Maker: Seiko

Reference: 6106-8217 MACV-SOG

Year: 1970

Material: Stainless steel

Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 11mm thickness

Crystal: Plexiglass

Lume: Original Tritium on dial, hands were relumed and color matched to dial lume

Caliber: Recently serviced Seiko 6106

Bracelet/Strap: Includes original metal bracelet and end links, custom made suede strap, and grey nato

Lug Width: 19mm

Box/Papers: No box, includes service receipt from early 2023 from Hub City Vintage, and MACV-SOG poster from Watches of Espionage

Hub City Vintage Restoration Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAakszjETS4; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8aHkiZbJUs; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKx0zibOVKw

Details: Ben Baker was the head of the Counter Insurgency Support Office (CISO) during the Vietnam War. This office was tasked with supplying a number of "sterile" or "non-attributable" items for members of various teams within the Military Assistance Command- Vietnam (MACV) Studies and Observation Group (SOG). From cameras to knives and, obviously, watches, their service members needed equipment without GI stock numbers or obvious U.S. ties, giving them plausible deniability if captured in action. The story of Ben Baker, these Seiko watches, and the work of SOG operatives is told by Frank Greco in his book entitled Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The resulting Seikos ordered by Ben Baker have become very sought after in the vintage military and Seiko collecting communities. Within Seiko at this time, the design was really a departure. Rarely did the brand use luminous Arabic numerals like the ones we see here. It is believed the design was specific to the military use these watches were bound to see. Members of the U.S. military were either issued these watches or instructed to purchase them at the PX before a covert op – the cost to the serviceman was around $8.

My example is in good condition. It is important to note that this reference 6106-8217 is one of a few ordered by Baker and used by the MACV-SOG troops. What makes the DX special is that it features a stainless steel case compared to the chrome-plated cases of other references.

You should know: The purchase will include the watch, original bracelet and end links, 19mm custom made suede strap, and 18mm grey nato. I will also include the Watches of Espionage MACV-SOG limited edition poster. This watch is in great condition and features the original finishing on the case. Dial and hands are original parts; however the hands had to be relumed during restoration. There are some marks on the dial as the original crystal was lost at some point causing slight damage to the dial. A replacement crystal and a new old stock bezel were sourced during restoration. The watch was serviced in early 2023 by Hub City Vintage and its restoration was chronicled on a 3 part YouTube series (links above). Please see the album for detailed photos showing the condition of the watch.

Location: I am located in DC and am happy to meet in person if convenient

References: I have sold and bought numerous pieces on reddit under the username PaulNewman12 and ebay