Saitama_jp Vintage Seiko Unveiling x 2 (many pics) >>>
Sept 4, 2014 4:48:19 GMT -8
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Post by Thomas on Sept 4, 2014 4:48:19 GMT -8
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Hello folks,
Since my favorite watch companies seem to have moved away from affordable, classically style watches in the newest models, I have been drawn into the "vintage" watch market.
One eBay vendor in particular, saitama_jp, seems to often have examples in decent condition and the auction prices don't get too crazy.
Here is my first purchase from saitama_jp, a package I received this weekend. At first I was disappointed to see an "envelope" style package, thinking that I would prefer a "box" for better protection.
Inside was what looks like a grocery bag!?
Perhaps it affords some moisture protection in case the envelope gives wet.
Inside that is some local newspaper. Too bad I don't read Japanese, or I could check out the local news.
Under the newspaper is a wrapping of bubble-wrap. Hmm, looking at the newspaper again, I looks like the "Personals"! Might have made for some interesting reading!
And under the outer layer of bubble-wrap, some inner bundles of bubble-wrap. I am starting to think these watches were packaged just fine!
Let's start with the left-hand bundle shall we?
Ah, we are starting to get close, I like how the head of the watch is wrapped in tissue, Very "full of care"...
There we go! (No darn watch box to get stuck!) A really clean 1966 Seiko Weekdater, don't you think? And don't we all love the Kanji Day!?!
Here is a closer look, my black camera shroud has darkened the silver hands. If the bracelet is too small (which I think it is) this will look just fine on a nice black strap. Love the sunburst dial texture too!
I wasn't going to try and open these up, but I do have a movement picture of this watch from the seller.
Okay, let's dig into the second bundle.
Ha! I forget to expose the watch! This close-up doesn't help very much!
Okay, this close-up helps! Another clean vintage Seiko, this one is a 1970 Lord Matic. I like the black lines on the hands and indices. They will help keep them legible in bright light, when a plain silver hand might "disappear".
Interesting original bracelet too. It might even be long enough to wear!
And here are the two side by side.
And the mandatory "lume" shot!
Hahahahaha!
And I have learned that you true vintage watch lovers HAVE to see the case-back, so here you go.
I actually like the Japanese characters on the Lord Matic, they are so nicely done. I wondered what they said, and then the wonderful wife of a TOF member translated the Japanese for me:
"The numbers on the bottom (S45.4.1) stand for Showa 45 (1970) April 1, when the watch was awarded to a driver of a major bus company for no accidents in 5 years.
The literal translation is, "Nihonkotsu" (the bus company) "Accident free for 5 years" "President of the company - Kawanabe Akizo". The characters in the center of the case back mean "Prize".
Nihonkotsu is still in business and is the largest bus company in Japan, Akizo Kawanabe is the founder of the company, and was born in my home town of Tokorozawa."
Wow, that is so cool!
And of course the dolphin on the Weekdater is very cool!
And for all know, there are "Claspers" in the vintage watch world as well, so here is a picture for them!
Okay that's the end of this show.
And I just received one more vintage Seiko from saitama_jp last night, I'll probably get that unveiling posted by tomorrow.
Stay tuned!
Thanks for looking!
- Thomas
Hello folks,
Since my favorite watch companies seem to have moved away from affordable, classically style watches in the newest models, I have been drawn into the "vintage" watch market.
One eBay vendor in particular, saitama_jp, seems to often have examples in decent condition and the auction prices don't get too crazy.
Here is my first purchase from saitama_jp, a package I received this weekend. At first I was disappointed to see an "envelope" style package, thinking that I would prefer a "box" for better protection.
Inside was what looks like a grocery bag!?
Perhaps it affords some moisture protection in case the envelope gives wet.Inside that is some local newspaper. Too bad I don't read Japanese, or I could check out the local news.
Under the newspaper is a wrapping of bubble-wrap. Hmm, looking at the newspaper again, I looks like the "Personals"! Might have made for some interesting reading!
And under the outer layer of bubble-wrap, some inner bundles of bubble-wrap. I am starting to think these watches were packaged just fine!
Let's start with the left-hand bundle shall we?
Ah, we are starting to get close, I like how the head of the watch is wrapped in tissue, Very "full of care"...
There we go! (No darn watch box to get stuck!) A really clean 1966 Seiko Weekdater, don't you think? And don't we all love the Kanji Day!?!
Here is a closer look, my black camera shroud has darkened the silver hands. If the bracelet is too small (which I think it is) this will look just fine on a nice black strap. Love the sunburst dial texture too!
I wasn't going to try and open these up, but I do have a movement picture of this watch from the seller.
Okay, let's dig into the second bundle.
Ha! I forget to expose the watch! This close-up doesn't help very much!
Okay, this close-up helps! Another clean vintage Seiko, this one is a 1970 Lord Matic. I like the black lines on the hands and indices. They will help keep them legible in bright light, when a plain silver hand might "disappear".
Interesting original bracelet too. It might even be long enough to wear!
And here are the two side by side.
And the mandatory "lume" shot!
Hahahahaha!And I have learned that you true vintage watch lovers HAVE to see the case-back, so here you go.
I actually like the Japanese characters on the Lord Matic, they are so nicely done. I wondered what they said, and then the wonderful wife of a TOF member translated the Japanese for me:
"The numbers on the bottom (S45.4.1) stand for Showa 45 (1970) April 1, when the watch was awarded to a driver of a major bus company for no accidents in 5 years.
The literal translation is, "Nihonkotsu" (the bus company) "Accident free for 5 years" "President of the company - Kawanabe Akizo". The characters in the center of the case back mean "Prize".
Nihonkotsu is still in business and is the largest bus company in Japan, Akizo Kawanabe is the founder of the company, and was born in my home town of Tokorozawa."
Wow, that is so cool!
And of course the dolphin on the Weekdater is very cool!
And for all know, there are "Claspers" in the vintage watch world as well, so here is a picture for them!
Okay that's the end of this show.
And I just received one more vintage Seiko from saitama_jp last night, I'll probably get that unveiling posted by tomorrow.
Stay tuned!
Thanks for looking!
- Thomas
