Seikosha were the earlier name for Seiko, and this early type 19 pocket watch was the first watch Japanese watch authorised for railway use.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Unlike later Seiko models we can not date this via the serial number. This movement and model were launched in 1929, and there are various changes that help identify the period in which this was made. For example, our watch has a nicely finished movement which was simplified during the war, and the oil reservoirs are the earlier, more basic design which were updated towards the end of the 1930’s. We estimate that this watch was made circa 1935.
CONDITION
Railway watches have to be accurate. If one station master had his watch running fast, and another had their watch running slow, trains crashed and people died. The type 19 movement in this watch was used between November 1929 all the way to November 1971, and Seiko watches are still used on the Japanese railway system.
This watch does have signs of age. there is a dent in the case back, and the chrome on the case has worn through in places. But the hands and dial are original, and the basic design that was based on the original Laurel model is still in use today. The movement is running well, although at 90 years old it should be retired from work use now!
This watch will be supplied with a basic presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 60.1 mm (excluding bow)
Width without crown 50.0 mm
Case Thickness 14.3 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 1 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. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
