1969 Seiko 5 Sports (Ref. 6119-8310) Black Dial

It’s hard not to love pretty much anything Seiko designs. Established in 1881, the Japanese brand has become one of the biggest names in watchmaking, with some truly iconic references to boot.

Seiko introduced their 5 Sports line in the late '60s, with the “5” in the collection’s name referring to the five characteristics every watch within the lineup featured: an automatic movement, a day-date display at three o’clock, water resistance, a recessed crown at four o’clock, and highly durable cases and bracelets. The line was created to offer attainable, versatile, daily wearable pieces that often exuded a sense of whimsy and adventure through the various case shapes and dial colors on offer. This ref. 6106-6040 exudes a whole lot of both.

Built in 1969, this is a super-clean example of early Seiko design exploration. It’s also a real conversation piece, thanks especially to its fantastically shaped case, black-and-white speedometer-style dial, and the pop of orange on the sweep seconds hand.