Seiko 5 7S26-3130, Cal. 7S26, Men’s Dress Automatic Watch

Vintage Seiko 5 Dress Vintage Watch from 1997, Men’s Automatic with Caliber 7S26, featuring a matte blue dial with applied markers and a timeless character; fully serviced and for sale with 12-month warranty.

Seiko 5 1997 — First impression - 7S26-3130

The Seiko 5 reference 7S26-3130 distills late-1990s Japanese horology heritage into a clean, wearable package. The 36 mm stainless-steel case, thin polished bezel and sharply brushed lugs frame a restrained blue matte dial punctuated by applied baton hour markers and minute plots. At three o’clock sits the practical bilingual day-date window, a defining Seiko 5 trait. Paired with a robust three-link steel bracelet, the watch balances everyday utility with discreet elegance. Collectors value this configuration for its proportion, clarity and reliability, making it an ideal entry into collectible mechanical watchmaking while remaining a refined companion for daily precision timekeeping.

Seiko 5 - Matte Blue Dial

The dial presents a deep, non-reflective blue finish that improves legibility and gives the watch a purposeful, contemporary tone. Applied metallic markers align with a precise minute track punctuated by luminous plots. The Seiko 5 shield and printed signature provide subtle depth, while the framed day-date aperture integrates cleanly into the layout.

Seiko 5 7S26-3130 - Hands

Elegant dauphine hands in metallic tone carry luminous inserts for low-light readability, complemented by a slim central seconds hand. The geometry offers excellent contrast against the dial, delivering crisp, at-a-glance reading without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic prized by collectors of historic wristwatches.

Seiko 5 7S26-3130 - Brushed Stainless Steel Case

The 36 mm case combines a polished bezel ring with satin-brushed upper surfaces and bright flanks, creating a well-judged play of textures. At 41 mm lug-to-lug, the case wears comfortably on most wrists. Angled lug facets transition neatly into the end links, underscoring Seiko’s practical, tool-ready design language of the era.

Seiko 5 7S26-3130 - Crown

The offset crown at 4 o’clock is neatly recessed to protect against knocks and enhance comfort. Unsigned and unobtrusive, it reflects the Seiko 5 ethos: form serving function while preserving a streamlined silhouette.

Seiko 5 Stainless Steel Bracelet

A durable stainless-steel three-link (Oyster-style) bracelet completes the piece. Solid-feeling outer links and a secure clasp deliver everyday confidence, while the straight end links integrate visually with the case for a cohesive, period-correct look favored by enthusiasts of Japanese dress timepieces.

Seiko 5 1997 — Caliber 7S26 Automatic Movement

Powering the watch is Seiko’s self-winding Caliber 7S26, a 21-jewel workhorse running at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). Renowned for robustness and efficiency, it forgoes hacking and manual winding in favor of long-term reliability and low maintenance. The movement’s architecture, with bidirectional Magic Lever winding, exemplifies practical engineering from a manufacturer synonymous with dependable automatic movement design. For collectors seeking a mechanical watch that performs day in, day out, the 7S26 remains a proven choice.

Heritage of the Seiko 5 in the 1990s

Since the 1960s, Seiko 5 has stood for five core traits: automatic movement, day-date display, durable case and bracelet, protected crown, and strong value. In the 1990s this philosophy evolved toward slimmer profiles and crisp, legible dials. Reference 7S26-3130 embodies that evolution—measured dimensions, functional displays, and restrained aesthetics—capturing an era when Japanese makers refined everyday mechanical watchmaking for a global audience of enthusiasts.

Seiko 5 — Condition, Originality, Warranty

This example is used but very well preserved, fully serviced and fully operational, with all original components retained. A 12-month warranty provides added assurance. We ship worldwide. To compare similar references, explore our curated selection of Seiko vintage watches 1997 Ref. 7S26-3130 highlights and browse our automatic vintage watches with blue dials & Caliber 7S26.

Technical Details