Seiko 1940s Seikosha Unique 9 Jewel, 15K Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch New Old Stock (NOS)

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Unique
Year of Production: Circa 1940s
Movement: 12078
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 9
Hand and Dial: 3D 15K Solid-Gold Arabic Numerals / Baton Indices with Alpha Hands
Width: 31mm
Lug to Lug Height: 37mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Prior to the debut of the Seiko Super and Seiko Unique, 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 movement was considered a much simpler and more effective system than to incorporate the second hand with the minute and hour hand. But that all changed circa 1950 when Seiko OFFICIALLY launched the Seiko Super 15J (SUWA) and the Seiko Unique 15J (DAINI).

Unfortunately, due to poor archives, this particular Seiko Unique 9J DAINI watch is not book-kept and its actual date debut cannot be traced. Most available information point to 1940s thus this watch is truly "unique" (excuse the pun) because this Unique model only has 9 jewels instead of 15, thus it is using a Swiss 1930s 9J movement thereby making this watch as rare as a white unicorn or Leprechaun, and it is a New Old Stock model!

This gorgeous Seiko Unique, Model U12078 9 Jewel 15K Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch is breathtaking in so many ways. It is the first Seiko (according to available records) to incorporate actual 15K solid gold indices onto the dial instead of the traditional method of painting the numberings (onto the dial). This timepiece may have been a DAINI proto-type model (hence its NOS status) for the future Seiko Super, Seiko Unique and Seiko Marvel that will disrupt the watch industry when launched in 1956.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a pre-launched Seiko Unique Seikosha DAINI in New Old Stock (NOS) condition. THEREBY, THIS IS ONE OF THE WATCHES TO COLLECT BY FAR! It even comes with an extremely rare genuine leather Seiko Shield patch that confirms its 9J status!

This seldom seen 1940s Vintage Seiko has a pearl white dial that has gracefully and uniformly aged to buttery-beige, compliments of Patina (AKA Wabi Sabi - the "Imperfect Perfections / the Perfect Imperfections") forming at the center of the dial. This marries beautifully with the 15K solid gold indices and hands. The result - the "Perfect Patina" as it is called by watch collectors that is extremely pleasing to the eye.

Careful cleaning was performed on the 15K solid gold Indices and hands that brought out their immaculate condition, and the crystal glass is brand new.

The classical designed case is New Old Stock (NOS) but was buffed to remove age marks and miniscule hairline scratches caused by aging.

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

Even though it is NOS, this timeless timepiece was nonetheless carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 4 March 2023;hence, it underwent an overahaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with a Swiss 1930s movement made from stainless steel, it is housed in a U12078 case, and has 9 Jewels whilst operating at 18,000 beats an hour. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of -8 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 274! Such readings are exceptional 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.

Do note: we can reduce the -8 seconds to almost 0 but we would have to use it to get the exact reading thus rendering it no longer a NOS timepiece.

A brand new sandy-brown vintage genuine leather strap comes with a silver buckle that enhances the watch dial and case. The strap even though brand new shows slight signs of aging.

The case width and height are approximately 31mm (without crown) and 37mm respectively. The lug width is 16mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the women.

Everything within the case is 100% original thereby it is considered in MINT condition, what with its age of 73 odd years being taken into consideration.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case is in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within is 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 born in 1940s! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will GREATLY appreciate over time.

This is a non-existent (in every sense of the word) gorgeous 1940s Seiko Unique Mechanical Watch in NOS mint condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, movement, case, and immaculate 15K solid gold indices and hands; so, be "unique" (excuse the pun) and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This timepiece IS a collectors item and should not be worn and is worth investing in because it will surely be worth a pretty penny as time goes by.

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