KMII's exploration of the 1992 Seiko SCVL002 (6810-8000) sheds light on Seiko's often-overlooked ultra-slim watchmaking capabilities. This post delves into the unique design and historical significance of a watch that, despite its Credor-level movement, presents itself with understated Seiko branding. It offers a fascinating look at a rare piece that challenges perceptions of Seiko's diverse horological range.
While Seiko is many things to many people - and their range goes from hot dog money quartz watches to haute horlogerie that even Philippe Dufour respects and is impressed by - what they rarely do these days is ultra slim watches.
You can then imagine my joy, when I recently managed to bag one of these elusive specimen - a 1992 SCVL002, also known as 6810-8000.
The watch has very classical, dressy dimensions of 33mm x just under 6mm. And while the SCVL002 is the playful version - there is a SCVL001, too, which sports only applied hour markers, as opposed to the applied dots and painted Roman numerals of mine - it is still supremely understated overall. The hands simply perfectly complement the composition.
In addition to the classical simplicity, it is the milky white dial that really stands out. And while 34mm used to be as low as I’d go until now, I have to say that the 33mm feel very comfortable on my wrist, too
The heart of the watch is in essence an old one. Derived from the 1969 Calibre 6800, the 6810A was first launched in 1973 and produced in small quantities till 1978. Funnily enough it is a shaped movement in a round watch.
The development focus was to create a movement thinner than the then benchmark Piaget 9P, and at 1,98mm Seiko succeeded. This necessitated some novel design choices, such as an open sided barrel with four additional jewels attached to the plate under the barrel (not included in the jewel count) as a glide for the mainspring. Otherwise the movement is a 21,600vph design, with 22 jewels and measuring 19,7 x 16,9mm (tonneau shape).
In terms of decoration, it features Tokyo stripes, gold chatons and snailing on the wheels. But then again I need to make some better pictures than the time and my sleep addled brain have allowed so far
The movement has graced watches as thin as 4,4mm, so is definitely deserving of the ultra slim moniker.
After the prolonged break from 1978 onwards, the movement made a reappearance in the UTD watch (6810-6000) of 1991 (100 pieces), and then the two SCVL models from 1992-1993, as well as in slight variations in tiny series subsequently (most often as a Credor).
I guess it’s fair to say that the watch is thoroughly stealthy. The lack of a seconds hand will not even reveal its mechanical roots to the uninitiated, while one needs to have developed a specific obsession with obscure Seikos to actually know what it is
This for me is definitely part of the appeal, as is the classical, dressy design.
The fact that it’s so comfortable on the wrist and that it works so well in spite of its only 33mm is an added bonus, for sure. As is its rarity.
Will I hunt for the UTD or the SCVL001? Most likely. Although I am certainly happy with having bagged this one for a start.
Thanks for viewing!
