Vintage Seiko Wristwatch Seikomatic J13085 Selfdater 1963

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seikomatic Selfdater J13085
Movement: 395
Age: 1963
Case Size: 37mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug to Lug: 44mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Used Seiko watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In good pre-owned condition, with some wear from use 
  
• Case has some light scratches and marks
  
• Sunburst dial has some patina
• Fully serviced 39 jewel movement
  
• Paired with an unworn brown leather strap

The Seikomatic range has been introduced at the beginning of the 60’s. It was the upper range of the production of automatic watches by Seiko at that time. As their name means it, all Seikomatic were fitted with automatic movements, early example when seen as there own range, not bearing the Seiko name on the dial. 

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Seiko Seikomatic J13085 comes from the early 1960s, a period when Seiko was beginning to push beyond simple, utilitarian watches and into higher-quality automatic timepieces. The Seikomatic line itself debuted around 1961, originally using the 603 movement. As the lineup evolved, Seiko added calendar complications and higher-grade movements, including the 24-jewel 394 and ultimately the 39-jewel caliber 395. The J13085 “Self-Dater,” introduced around 1963, represents one of the most refined early Seikomatics and showcases Seiko’s ambition to compete directly with Swiss automatic dress watches.

The J13085 distinguished itself through impressive technical features for its time. It used the Cal. 395 automatic movement with 39 jewels and a beat rate of 18,000 bph. The watch features a stainless-steel, screw-down case back which was rated to 50 meters of water resistance—an uncommon specification for a dress-leaning watch in that era. Its design language is clean and refined, with a silver sunburst dial, applied indices, dauphine hands, and a date window that reflects its “Self-Dater” name. The high jewel count, waterproof case construction, and overall finishing placed this model near the top end of Seiko’s lineup before the rise of Grand Seiko.

Historically, the J13085 plays an important role in Seiko’s development. Models like this helped establish Seiko as a maker of high-grade automatic watches rather than simply affordable ones. The level of engineering, build quality, and aesthetic refinement seen in the J13085 paved the way for future premium Seiko lines, including the early automatic Grand Seiko references. Today, collectors value the J13085 as a sweet spot in vintage Seiko: more sophisticated than standard dress models of the era but more accessible than comparable vintage Grand Seikos.

PERSONAL NOTE

The Seikomatic J13085 feels like one of those rare watches where Seiko’s early ambition is visible in every detail. Its elegance is impressive for a 1963 piece, refined without ever feeling overdone. The 39-jewel movement gives it a subtle sense of prestige, setting it apart from other Seikomatics of the era. I love how it balances vintage character with surprisingly advanced engineering, showing both style and substance. Overall, it strikes me as a watch that captures Seiko at a turning point, confident and ready to compete with the Swiss.