Collectible Japan National Railways Circa 1950! Seiko Seikosha Super 15 Jewel, 14K Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH / AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Super
Year of Production: Circa 1950
Movement: NA
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 15
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Arabic & Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 30mm
Lug to Lug Height: 38mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 16mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Expendable SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Prior to the debut of the Seiko Super (SUWA) and Seiko Unique (DAINI), all Seiko watches had a mini-second hand, hence a separate mini-movement within the main movement that powered the second hand. It seems a separate second hand was considered a much simpler and more effective system than to incorporate the second hand into the main movement. But that all changed circa 1950 when Seiko launched the Seiko Super (SUWA) and Seiko Unique (DAINI).

Here we have a Seiko Seikosha Super circa 1950. The exact date of production is unavailable because the first few Seiko Seikosha Super batches were produced using European movements and were not numbered.

It was on 1 June 1949 that the Japan Government Railways was privatised and renamed the Japan National Railway. There is no factual evidence but it seems that this particular timepiece was specifically produced by Seiko as a Long Service Award for staff from the Japan Government Railways who were retiring in 1950.

The gorgeous Seiko Super, 15 Jewel Mechanical Watch was eons ahead of its competitors when launched. It features an anti-shock system to help alleviate any jarring effect to the balance wheel and main spring. Furthermore, the Seiko Super is also the first SUWA to incorporate actual 14K gold indices onto the dial instead of the traditional method of painting the numberings (onto the dial).

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Seikosha SUWA in excellent condition. It is a Collectible for certain!

This seldom seen circa 1950 vintage Seiko has a 2 tone egg white and inner grey dial that has gracefully aged to a buttery-beige-white that marries beautifully with the 14K solid gold Arabic numeral & baton indices and dauphine hands.

These 14K gold Indices and hands are also in immaculate condition with no signs of age after a good clean-up, and the crystal glass was replaced.

The classical designed case was polished but do note that miniscule hairline scratches on case, and back case.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and tucked away nicely to prevent damage or snags.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 15 January 2024. In short, it was given a proper overhaul instead of a general servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

The movement is made from stainless steel and has 15 Jewels, and operates at 18,000 beats an hour. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 210 with a straight and centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional to achieve even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 30mm (without crown) and 38mm respectively. The lug width is 16mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the women.

The timepiece comes with a brand new hi-quality expendable SS bracelet as part of the deal.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch case in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a gorgeous circa 1950 Seiko Super Mechanical Japan Railway Collectible timepiece in stunning condition with a beautifully preserved 2 tone vintage dial, movement, case, and immaculate gold-filled indices and hands; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!