Text & Pictures : D. Broglin – Watch & Vintage
The Seiko Skyliner range has been introduced in the early 60’s as a middle range hand wound dress watches and probably replaced the Liner range. So, all models had hand wound movements, with or without date. The number of models was quite low.
The first generation
In 1963 and 1964 the cases were named according the Jxxxxx pattern and were made of stainless steel, were gold plated or more rarely gold filled. The movements available were the “time-only” Seikosha 402 and the Seikosha 956 with date. From 1964 on, with the new naming convention of the movements and cases, the references became 62xx-xxxx. The 2 calibres available, were the 6220 and the 6222 with date display (they are identical to the 402 & 956 calibres). They belong to the 62xx family, fitting the Seikomatic and the contemporary Grand Seiko in an automatic version.
Some Skyliner from that period can have mixed up references, a case with the Jxxxx naming and a dial with the 62xx-xxxx naming for example.
The logo Seiko Skyliner of this 1st generation has a modernist design, very noticeable.
The transition generation
In 1967, the Skyliner range adopts a new design of cases and a new logo, using the handwritten font that will be used on the second generation of Skyliner as well. The cases design matches now the one found on the other ranges proposed by Seiko (GS, KS, etc). The movement are still the 6220 & 6222. These transition models will only last for 1 year and the calibres will be replaced by the freshly developed 61xx movements.
The second generation
In 1968, Seiko developed a new movement family to replace the 62xx, the Seiko 61xx, which would equip a large number of models, from the hand wound Skyliner to the 61GS Grand Seiko and the 6138/6139 chronographs.
The cases of these 2nd generation Skyliner still were made of stainless steel or gold plated brass. Two movements were available, the time-only 6100 and the 6102 with date.. The dials could be white or black, the logo Seiko Skyliner is written in a cursive font.
Some examples
Seiko Skyliner, 1st generation, cal Seikosha 402, Seikosha 956, Seiko 6220 and 6222 (ca 1963-67)
My favourite Skyliner, 9960 dial
An outsider amid the Skyliners
Seiko Skyliner, transition generation, cal Seiko 6220 & 6222 (1967)
Black dial
Seiko Skyliner, 2nd generation, cal Seiko 6100 & 6102 (1968-73)
Hi, I really enjoyed your article on the Seiko Skyliner. I’ve recently acquired the 6220 9970 with a two tone black and silver 9960R dial in stainless steel, which seems to be a particularly rare version and wondered if you have come across this example before? I’ll happily send you some pictures, just for interest, if you email me. Many thanks. Chris
Hi Chris,
That’s my favourite Skyliner ! Even with the silver/silver combo, it looks really great.
David
Bonjour
je viens d’acquérir une Skyliner plaqué or et cadran bi colore., heures bâtons. D’après votre description elle semble être de 1963 ou 64 le logo étant en écriture non cursive , elle arrivera du Japon ce qui lui donnera un cachet supplémentaire , j’aime les montres qui ont une histoire , ce sera ma 34 ieme et seule ( pour l’instant) Seiko . les deux précédentes je les ai offertes a mon frère qui lui est un addict SEIKO.
Ray
Bonsoir Ray,
La description que vous m’en faites confirme probablement qu’elle est du début de la période de fabrication des Skyliners. Le boîtier plaqué or et le cadran bi-ton est typique de l’époque. Le numéro de série de la montre est sûrement gravé à l’intérieur du dos, il nous donnerait le mois et l’année de fabrication. Ca y est, vous avez mis le doigt dans l’engrenage Seiko 😉
David
Thank you for the article, I enjoyed it especially since Skyliner’s are not as featured outside of Japan as other famous models. I just bought my girlfriend a non-date second gen model as her first mechanical/vintage watch, now awaiting arrival. I hope she’ll like it!
Yes, I’m not sure they’ve been exported outside Japan. Cool, a very nice gift 🙂
Thanks David, she received the watch, immediately fell in love and has been wearing it ever since 🙂 Since the Skyliner had always been a favourite model of mine, seeing it in person also made me absolutely fall in love with it…. So I had to get one for myself too haha. The one I chose has the original bracelet which is a very nice addition!