A SEIKOMATIC SEIKO STORY
Seiko Weekdater 6218-8950 / Credit: Worn & Wound
The first Seikomatic Seiko was released in 1960, the same year as the first Grand Seiko. From the beginning, the Seikomatic was meant to be the top of Seiko’s offerings; precise watches aimed at businessmen who appreciated the functions.
The Seikomatics originally hosted a Cal. 603, which became the 6201. The 6200 series of movements are behind many renowned vintage Seikos from the 1960s, including the Grand Seiko 62GS collection.
Our subject, the Seiko Weekdaters, were released in 1963 and used a Cal. 400 - which eventually became the Cal. 6206. Other Weekdater movements are the 6216, the 6218, and the 6219. The Cal. 400 originally had 33 jewels, but it was brought down to 26 in the 6206, which also had a 18,000 bph. What made the Weekdater so special was that, at the time, very few brands had introduced the concept of date function. And Seiko event went one step further by spelling out the full day. Another aspect of the Weekdater that can be appreciated is that, much like other 1960s Seikos, the Weekdater had a recessed crown at 4 o’clock.
Finally, the Seikomatic Weekdater was discontinued in 1967, with the entire line of Seikomatics disappearing by the 1970s. Ultimately, I’d say that the Weekdater is memorable both for its aesthetics and for its mechanics; the symmetry of having the date window and 6 o’clock, and the fact that the Weekdater’s high-quality movements are comparable to those the likes of the 62GS.
By: Andres Ibarguen