A rare top end Lassale men’s watch, made by Seiko, complete with box, papers and even the original receipt and spare bracelet links.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in July 1986. The paperwork, including the Mastercard carbon copy (remember those?), is dated for a sale in June 1988. Either year can be considered valid for a birth year watch.
CONDITION
First some history. Jean Lassale was a company that was fonded in 1976 and bankrupt by 1979, but were so well thought of that their mechanical movement designs were bought by Lemania, and the mighty Seiko bought the rights to the name. Seiko then used it for their top of the range quartz watches in the 1980’s – this watch was 161,500 Spanish Peseta, which according to this website would be nearly £800 today!
One of the reasons for the cost may be the case and bracelet material. We are not 100% sure, but we think this is either Aluminium or Tantulum, a metal normally only associated with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It is an incredibly tough material, resistant to acid and doesn’t melt until over 3,000 centigrade (the boiling point is over 5,000 degrees!). Tantulum is also this dark grey colour, and non magnetic, but other than this we would need a metal expert to verify if we are correct. This metal could also be a Tungsten alloy, but doesn’t ‘feel’ that heavy and Tungsten is very dense. (the whole watch weights 64g, whereas a steel Seiko 5 on a bracelet we have to hand weighs 103g)
The ladder bracelet does show some wear to the gold plated side links, but none to the sides of the case that are similarly plated. We also have a spare link for the bracelet, which is signed Lassale on the double opening hidden clasp. The Seiko 9552A 7 jewel quartz movement is working perfectly, including the quick set date. The mineral glass, dial and hands are flawless. Many dedicated Seiko collectors will have never even heard about these watches, never mind actually own one. A truly rare chance.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box, papers and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.3 mm
Width without crown 33.6 mm
Between lugs n/a
Lug to lug length 37.8 mm
Case Thickness 6.4 mm
Bracelet maximum length 195 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 2 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.
