Seiko 5 Appraisal

Seiko 5 Automatic Gold-Tone Wristwatch

This item is a vintage Seiko 5 automatic wristwatch, presented in an apparent gold-tone finish with a matching metal bracelet. The watch features a round case, which appears to be constructed from a gold-plated or PVD-coated base metal, exhibiting some wear through to the underlying metal, particularly along the edges and lugs, indicating its age and usage. The dial is a striking two-tone design, with a cream or champagne-colored inner circle surrounded by a darker, possibly black or dark grey, ring. The hour markers are represented by small, raised gold-tone dots or indices on the darker ring, while a minute track in white numerals (0, 10, 11, etc.) is visible around the outermost rim of the dial. The hands are gold-toned, with the hour and minute hands featuring a luminous insert; the second hand is a thin, plain gold-tone. The 'SEIKO' logo is prominently displayed below the 12 o'clock position, with '5' beneath it, and 'AUTOMATIC' is printed above the 6 o'clock mark. A day-date complication is present at the 3 o'clock position, showing 'III' for Wednesday and '13' for the date, both on a white background. The bracelet is a multi-link design, also in a gold-tone finish, showing commensurate wear with the case, including some fading of the plating and minor scratches. The overall condition suggests regular use and age, with visible surface scratches and plating loss on both the case and the bracelet. The watch is likely from the 1970s or 1980s, characteristic of the 'Seiko 5' series known for its robust automatic movements and accessible pricing. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced Japanese watches of that era, prioritizing durability and functionality.