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

Introduction

A gold-toned Seiko Quartz hunter-case pocket watch featuring a cream dial with Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position, and a snap-back case engraved on one side with a paulownia crest (五七桐) and the characters 内閣総理大臣 — indicating it was presented as an official gift by the Prime Minister of Japan. The quartz movement is visible with the caseback opened, housed in a base-metal gold-plated case measuring 42.2 mm in diameter and weighing 44 g. The case and all outer surfaces retain a bright polish.

Historical / Era context

Seiko has a long tradition of producing prestige pocket watches for ceremonial and official presentation purposes in Japan. The paulownia crest (五七桐) is the official emblem of the Japanese government and the Office of the Prime Minister, and watches engraved with this crest and the legend 内閣総理大臣 were awarded as government commendation gifts — making this an unusually distinguished piece of institutional provenance. The quartz caliber, manufactured by Seiko Time Corp. And described on the movement plate as 'No Jewels', reflects the post-1970s quartz era of Seiko pocket-watch production. The case is stamped 'SEIKO BASE METAL JAPAN A' on the inner dust cover, confirming a gold-plated base-metal construction.

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 on the back cover, consistent with age and handling. The bezel rim and band retain most of their original bright finish. The hunter cover opens and closes crisply. No deep dents or deformation are present.

Dial: The cream dial is clean and legible with no staining, discolouration, or lifting. All Arabic numerals and the subsidiary seconds chapter ring are sharp and well-defined. The dial surface is in very good order.

Crystal: The crystal is clear and free of cracks. There are faint light surface marks visible but nothing that impairs legibility.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the quartz movement — signed 'JAPAN / NO JEWELS / SEIKO TIME CORP.' — is visible and in clean condition with no corrosion. The battery compartment shows no sign of leakage.

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

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Seiko
Model: SEIKO QUARTZ
Movement: Quartz (quartz)
Jewels: No jewels
Case material: Gold-plated
Case diameter: approx. 42.2 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 51.2 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 56.1 mm
Dial color: Cream
Period: 1980-1989
Weight: approx. 44 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked running with a fresh battery)

Closing note

A rare and distinguished Seiko Quartz pocket watch with direct Japanese government provenance, bearing the Prime Minister's official paulownia crest — an exceptional find for collectors of Japanese institutional timepieces. Please examine all photographs closely as they form part of the item description.
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.