Obscure Seiko of the Day: Vintage Collector Stories

cazalea · 2015-05-18T14:19:50Z

Discover obscure and forgotten vintage Seikos, from the Sports 100 Split Chronograph to ANA pilot watches. Collectors share personal stories and insights.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

20 replies9455 views4 photos

Cazalea initiates a captivating week-long challenge, inviting fellow Seiko enthusiasts to unearth and celebrate their often-overlooked vintage Seikos. This thread highlights the personal connection collectors have with their timepieces, transforming them from mere objects into cherished memories and daily companions. Cazalea's own 30-year-old Seiko Sports 100 Split Chronograph serves as the perfect example to kick off this nostalgic journey.

Hello Seiko Fans,

I would like to invite you to join me in a week-long campaign to get our old, forgotten Seikos out of the watch closet and onto our wrists.

Just a picture and a paragraph of praise from each Seiko lover would give us momentum, and keep our PuristS forum consuming its rightful share of bandwidth.

I'll start with this 30-yr. old Seiko:

It's a Seiko Sports 100 Split Chronograph with date and moon phase complications. Born around 1985, it's retaining most of its ~~stunning~~ amusing gold tone finish, with just a tiny bit of patina growing around the chronograph pushers.

The original bracelet clasp is almost unmarked but does show a few light desk scratches.

The movement is 7A48A with 15 jewels and speed adjuster knob (amazing) and a recent battery change.

What do you think? I know it's out of fashion, but is it a watch you could wear occasionally to note the day of the month, check the phase of the moon, or time a steak on the BBQ? Or just wear to get some comments?

Cheers,

Cazalea

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-05-18 16:42:39

Key Points from the Discussion

A Seiko can hold immense sentimental value, becoming a priceless family heirloom passed down through generations, regardless of its market value.
Some Seiko models, like the Blue Planet World Time Limited Edition, can become 'dream watches' for collectors, representing a significant milestone in their horological journey.
Even seemingly common Seiko models can be rare finds in certain regions or contexts, such as an ANA-branded Seiko designed with airline pilots for in-flight sales.
Older Seiko watches, like the 7A48A movement, feature intricate details such as two-tone hands, a prominent 'S' on the second hand, knurled crowns, and ribbed bezels, making them highly distinctive.
The alarm function on vintage Seiko watches may be subdued, indicating a potential need for servicing, even if the watch is not worn regularly.
Vintage Seikos can spark a passion for watches in younger generations, becoming cherished pieces when passed down and revitalized with new straps and batteries.

The Discussion

Dr No

May 18, 2015

. . . has a Seiko Sea Lion. Circa '65; Dad was going to chuck it after it stopped running, but gave it to me instead. After having it repaired, he asked how much I'd spent on the project, and when told, he exploded. "That's ten times more than the it cost new!! Are you out of your mind?" :-)

KIH

May 19, 2015

This is not the most beautiful or expensive SEIKO, but this is one of the most valuable, priceless SEIKO in my collection nonetheless. One of my father's "better" shape watches I found after he passed away. I had it serviced, glass replaced, repaired, polished a bit, and wear whenever we go out with family, so that it would be like father is there with us. Just my ceremonial thing :-) Taken at the servicing place. Inside was luckily still very clean. After servicing. A bit scratchy, but okay. Th

Clueless_Collector

May 19, 2015

and now my wife :)). It's mostly sitting because I have move to higher end watches. Recently my son's watch bug just grew and he likes it so I changed the strap and battery for him. Now it's his favorite. Thanks for the thread! Rgds Raymond

MTF

May 19, 2015

This may not be so rare but I've never seen another one on anyone I've met even in Japan. I don't remember where I got it but it was in Japan because ANA is All-Nippon Airways, now probably No.1 Japanese airline after Japan Airlines went bust and was "rescued" by the government in 2009. It must have been in-flight because it has ANA logo and proudly states on the caseback: "Designed with ANA pilots". Regards, MTF

jml_watches

May 19, 2015

Hi While it's not obscure- a Bellmatic is one of Seiko's more known models - it is definitely old! Here's a quick wrist shot of mine Cheers JML

cazalea

May 20, 2015

thanks for sharing this with us. Mike

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