Here are some Seiko watches I own + some stories about them
Laurel 1913
This watch is one of iterations of the original 1913 model. The Laurel 1913 is known as Seiko’s first wristwatch. This particular model is not the model that is used in a most of Seiko’s communications, but I find that this model has closer resemblance to the 2000 Historical Collection release of the Laurel, having both Breguet-like numerals, wire lugs and same hand-sets.
Clear Inspiration for the Seiko Presage collection
The Laurel that was released for the 2000 Anniversary Collection
‘Seiko’ 1924
After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, K. Hattori & Co., Ltd. (before ‘Seiko’) operations and headquarters were destroyed by a huge fire. As a means to a fresh start, Seiko decided to create a new watch and a brand new name… Seiko. This example, created in December 1923, is the first wristwatch that was created with the ’SEIKO’ name on it.
Seiko ‘Katakana’
The Seiko Katakana is a watch from the Showa Period (1926-1989), this one in particular created around World War 2 (I believe). Around 1942, the Japanese Government implemented a brief rule that stated languages and influences of their enemies were not to be used in products and in Japanese society. As a result, Seiko briefly created watches with Seiko in Katakana on their dials. This rule also spanned to other contexts such as jazz and American music in which people were not permitted to play in public.
This particular one I was lucky to come across as it is NOS and still has a tag attached to it.
Seiko Anchor WW2
There are a line of mysterious watches from WW2 - double-cased watches with printing on the dial of either a star, anchor and sakura. It is believed (but not completely validated), that these watches were issued to members the Japanese army. The Star watches were given to the ground soldiers, Anchor given to naval officers, and the Sakura given to the airforce. It is also hypothesised that these were potentially given to the family of soldiers.
It is common to come across the WW2 double case watches in the various versions (star, sakura, anchor or none), but its extremely rare to come across these in a steel case and anchor print. What makes it even more rare is the hallmark stamped on the back. There are said to be four variations (サ, ヨ, ク and マ), with this one having ヨ meaning ‘Yo’ for Yokosuka. Yokosuka has a prominent naval base that has existed since 1866. I am not 100% sure, but I assume that these ones were potentially issued to more senior generals, as they are of a higher quality than the other versions that are typically found. Majority of these ‘double cased’ watches were completely chrome plated. I really love this watch, it took so long to find!
Back of the watch with the 'Yo' hallmark
Seiko ‘Poorman’s 62MAS’ - ‘The Last Shah of Iran’ 7004-8140
I’ve seen a lot of these lately, but many of the pieces are being offered at very aggressive prices. On top of that, I have found that a lot of them are in such perfect condition that I find it difficult to believe that they haven’t been relumed or touched up. I was fortunate to come across one that looks a little more beat up (which I love!). The dial has certainly not aged the best over the years, but for some reason has really led me to come to love the watch even more (and know that it was probably well loved and worn by someone else before me!).
I am unsure if these watches were issued to the military or just for government officials, but there is text on the back reads ‘Government Property’.
Seiko MACV SOG 7005-8030
The Seiko MACV SOG is a watch that has been long spoken about on this forum. For me, I said to myself that I wouldn’t pick one up unless I could be able to track or prove the provenance, as there are no hallmarks on these pieces.
I was extremely fortunate to pick up this particular piece from a gentleman who had acquired the piece off a MACV SOG soldier. The MACV SOG veteran, at the time older and more senior, recognised the unit the gentleman was with, and after getting to know each other, sold him the watch under the condition that he “never change it”. In order to keep it safe, the owner then put it in a draw for almost 30 years until I acquired it.
I feel extremely honoured and almost undeserving to own this piece, as I am the only owner of this particular piece that hasn’t served. At least I know it is in hands that will take care of it for the long foreseeable future, and will ensure that it will “never be changed”.
Seiko 6810-0010 ‘Wide Lug’
This watch was by far one of the hardest and most difficult watches to find. It houses one of Seiko’s most thinnest movements, the 6810, which is 1.98mm thick! The watches in this line were created between the late 60’s to early 70’s, and brought back again in the 90’s. The watches with these movements are uncommon, but not impossible to find. This particular iteration with what they call the ‘wide lugs’ and is extremely rare. I think I spent almost 4 years searching for this piece daily, I’m glad thats over now! You can also see this piece in the Seiko Museum in Tokyo!
Coin comparison
Seiko Bell-Matic ‘Business Bell’ 4006-7010
I’m a big fan of Bell-Matics, I personally believe that their design and overall aesthetics were more considered and thought through than other mechanical alarm watches at the time, such as Vulcain’s Cricket. This particular piece is known at the ‘Business Bell’, made in the 70’s. My understanding is that Seiko made a line of watches that have ‘Business’ stamped on the dial, specifically designed and marketed toward the Tokyo business/salary men. The Business Bell although not impossible to find, one of the more uncommon Bell-Matics.
Seiko KS ‘Oman/Khanjar’ 4502-8010
I’d love any opinions or help on this piece if anyone has any information. Still not 100% convinced that it is legitimate. I have come across 3 online (including this one), and although I am questioning legitimacy, I am at this stage pointing towards it being real. One main reason for this is that I have seen another one where someone in the past has popped out the KS medallion and very roughly stuck on an Arabic coin in its place. It wasn’t done with much finesse or quality (scratching up the case back and piece), but leads me to believe that someone did it out of patriotism vs. someone trying to create a fake Omani-crested watch.
I like to imagine that there was some Omani Sheikh that really appreciated and saw the quality in Seiko’s KS line and unlike everyone else around him, decided to get a few Seiko’s done instead of the typical Rolex/Swiss watches.
Seiko ‘JASDF’ 6139-7012
This is a Seiko chronograph that was issued to the JASDF (Japan Air Self Defence Force). Unlike other Seiko watches, the 8 digit serial is hidden on the inside of the case back and instead the case back has the Sakura and military serial instead. Like the Iran watch, this one is well worn and theres a big gnarly chip taken out of the glass which I love. Couldn’t have this issued watch any other way!
Seiko Node GCLL999
This is one of my modern, and all time favourite watches - To me, it is the most balanced and beautiful dials of all Spring Drive watches that Seiko has created to date. Not only that, the case and bracelet design is extremely well designed. It is thought that this watch was one of the earlier watches worked on by the Micro-studio team and an inspiration for the later design of the Eichi. Unlike the Grand Seiko line, theres something beautiful about its pure Japanese design and aesthetic.
As said by others, looking at the dial of this watch is “porn under a loupe”. I don’t think I’ve seen any other watches at this price point that have half polished, half brushed hands, urushi/mother of pearl moonphase and a general level of quality in the polishing and finishing.
Half polished, half brushed hands
Seiko ‘Kiku/Chrysanthemum’
The last piece I’d love to share is what I’ve called the Seiko ‘Kiku’. I’ve spent hours trying to find any trace of a super rare VFA with a Chrysanthemum print, which I’ve seen one picture of, and has been said to of been given to the Japanese Royal Family.
Whilst looking for information on the watch, I came across another watch with the Royalty seal. After getting super excited, I found out it was not owned by royalty, but rather a watch that was awarded to individuals who have made significant achievements in the areas of public welfare or public service.
Until I find that VFA one day, this one will do
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