Seiko debuted its 6106 dive watches – like this full serviced deep blue-dialed Chevron variant from mid-1970 – in 1967 as its first “Sport Diver.” Notably, the 6106 was Seiko's first dive watch - sport diver, that is (more on that below).
The Chevron is beautiful classic vintage Seiko for several good reasons, starting with the well-spaced dial, which renders the bezeled day/date window unobtrusive. On to one of the best features of the 6106 – the dial. These dials, regardless of variant color, sparkle in the light and were finished better than many of the Swiss watches from the same period, and this amazing deep blue dial is, in our opinion, the best example of all the 6106 variants.
Couple this with very little writing on the dial, and you have a dial that’s purposeful and sparse, finished with Seiko’s famous Suwa logo. Once you add the case-colored bi-directional bezel, which flows well into the radial polished case, you have a nicely elegant and simplistic dive watch.
Seiko’s marketing ads boasted about the 6106’s diving capability, that was “Proof," all the way down to 229 feet! Other ads made it seem like "the choice" for surfers. Granted this makes for some shallow diving, but not at that time.
This Seiko Sport Diver automatic comes with a leather rally strap, nylon strap, spring bar tool, and Pelican travel case.
1970 Seiko 6106-8589 "Chevron" Automatic Sport Diver
DIAL: Seiko-signed deep blue “resist” chevron dial, with matching hands. Day/date – with English/Spanish day variants – at 3 o’clock position works nicely.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 38mm x 45mm, with matching “resist” caseback, with correct 8589 bezel insert.
CRYSTAL: Domed acrylic crystal, no scratches.
BAND: Light brown leather rally strap, with cream-colored accent stitching and stainless-steel hardware. This watch also comes with a gray strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 25-jewel 6106 automatic movement, manufactured in July 1970. We have performed a full service on this chevron diver.
CROWN: Recessed unsigned stainless-steel crown.