One of the major draws of Seiko’s automatic dress watch line - like the oddly large for the era full-serviced 1968 Seiko 7625-8233 sport diver automatic here - aside from the surprisingly large size for the era, were their amazingly simplistic dials and the handset from the famed first Seiko dive watch, the 6217.
The sum of the 7625's features combine to form its single greatest aesthetic quality – symmetry. The nearly invisible hidden crowns coupled with the sparse dial give it a simple, clean symmetrical style hard to find in a watch of any era or price range. Everything is in balance.
Per Worn&Wound’s review of the 7625, “…one of the most affordable pieces we’ve covered to date. I can’t overstate it enough that if you’re even half considering a Seiko…grab one and you’ll be happy that something so inexpensive can be so nice. It’s a versatile watch that turns heads. Every time I post this watch on Instagram, I get loads of requests about the detail behind it…"
"If you’re not a vintage watch person, but are simply reading our site and want a classically styled legitimate timepiece, this is your invitation to stop shopping for watches in the J.Crew catalog – this Seiko is far better than a pricey NATO-clad Timex.”
Seiko used the reliable Calibre 7625 automatic movement in many of its Sportsmatic models during the same time period in the late 1960s, and used the movement from the mid-to-late 1960's.
This sizable 7625 comes on a leather rally strap, and with nylon strap, springbar tool, and rugged travel case.
1968 Seiko 7625-8233 Automatic Sport Diver
DIAL: Seiko-signed white starburst dial. Matching handset, to include unique "box" seconds hand. Handset retains lume, which continues to shine on the hands and dial.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 38mm x 45.5mm, with matching waterproof-signed caseback; caseback engravings are crisp and legible. Please note limited corrosion is outside the movement (between the caseback and case), and has not entered inside the watch.
CRYSTAL: Domed acrylic crystal, no scratches or cracks.
BAND: This 7625 comes on a brown leather rally strap; it also comes with a dark blue and orange nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: 17-jewel 7625D automatic movement, manufactured in October 1968, which beats at 18,000 bph. We have performed a full service on this Seiko 7625.