The Seiko Champion range (ca 1962-1966)

*These informations were gathered through my own experience, from watches I actually had in hands. They only reflect what I observed. Last modified : October 7th, 2022*
Text & Pictures : D. Broglin – Watch & Vintage

The Seiko Champion range has been introduced in the early 60’s as the Seiko entry range. All models had hand wound movements, with or without date. The first years, their design was quite classical and elegant. From ca 1963, a more sporty design has been introduced with the Champion Calendar and with water resistance capability.

The first years

In 1962 and 1963, the Champion range proposed elegant models, with thin and aerial cases, often made of stainless steel or gold plated brass. The cases were named according the Jxxxxx pattern. The movement was the Seikosha 54 with (Champion Calendar) or without date (Champion).

Champion 2nd series

In 1963, Seiko introduced a new movement family, the Seikosha 850/860 and modified the names of the models in Champion 850 & Champion Calendar 860. The cases were often made of chromed brass but also in option made of stainless steel on the Calendar 860. The gold plating was available too. The dials could be silvered, champagne or black. With this second series, Seiko introduced the Seiko Champion Alpinist too, in replacement of the Laurel Alpinist.
All crowns were “SW” marked, standing for “Seiko Waterproof”.

The late years

From 1964, Seiko will only propose the Calendar model, with the newly named 7622 calibre (ex 860) and with the new naming convention, following the 7622-xxxx pattern. Only a few different cases were available, all hands were Dauphine ones. The range has been very simplified for these last years.