three matched straps!
Seiko first introduced its “5” series with the Seiko Sportsmatic in 1963. Per Seiko, its 5 series was created to be a watch whose performance would serve the demanding needs of the then-1960s generation – the watches had to have five key attributes:
- Automatic winding;
- Day/date displayed in a single window;
- Water resistance;
- Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position;
- Durable case and bracelet.
The final challenge, again per Seiko, for the 5 series was to create a distinctive look that defined the needs of watch buyers and defined the brand. Owing to Seiko’s extraordinary “Magic 5,” the winding efficiency of the Seiko 5 is rather high, rendering the use of the crown rare. Hence the recessed crown, hidden under the lip of the case at 4 o’clock, gives the Seiko 5 its signature look. For more information on the Seiko 5, check out their site dedicated to it, here.
Movements designed by Seiko have a ruggedness and reliability that is well-known, as their basic designs have been proven over past decades in various forms. To wit, from humble beginnings, Seiko was founded in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori’s vision led him to open a watch shop in Tokyo, Japan. Eleven years later, in 1892, Hattori began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha, translated roughly as “House of Exquisite Workmanship.” Indeed, as recently stated in Hodinkee’s article, “Ten Vintage Watches That Should Be More Expensive Than They Are, And Why” – “In this list, we’ll take you through ten watches that we think should be selling for more money than they are, and we’ll tell you why…What is there to say about vintage Seiko besides “great watches for the money?” If you’re looking for just a nice old watch, any vintage mechanical Seiko will do.”
DIAL: Purple dial, with gold accents on hour markers – please note wear on the dial edges between 11 to 4 o’clock. Day/date at 3 o’clock position works nicely, with Kanji Japanese and English day variants. Original hour, minute, and second hands.
CASE: Original 33mm (crown is recessed) x 39mm stainless steel case in pre-loved condition.
CRYSTAL: Original acrylic crystal, no scratches or scuffs.
BAND: Three new 18mm Clockwork Synergy straps.
MOVEMENT: Original Seiko 17-jewel automatic movement, manufactured in February 1972
CROWN: Original recessed unsigned stainless steel crown.
ENTER TO WIN THIS RAKETA WATCH AND STRAP SET
Enter on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (or all 3 for additional entries)
TO ENTER
1. Follow both Clockwork Synergy and DC Vintage Watches 2. Find the image of this watch on either account of this watch and leave a comment about your weekend plans 3. Tag 3 friends who love vintage watches! (For every friend you tag, you will earn an additional entry into the drawing!)