Seiko - Precision Second Setting Pocket Watch With Engraved Case Back - 6110-0010 - 1970-1979

Introduction

This is a Seiko Precision 21-jewel open-face pocket watch fitted with a white dial carrying large bold Arabic numerals, blued spade hands, a subsidiary seconds register at the lower centre, and the inscription 'SECOND SETTING' — denoting its dead-beat seconds-setting function for precise time synchronisation. The exterior caseback is engraved 東北鉄 8223, identifying this piece as having been issued by the Tohoku Railway Administration Bureau of Japanese National Railways, with the individual supply number 8223. The movement is the manual-winding Seiko calibre 6110A, visible with the caseback opened.

Historical / Era context

Seiko's open-face railway pocket watch, often referred to as the 'Type 19' lineage, was the standard timekeeper issued to Japanese National Railways (JNR / 国鉄) train drivers and conductors from the late 1920s through 1971 and beyond. Bureau-stamped examples such as this one — marked 東北鉄, the Tohoku Railway Administration Bureau — were individually numbered, issued to named staff, and subject to regular regulation checks, making each piece a genuine piece of operational railway history. The 'SECOND SETTING' (精度検時) function allowed the driver to stop the seconds hand and restart it precisely on a time signal, a requirement for safe, punctual rail operations. The calibre 6110A is a high-grade 21-jewel manual-winding movement produced by Seiko specifically for this professional application.

Condition

The watch is running, with a measured rate of approximately +1 minute 20 seconds per day (gaining). The watch was checked lying flat (dial up) after a full wind. This is a spot check at the time of listing; as a vintage mechanical watch the rate in actual wear varies with position and winding state, and long-term accuracy is not guaranteed. As a vintage timepiece it may benefit from a service.

Case: The chrome-plated case retains a strong overall polish with scattered fine scratches on the caseback and mid-band consistent with operational use; there is no deep denting or deformation. The interior of the caseback carries the calibre reference 6110-0010 and a production code 790716, and shows light surface marks from past caseback openings. The caseback exterior bears the Tohoku Bureau inscription 東北鉄 / 8223 cleanly applied.

Dial: The white dial is clean and legible with no staining, chips, or significant marks. The bold Arabic numerals and the 'SEIKO PRECISION 21 JEWELS' and 'SECOND SETTING' texts are sharp and unaffected.

Crystal: The mineral crystal is clear with no visible cracks. There are light surface scratches consistent with age and use, but they do not obscure dial legibility.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the Seiko calibre 6110A is visible: a manual-winding 21-jewel movement with clean nickel-finish plates, polished and jewelled pivot holes, and well-preserved gold-tone wheel work. The movement has been kept in good mechanical order.

Accessories: No box, papers, chain, or accessories are included. The watch is offered as shown.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Seiko
Model: SEIKO PRECISION 21 JEWELS SECOND SETTING
Reference: 6110-0010
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Jewels: 21 jewels
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 48.2 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 61.7 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 71.2 mm
Dial color: White
Period: 1970-1979
Weight: approx. 83 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: approx. +1 minute 20 seconds per day (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

A genuine bureau-issued Seiko Precision railway pocket watch with its Tohoku Railway Administration Bureau stamp intact, this is an outstanding piece for collectors of Japanese horology, railway history, or precision pocket 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.