{"product_id":"seiko-5-ref-6119-8031-kaliber-6119-21-steine-suwa-seikosha-geriffelte-lunette-juli-1968-frisch-revidiert","title":"Seiko 5 – Ref. 6119-8031 – Caliber 6119, 21 jewels, Suwa Seikosha – fluted bezel – July 1968 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA Seiko 5 that doesn't look like a tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe fluted bezel is the reason. Instead of a smooth polished surface, fine, uniform notches encircle the dial – a motif that breaks light into dozens of small reflections and gives the watch a formality rarely seen in the Seiko 5 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhat the \"Five\" means\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSeiko introduced the Seiko 5 in 1963, and the digit was not a model number, but a promise – five features that every watch in the series had to fulfill:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic winding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay and date display\u003c\/strong\u003e in a single window\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecessed crown at four o'clock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDurable case and movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Seiko 5 thus became what made Seiko great in its own country: a watch that could do everything you needed, cost next to nothing, and ran for decades. It was produced in quantities that cannot be compared with European standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWithin this series, the 6119-8031 represents the civilian side. While the Sports models were designed for robustness and diving, this version was aimed at everyday office life: light dial, fluted bezel, classic proportions. A watch you wore with a shirt, not overalls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSuwa and Daini\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 6119 caliber comes from the \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa factory\u003c\/strong\u003e, recognizable by the small swirl symbol on the dial and case back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor decades, Seiko maintained two completely separate production facilities that competed against each other: Suwa Seikosha in Nagano and Daini Seikosha in Tokyo. Suwa developed the Grand Seiko, Daini the King Seiko. What is rarely said is that the same workshops that worked on the top models also constructed the mass-produced calibers. The manufacturing discipline required for a Grand Seiko directly benefited the simple watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is exactly why a 1968 Seiko 5 runs reliably again today after an overhaul, while many European watches in the same price range have long since disappeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 6119 caliber\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic\u003c\/strong\u003e, 21 jewels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21,600 vibrations per hour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay and date\u003c\/strong\u003e in a single window\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick-set date\u003c\/strong\u003e by pressing the crown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBilingual day wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japanese and English\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eManufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa Seikosha\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThree things regarding operation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo manual winding.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 6119 cannot be wound by hand. If the watch has been sitting, start it by gently swinging it; it will start running after a few seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate yes, day of the week no.\u003c\/strong\u003e Early versions of the 6119 caliber – to which this July 1968 watch belongs – have a quick-set only for the date: you press the crown, and the date advances. The day of the week is set by advancing the hands past midnight. Only a later movement generation allowed both to be set via the crown. This is due to the design and not a defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not shift at night.\u003c\/strong\u003e As with all Seiko movements of this type, the calendar should not be adjusted between approximately 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., as the shifting mechanism is already engaged during this time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is a light silver with a fine radial sunburst finish that radiates from the center outward. The hour markers are applied, faceted batons; on the outer raised chapter ring, there are small luminous dots that allow for reading in the dark without cluttering the dial itself. These are accompanied by slim polished hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial features the SEIKO logo and the \u003cstrong\u003e\"5\" shield\u003c\/strong\u003e above the center, as well as \u003cem\u003e21 JEWELS\u003c\/em\u003e and the Suwa symbol below. The calendar window at three o'clock is framed with an applied border and displays the day and date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe bilingual day wheel follows the Japanese calendar convention: Sunday in red, Saturday in blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case features the fluted bezel, with notches that run consistently around the entire circumference. With a 36.7 mm diameter, 42.7 mm lug-to-lug, and 11.4 mm thickness, it has classic proportions and fits practically any wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically flawless. The watch was professionally overhauled in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026 – completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. Automatic winding and the quick-set date function work perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is well preserved: the sunburst finish is consistent, with no spots or discoloration. The lettering is complete and sharp, the applied indices are firmly in place, and the calendar frame is intact. The luminous dots on the outer ring have aged to a warm cream tone and no longer glow – common for watches of this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case shows age-appropriate signs of wear. The fluted bezel is fully intact; the notches run consistently around the entire circumference with no wear or damage. The case back has scratches from opening and wearing; all engravings – reference 6119-8031, serial number, Suwa symbol – are complete and clearly legible. The crystal is clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt is fitted with a third-party stainless steel bracelet; it is not the original Seiko strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand \/ Line:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6119-8031\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 874558\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e July 1968\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko caliber 6119, automatic without manual wind, 21 jewels, 21,600 vph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suwa Seikosha, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date, date quick-set via crown press, bilingual day wheel (Japanese\/English)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel, fluted bezel, case back with \"WATER PROOF\" marking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 36.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11.4 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 42.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (incl. bracelet):\u003c\/strong\u003e 73 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Third-party stainless steel bracelet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverhaul:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring\/summer 2026, Japan – complete disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor whom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor starting a mechanical Seiko collection. The Seiko 5 is the most accessible way to wear an automatic movement from Suwa production on your wrist – from the same house and era as the significantly more expensive Lord Matic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor anyone looking for a vintage watch that goes with a shirt. The well-preserved fluted bezel and light sunburst dial turn a utility watch into one you can wear in the office.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for those who don't want to coddle their watches. This watch has fifty-seven years of service behind it, shows the marks of it, and runs exactly as it should after the overhaul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (pre-owned)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a pre-owned item. The statute of limitations for defect claims (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54784979927378,"sku":"A501","price":379.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/B4CF518E-1928-4CFE-9748-A68BE81920CB.jpg?v=1789927791","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/seiko-5-ref-6119-8031-kaliber-6119-21-steine-suwa-seikosha-geriffelte-lunette-juli-1968-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}