Silver Pocket watch - Seiko Dentsu

[raz]

Hi WS! Recently this watch popped up on a local sales site (price asked 500 usd - which is more or less in line with other pieces I’ve found online). Never seen it before and I have to admit the way it looks is quite intriguing and although is not a diver it draws my attention. Not to much info online, except some forum posts, enough to get some insights of how this watch came on this world). I’m now trying to think in which pocket I would find her place on my outfits …

[Adrian-VTA]

It's a fairly uncommon electric movement.

500USD is a bit much. Maybe at 200usd.

It's a presentation watch. The double headed eagle with halos is a HRE symbol, so it's likely German, Austrian or Hungarian.

Dentsu is an advertising company with offices all over the world.

I note the last character there is "nen" which is the kanji symbol for year.

Dentsu was established in 1901, so you could assume it's their 70th anniversary in 1971, which would tie in perfectly to the age of the movement.

So my assumption would be it's a presentation watch to someone working in one of the European Dentsu offices, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary.

[raz]

Jun 13, 2021 21:07:59 GMT -8 Adrian-VTA said:

It's a fairly uncommon electric movement.

500USD is a bit much. Maybe at 200usd.

It's a presentation watch. The double headed eagle with halos is a HRE symbol, so it's likely German, Austrian or Hungarian.

Dentsu is an advertising company with offices all over the world.

I note the last character there is "nen" which is the kanji symbol for year.

Dentsu was established in 1901, so you could assume it's their 70th anniversary in 1971, which would tie in perfectly to the age of the movement.

So my assumption would be it's a presentation watch to someone working in one of the European Dentsu offices, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary.

Thanks Adrian! You’ve provided the exact info I needed! Will see how low the price can go. The asking one seemed a bit high but following your comment it is quite high. The fact that is silver (which I used to like wearing) and it has only Seiko markings (and the Suwa symbol ) and not Dentsu is a plus for me. If you ll see it popping up in the “what have you coming in the mail” thread it means I got a better deal. Not sure if it will ever pop up in the WRUW threads though…

[akable]

As Adrian commented this was produced in 1971 for the 70th Anniversary of the Dentsu Advertising agency. This was provided to Japanese staff at the time and these are fairly common in Japan.

Dentsu has worked with Seiko for many years and is likely still their advertising agency of choice these days. At around the time this watch was produced Dentsu was dominant and in 1973 they became the worlds largest ad agency. They remain in the top few agencies today.

That example has seen quite a bit of wear and this shows on the case back. Usually these are in better condition as most are very clean. The pricing seems to be a bit excessive as well. For example there is one on Yahoo Japan currently with a BIN of ~$320.

It is an interesting design and movement and the detail in the dial is very well done. I have had one for quite a few years and do enjoy it.

[HiBeat]

Wow Anthony your example is pristine if not immaculate !

I don't understand how it is powered by a battery cell but has what looks like a standard balance wheel with the battery providing the constant train power judging from the "A" and "B" lever style time adjustment set-up complete with a diashock on top?   What the heck is going on with that?   Seems very interesting !  

[Adrian-VTA]

Really simple.

They have a transistor setup in there.

So there are two electro magnets on either side of the balance area (the stators).

There is a magnet on the balance.

The circuit powers one side momentarily, pulls the balance around, then the other side powers momentarily and pulls the balance the other way.

End result is a fairly stable timekeeper with all the downsides and upsides of a mechanical movement.

Due to having a standard style of balance and a standard lever escapement, you can test/adjust them on a normal timegrapher.

Jun 15, 2021 12:57:47 GMT -8 HiBeat said:

Wow Anthony your example is pristine if not immaculate !

I don't understand how it is powered by a battery cell but has what looks like a standard balance wheel with the battery providing the constant train power judging from the "A" and "B" lever style time adjustment set-up complete with a diashock on top?   What the heck is going on with that?   Seems very interesting !