The Seiko 7625A is a vintage mechanical automatic movement developed in the 1960s, part of Seiko's reputable 76xx series. This caliber was used in various models including the Seikomatic, Seiko Sportsmatic 5, and early Seiko 5 watches. Known for its rugged reliability, day-date functionality, and fully automatic winding, the 7625A played an important role in establishing Seiko’s reputation for producing affordable yet high-quality self-winding watches.
Unlike some other 76-series movements, the 7625A does not support hand-winding, relying solely on automatic operation.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Caliber Number | 7625A |
Movement Type | Mechanical (automatic only) |
Jewels | 17 (some variants may have 21) |
Beat Rate | 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) |
Power Reserve | Approx. 42 hours |
Winding System | Automatic only (Magic Lever, bidirectional) |
Calendar | Day-Date (quickset date only) |
Day Display | Available in bilingual variants |
Hacking Seconds | No |
Hand-Winding Capability | No |
Diameter | Approx. 27.6 mm |
Thickness | Approx. 5.7 mm |
Central hour, minute, and seconds hands
Day and date window typically at 3 o'clock
Quickset date via crown pull-push method
Day adjustment through 24-hour cycling (no quickset)
The 7625A’s day-date system was common in Seiko 5 watches and helped standardize affordable complications across the Seiko line.
Crown Position | Function |
---|---|
Position 0 | Normal operation (watch running) |
Position 1 | Pull and push to quickset date only |
Position 2 | Time setting (no hacking) |
To change the day, rotate the hands past midnight repeatedly. To quickset the date, press the crown inward with a light push (do not rotate).
Note: Avoid using the quickset function between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as the calendar gear is engaged and could be damaged.
The 7625A uses Seiko's early Magic Lever system, which allows for:
Bidirectional winding
Simple and efficient construction
Fast charging of the mainspring with minimal wrist movement
While the movement lacks a manual winding option, the Magic Lever ensures that energy is built up quickly with normal wear.
As a vintage mechanical movement, the 7625A requires periodic servicing for continued accuracy and reliability.
Every 4–6 years, depending on use and storage
Complete disassembly and cleaning
Lubrication of escapement, pivots, and barrel
Regulation to ±30 seconds/day
Inspection and adjustment of the calendar mechanism
Gasket replacement if used in water-resistant cases
Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
---|---|---|
Watch running fast/slow | Dirt, lack of lubrication | Full service and regulation |
Date doesn’t advance | Damaged calendar gear or misalignment | Service and adjust calendar mechanism |
Quickset date not working | Worn crown spring or worn cam | Replace crown components or cam |
Day wheel not advancing | Improper use or stuck lever | Advance time manually to correct |
Seiko Sportsmatic 5 6619-8230 / 7625-8063
Seikomatic models with day-date
Early Seiko 5 models (mid-1960s)
Export models with English + local language (Spanish, Kanji, etc.)
These watches often had monocoque cases or snap-on backs, domed acrylic crystals, and strong mid-century styling.
Collectors admire the 7625A for its:
Role in the early Seiko 5 lineup
Dependable automatic winding system
Minimal maintenance requirements for a 1960s design
Accessible spare parts, thanks to compatibility across the 76xx family
Although the 7625A lacks modern features like hacking or manual winding, its simple engineering and robust build make it a great choice for vintage watch enthusiasts and restorers.
The Seiko 7625A is a vintage automatic workhorse that helped build Seiko’s reputation for making reliable, everyday mechanical watches. With features such as:
Automatic winding with Magic Lever
Quickset date (push crown)
Durable 17-jewel movement
Classic 18,000 bph beat rate
…it remains a sought-after caliber for collectors of 1960s and early 1970s Seiko watches. For those looking to restore or collect Seiko’s early automatic offerings, the 7625A stands as a dependable and historically significant movement that still performs reliably today.
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