Why This Watch Matters

Covert ops, counter insurgency, "studies and observation" – there is a lot to take in with this Seiko DX meant to be "non-attributable" or "sterile" for U.S. service members.

The Full Story

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.

Our example is in honest condition. It is important to note that this reference 6106-8219 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.

We paired the watch with our Holland watch strap in camel to match the gorgeous patina to the lume on the hands and dial.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Starburst grey dial finish
- Excellent lume patina
- Vietnam special operations history

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case

This Seiko DX is overall in good, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches showing clear and sharp lines on the lugs. All of the engravings on the caseback are clearly visible.

The dial is well-preserved and overall nice. The lume on the hour markers and the hands show a desirable pale yellow color throughout. The hour markers have developed patina.

The crystal has some scratches. The case, dial, and movement are all signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.