A while back I ran across an article by Michael Stockton reviewing the Sportsmatic 6619-8230 in which he declares this model, “one of Seiko’s best ever,” due to the size, which he describes as, “large, especially for 1967, 38mm diameter,” and the the overall design which Michael describes thusly:
“I’m normally not a day/date window admirer, but the rectangular opening with its chrome surround is well executed and breaks the vast space created by the dial. The day is black font on a white wheel while the date takes the opposite; it’s all perfectly done. . . They are simple designs when looking at the hour and minutes but actually contain edge chamfers to create a little dazzle. The sweep seconds hand, of course, contains the well-known lumed box near the end of the hand. In summary, everything is in balance. If you can’t tell, I am really fond of this watch.”
I wish I could write as well. The article can be found here: https://www.fratellowatches.com/tbt-seiko-sportsmatic-6619-8230/
I was bitten by the bug. Over the next year I searched on ebay, but I never came across any 6619-8230 that was in acceptable condition.
During this same time however, I became aware of the Seiko 7625-8233, which is identical 6619-powered twin brother except for the details of having a clean, simple date window in place of a day/date window, the crown at 3 o'clock instead of 4, and a crosshair dial. I now wanted them BOTH.
Finally, about six months ago, I stumbled upon examples of both these models on ebay within the space of a week. While neither one were operational, the dials and hands of both seemed unusually pristine beneath their scratched and shattered crystals. Since neither seller included model numbers in the descriptions, there were no other bidders, and I got both for a song.
As soon as they arrived I got to work ordering parts and scheduling work. I replaced the crystals, paid $200 to have them overhauled ($120 of which was financed by flipping the coffin link bracelet that came with the 6619) and, inspired by Michael Stockton’s specimen which he had fitted with a light tan racing style strap from Giuliano, I bought two matching brown leather perforated rally straps for my own.
Several people have written about how most of these models have been purchased for their hands, which have been harvested for restorations of 62MASs and 6105s, making them all the more rare.
I’ve always been attracted to the Seiko casebacks from the late 60s. There are everything from dolphins, seahorses and sea lions to yachats engraved on the casebacks. These particular models both are identified by their casebacks as being “Sportsmatics” with the 6119 also having the Seiko 5 crest included. This is a welcome touch for those of us that are weary of seeing the 5 logo on our watch dials.
Most watches come and go from my collection, but these fraternal twins have really ingratiated themselves to me and have become part of the core of my collection. Underappreciated and undervalued for sure.
“I’m normally not a day/date window admirer, but the rectangular opening with its chrome surround is well executed and breaks the vast space created by the dial. The day is black font on a white wheel while the date takes the opposite; it’s all perfectly done. . . They are simple designs when looking at the hour and minutes but actually contain edge chamfers to create a little dazzle. The sweep seconds hand, of course, contains the well-known lumed box near the end of the hand. In summary, everything is in balance. If you can’t tell, I am really fond of this watch.”
I wish I could write as well. The article can be found here: https://www.fratellowatches.com/tbt-seiko-sportsmatic-6619-8230/
I was bitten by the bug. Over the next year I searched on ebay, but I never came across any 6619-8230 that was in acceptable condition.
During this same time however, I became aware of the Seiko 7625-8233, which is identical 6619-powered twin brother except for the details of having a clean, simple date window in place of a day/date window, the crown at 3 o'clock instead of 4, and a crosshair dial. I now wanted them BOTH.
Finally, about six months ago, I stumbled upon examples of both these models on ebay within the space of a week. While neither one were operational, the dials and hands of both seemed unusually pristine beneath their scratched and shattered crystals. Since neither seller included model numbers in the descriptions, there were no other bidders, and I got both for a song.
As soon as they arrived I got to work ordering parts and scheduling work. I replaced the crystals, paid $200 to have them overhauled ($120 of which was financed by flipping the coffin link bracelet that came with the 6619) and, inspired by Michael Stockton’s specimen which he had fitted with a light tan racing style strap from Giuliano, I bought two matching brown leather perforated rally straps for my own.
Several people have written about how most of these models have been purchased for their hands, which have been harvested for restorations of 62MASs and 6105s, making them all the more rare.
I’ve always been attracted to the Seiko casebacks from the late 60s. There are everything from dolphins, seahorses and sea lions to yachats engraved on the casebacks. These particular models both are identified by their casebacks as being “Sportsmatics” with the 6119 also having the Seiko 5 crest included. This is a welcome touch for those of us that are weary of seeing the 5 logo on our watch dials.
Most watches come and go from my collection, but these fraternal twins have really ingratiated themselves to me and have become part of the core of my collection. Underappreciated and undervalued for sure.