Seiko 'First Sport Diver'

Regular price
$1,495
Regular price
Sale price
$1,495
REF 6106-8100
Automatic-winding
38 MM
– Show less
SKU AS11789
Article Number 40992967
ref 6106-8100
case size 38 MM
movement Automatic-winding
approximate age 1960s
dial color Gray
material Stainless Steel
style Dive
category Vintage
bracelet Fabric
lug width 19 MM
Includes grey nylon strap with stainless steel pin buckle.
overall condition Very good condition overall. case shows moderate wear while retaining sharp lines. Dial and handset show matching patination.
REF 6106-8100
Automatic-winding
38 MM
– Show less
SKU AS11789
Article Number 40992967
ref 6106-8100
case size 38 MM
movement Automatic-winding
approximate age 1960s
dial color Gray
material Stainless Steel
style Dive
category Vintage
bracelet Fabric
lug width 19 MM
Includes grey nylon strap with stainless steel pin buckle.
overall condition Very good condition overall. case shows moderate wear while retaining sharp lines. Dial and handset show matching patination.

Why We Love it

To some, Seiko is simply ubiquitous. To those paying attention, it’s foundational.

Introduced in 1968, the Seiko 6106-8100, often nicknamed the “First Sport Diver,” captures the brand at a pivotal moment. The late 1960s were a period of rapid technical escalation across the industry, and while the Swiss were busy congratulating themselves, Seiko was quietly building robust, automatic calibers at scale — and doing it exceptionally well.

At the heart of this piece is the Calibre 6106, an in-house automatic movement with day-date functionality, engineered for durability and everyday wear. It’s a workhorse in the truest sense: reliable, thoughtfully designed, and emblematic of Seiko’s philosophy that precision should be accessible. The dial is signed “Water 70 Proof,” a designation used prior to 1970, anchoring this example firmly in its late-’60s context.

The 38mm stainless steel case strikes a near-perfect balance, substantial without excess. Its grey dial is understated and legible, framed by a steel bezel with black numerals that lend just enough utilitarian contrast. The day-date aperture adds practical symmetry, reinforcing the watch’s tool-forward intentions.

Fitted on a grey fabric pass-through strap with a steel pin buckle, this 6106-8100 feels honest and unfussy — exactly what a late-1960s sport watch should be. It’s not trying to compete with modern dive specifications. It doesn’t have to.

This is Seiko doing what Seiko does best: building purposeful watches that quietly outperform expectations.

Brand Story

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For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.

Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Make it yours will fit standard 19mm watches

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Seiko 'First Sport Diver'

Seiko 'First Sport Diver'

Regular price
$1,495
Regular price
Sale price
$1,495
Seiko 'First Sport Diver'