Seiko 5 Automatic Ref. 7S26-3110 (Champagne/Gold Dial Variant)
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid · Seiko (Seiko Holdings Corporation). High-reliability affordable luxury/premium tier. Known for exceptional value and in-house manufacturing.
Period: Vintage/Early Modern (1990s) - characterized by the integrated-style lug design and '90s execution of the classic Seiko 5 aesthetic.
Type
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid
Brand
Seiko (Seiko Holdings Corporation). High-reliability affordable luxury/premium tier. Known for exceptional value and in-house manufacturing.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, Caliber 7S26, 21,600 bph frequency, approx. 40 hours power reserve, 21 jewels. Non-hacking and non-handwinding.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36mm, thickness: 11mm, lug-to-lug: 41mm, lug width: 18mm.
Description
This Seiko 5 is a quintessential example of the brand's 'Double One' value proposition: mechanical reliability and timeless design. The champagne sunburst dial provides a warm, dressy appearance that contrasts sharply with the utilitarian stainless steel cushion-shaped case. Its 4 o'clock crown is a staple of the line, designed to enhance wearer comfort by preventing the crown from digging into the wrist.
Key Features
4 o'clock recessed crown, applied '5' shield logo, 7S26 workhorse movement, and integrated lug styling.
Dial Description
Champagne sunburst dial with applied gold-tone baton indices. Gold-tone baton hands with thin luminous strips. Day-date complication at 3 o'clock with a framed window. Applied 'Seiko' and '5' shield logos.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed top surfaces and polished sides. Fixed polished bezel ring.
Crystal Type
Hardlex (Seiko's proprietary mineral glass), flat profile. Visible scratches suggest moderate wear.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth, polished stainless steel bezel integrated into the cushion-style case outer rim.
Crown & Pushers
Recessed push-pull crown at the 4 o'clock position (signature Seiko 5 placement), unsigned, minimal crown guards provided by the case geometry.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket black textured leather strap with a polished steel tang buckle. Originally likely came on a folded-link jubilee-style or oyster-style stainless steel bracelet.
Caseback Details
Likely solid screw-down caseback (typical for this reference) with Seiko waves logo or standard 7S26 specifications engraving.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, Caliber 7S26, 21,600 bph frequency, approx. 40 hours power reserve, 21 jewels. Non-hacking and non-handwinding.
Water Resistance
Rated at 30 meters (Splash resistant). Not suitable for swimming or diving; keep away from significant water exposure due to age.
Origin & Provenance
Japan movement, cased in China or Malaysia (common for the 7S26 era). In-house mechanical movement design.
Age Estimate
Produced circa late 1990s or early 2000s based on the dial layout and the 7S26 caliber introduction.
Cultural Significance
The Seiko 5 series is credited with bringing mechanical watchmaking to the masses globally during the Quartz Crisis and remains the 'gateway drug' for almost every mechanical watch collector today.
Condition Notes
Good. The crystal shows several surface scratches consistent with age. The case has micro-scratches and minor dings on the lugs. The aftermarket strap is in fresh condition. Dial and hands appear clean with no visible corrosion.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD. Value is held back by the aftermarket strap and crystal scratches, but bolstered by the popular champagne dial color.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years. Since the 7S26 lacks hand-winding, the watch requires the 'Seiko Shuffle' to start. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in before exposure to moisture. Avoid strong magnetic fields.
Similar Watches
Seiko SNXS75, Rolex Datejust (visual style), Citizen Eagle 7. Differences include the Seiko's unique crown placement and more affordable entry price point.
Interesting Facts
The '5' in Seiko 5 stands for five key attributes: automatic winding, day/date display, water resistance, recessed crown at 4 o'clock, and a durable case/bracelet.