Seiko - Empire Seikosha - 1900-1949

Introduction

This auction presents an antique Empire mechanical pocket watch fitted with a Seikosha movement, a historically interesting Japanese-made timepiece with a classic early 20th-century pocket watch design.

The dial is signed “EMPIRE” and features bold Arabic numerals, blued-style hands and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The movement is signed “SEIKOSHA”, connecting this watch to the early history of Japanese watchmaking.

This lot also includes a chain and a storage box from the previous owner. Please note that the box is not confirmed to be the original manufacturer’s box, but it is included as part of the watch’s ownership history.

Historical / Era context

Seikosha was the predecessor manufacturing name associated with what later became Seiko, one of Japan’s most important watchmakers. In the early 20th century, Seikosha produced clocks and pocket watches at a time when Japanese watchmaking was developing from imported Western technology into domestic precision production.

Pocket watches such as this were used during a period when wristwatches had not yet fully replaced pocket watches in daily life. The simple Arabic numeral dial, small seconds layout and robust metal case reflect the practical design of Japanese pocket watches from the first half of the 20th century.

This watch appears to date from the early 20th century, likely around the 1920s–1940s, based on the Seikosha-signed movement, dial layout, case style and overall construction.

Condition

The watch is in antique condition with visible signs of age and use.

Case: The silver-tone case shows strong signs of aging, including scratches, oxidation, discoloration, plating wear, darkened areas, small marks and general patina. Wear is visible around the bezel, crown, bow and case edges. The inside of the case back has an engine-turned circular finish and markings, including “NICKEL” and a case number.

Dial: The aged white dial shows small stains, marks, discoloration and general surface aging. The “EMPIRE” signature, Arabic numerals and small seconds sub-dial remain visible.

Crystal: The crystal shows scratches and age-related wear, but the dial remains readable.

Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement signed “SEIKOSHA”. Long-term accuracy has not been tested, so future adjustment or servicing may be required, as with any antique mechanical timepiece.

Chain: A metal chain is included. It shows visible wear, tarnish, oxidation and age-related discoloration.

Box: A storage box from the previous owner is included. The box shows age, stains, wear and discoloration. It is not confirmed as the original box.

Specifications

Brand: Empire / Seikosha
Model: Antique pocket watch
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Movement marking: SEIKOSHA
Case material: Nickel / silver-tone metal case
Case diameter: Approximately 49.5 mm
Case diameter including crown: Approximately 55.0 mm
Total length including crown and bow: Approximately 62.0 mm
Weight: Approximately 48 g including chain
Dial color: Aged white / cream
Dial style: Arabic numerals with small seconds sub-dial
Period: Early 20th century / 1900–1949
Estimated production period: Circa 1920s–1940s
In working order: Not confirmed
Accessories: Chain and previous owner’s storage box
Special note: Seikosha-signed movement; previous owner’s storage box included; weight includes the chain.

Closing note

This Empire / Seikosha pocket watch is an appealing Japanese antique timepiece with a Seikosha-signed movement, aged white dial, small seconds register and authentic vintage patina.

It is especially suitable for collectors of Japanese pocket watches, early Seiko / Seikosha history, antique mechanical watches and Meiji–Showa era Japanese horology.

As with all antique and vintage timepieces, please carefully examine the provided high-resolution photographs to satisfy yourself with the condition before placing your bid. The watch is sold as a vintage collectible item, and long-term accuracy, water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.

Import duties, taxes, VAT, customs fees and any other import-related charges are the responsibility of the buyer. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.

The item will be packed securely and shipped with tracking.