1971 Seiko "Blue Crush" 6106-8237

THE WATCH

In the early 1970's, as surf culture took the West Coast by storm, Seiko delivered a colorful, reliable companion for those living just beyond the California coastline. Nicknamed the "Blue Crush," the reference 6106-8237 is a vintage sleep that remains one of the best cobalt blue dials in the game. Produced for a relatively short window between 1969 and 1972, this 70-meter automatic sport diver was originally marketed towards the water sports scene, built to be rugged enough for the waves, yet striking enough for the boardwalk and everyday wear. Today, it stands as a timeless "West Coast" classic that captures the energy and style of Seiko's golden 70's era. 

CONDITION REPORT

This example is in exceptional rare condition with a flawless dial and strong case lines. The heart of this piece is its bright cobalt blue lacquered sunburst dial, which is virtually flawless.  The cobalt blue is reminiscent of the deep ocean waves of the pacific with the way the light hits the sunburst effect.  It dial retains its vibrant depth without the typical fading or ghosting often found in this reference. The Seiko automatic and "Water 70 Resist" printing remains strong. The dial contains a weekday and date function with a four o'clock push pull crown.  The large luminous square markers are original and showing almost no visible aging and retains its white/light cream color. Typically, these Blue Crush's usually have significant aging and signs of wear with the lume in the hour markers turning a darker greyish/green, however this one is in like new exceptional condition. The polished baton hands remain bright and free of oxidation, complemented by a original and fantastic condition bright orange sweeping seconds hand that is color loss, fading, or chipping. The seconds hand on many used models typically change to a yellowish color. The 39mm stainless steel barrel shaped tonneau case is in excellent condition. It's wide beveled bezel retains its original geometry. The case looks to be unpolished and contains normal faint scratches typical for its age and use. The famous high domed mineral crystal for this watch helps give the dial its distorted cool effect and this one is fitted with a brand new period correct crystal. The crystal adds to the vintage flair and really amplifies the cobalt blue dial. The hacking Seiko caliber 6106 automatic is running strong and keeping great time. The watch contains a quickset weekday and date. The service history is unknown.

SPECS

Brand: Seiko

Model/Reference: "Blue Crush" 6106-8237

Movement: Seiko caliber 6106, Automatic, hacking

Year: August 1971

Condition: Pre-owned

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial: Sunburst Cobalt Blue

Case Diameter: 39mm

Lug to Lug: 43.4mm

Case Thickness: 13mm

Lug Width: 19mm

Crystal: Mineral Glass

Water Resistance: 70 meters (Vintage rating, not tested for water resistance)

Strap: Brown Nubuck Leather Degraw strap from Worn & Wound

Box & Papers: No

THOUGHTS

We see alot of vintage Seiko divers, and usually they are all about that rugged black dial "tool watch" feel, however this one is something else entirely. The "Blue Crush" is just undeniably cool because its a piece of 1970's surf culture and has one of the best cobalt blue dials in the game. Seriously, the dial on this one in the sun is absolutely stunning and will get compliments and have you staring down at your wrist alot. The mixture of the bright blue dial, pop of orange on the seconds hand, beautiful high dome crystal, and reliable automatic Seiko caliber, you cannot go wrong with this one. Since these watches were used in sport and water, usually the cobalt sunburst dials showed significant signs of aging or water intrusion with dial rot. This one however, is in exceptional condition and is still absolutely electric. It is that deep, liquid blue one the dial that you only get from old school lacquer. Take this thing out in the sun where it belongs and you will be in awe. This is truly one of Seiko's best vintage sport watch sleepers and offers incredible value. It wears incredibly well with its modern 39mm tonneau case. The whole watch is a vibe, and in this condition its a collector grade piece.