Seiko - ZELMA Chronometer Pocket Watch - 1900-1949

This is a mechanical pocket watch labeled “Chronometer Zelma (ZELMA)”,
manufactured by Seikosha (Seiko, at the time) in the immediate post-war period of Japan, during the late 1940s.

Zelma is known as one of Seikosha’s pocket watch lineages produced from the late 1940s to the early 1950s.
Due to the short production period and the historical circumstances of the time, surviving examples are scarce, and both documentation and extant pieces are limited. As a result, Zelma pocket watches are highly regarded among collectors today.

The dial of this watch is signed “CHRONOMETER ZELMA”, and the movement construction and bridge layout correspond to what is generally referred to as the Zelma-type movement.

Movement and Specification

The movement of this particular watch does not display Seikosha (SEIKOSHA) engravings or jewel settings.
However, multiple Zelma-type watches with the same characteristics have been confirmed, especially among pieces bearing case back engravings indicating presentation or commemorative use by government offices or organizations.

Based on these observations, this watch can be identified as a special variant produced for presentation or commemorative purposes, in which movement engravings and jewels were intentionally omitted.

At the time, Seikosha was the only domestic manufacturer capable of reliably supplying pocket watches of this scale and quality for official and institutional presentation use.
Accordingly, this watch can be conclusively attributed to Seikosha.
The movement’s structural features are shared with the higher-grade “Special Zelma” models, and the engraved case back further supports this attribution.

It is also known that, during the same period, Zelma watches existed in multiple specifications, including:

Versions with Seikosha-signed movements

Higher-grade models with increased jewel counts, commonly referred to as “Special Zelma”

This watch represents a purpose-specific variant distinct from standard commercial models.

Historical Context

In the immediate post-war years of the 1940s, Japan was focused on rapid reconstruction, and efforts to encourage public morale were widespread.
Government bodies and various organizations frequently honored individuals and groups who contributed to reconstruction efforts, and watches were often chosen as symbolic presentation items to recognize such achievements.

Within this historical context, Seikosha, as Japan’s leading watch manufacturer, supplied reliable and practical timepieces tailored to the needs of official and institutional clients.
This watch is a tangible reflection of that era and of Seikosha’s role in post-war Japan.

Condition

The watch shows age-related wear, scratches, and patina consistent with its age

As a vintage mechanical timepiece, long-term accuracy and operational stability cannot be guaranteed

The watch is offered in as-is condition

Please review the photographs and description carefully.
This watch is recommended for vintage pocket watch enthusiasts and collectors seeking a rare timepiece with historical background and strong collection appeal.