Seiko - Prime Minister Presentation Hunter Sub-Seconds - 1980-1989

Introduction

A gold-tone Seiko Quartz open-face hunter pocket watch featuring a cream dial with Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position, and a small seconds sub-dial. The exterior caseback carries an engraved paulownia (桐紋) crest — the official seal of the Japanese Prime Minister's Office — together with the inscription 内閣総理大臣 (Prime Minister of the Cabinet), marking this as a presentation piece gifted by a Japanese Prime Minister. The quartz movement is visible with the caseback opened.

Historical / Era context

The paulownia crest (五七桐) has been the official emblem of the Japanese Prime Minister's Office since the Meiji era and is used exclusively on items presented as gifts by the Prime Minister or the Cabinet Office. Pocket watches bearing this crest and the inscription 内閣総理大臣 were commissioned from Japanese manufacturers such as Seiko for use as formal government presentation gifts, making such pieces rare collector items of Japanese political provenance. The case is confirmed as base metal with a gold-tone plating, marked 'BASE METAL / JAPAN A' on the inner caseback lid, and the watch runs on a Seiko quartz movement.

Condition

The watch is running and keeping good time. The watch was checked running at the time of listing with a fresh battery. Battery life and long-term accuracy are not guaranteed. As a vintage timepiece it may benefit from a service.

Case: The case body shows scattered fine surface scratches and minor marks consistent with age and handling. The gold-tone surfaces retain a good overall shine. The hunter cover opens and closes securely on its hinge.

Dial: The cream dial is clean and legible with no significant staining. The Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds sub-dial markings are sharp and clear.

Crystal: The crystal is present and clear with no chips or cracks visible.

Movement: The watch is running. The quartz movement is visible with the caseback opened and is in clean, unmodified condition.

Accessories: No chain, box, or papers are included.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Seiko
Model: SEIKO QUARTZ
Movement: Quartz (quartz)
Case material: Metal
Case diameter: approx. 42 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 50 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 56 mm
Dial color: Cream
Period: 1980-1989
Weight: approx. 45 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked running with a fresh battery)

Closing note

This is a rare and historically significant Seiko Quartz presentation pocket watch bearing the official paulownia crest and the inscription of the Japanese Prime Minister — a compelling piece for collectors of Japanese political memorabilia or Seiko presentation watches. Please examine all photographs carefully before bidding.
As with all vintage timepieces, please examine the provided photographs carefully to satisfy yourself with the condition before bidding. The watch is sold as a vintage collectible; water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.
The item is carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are the buyer's responsibility.