Nº 107964807

Seiko - Railway-Issued Precision Sub-Seconds Open-Face - 1960-1969
Nº 107964807

Seiko - Railway-Issued Precision Sub-Seconds Open-Face - 1960-1969
Introduction
This is a Seiko Precision open-face pocket watch signed 'SEIKO PRECISION 15 JEWELS' on the cream dial, with bold Arabic numerals, blued spade hands, and a subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position marked 'DIAFLEX'. The caseback is stamped 昭36 / 368 / 東鉄, identifying this as watch number 368 issued in Showa 36 (1961) by the Tokyo Railway Administration Bureau. The movement is a hand-wound Seikosha caliber with 15 jewels, visible with the caseback opened.
Historical / Era context
The Seiko Precision open-face pocket watch is the direct descendant of the 'Type 19' series that Seikosha supplied to Japanese National Railways from the late 1920s through the early 1970s. These watches were issued to train drivers and station staff who required a robust, legible, and reliably accurate timekeeper for on-time railway operations. The 東鉄 bureau mark (Tokyo Railway Administration Bureau) and the Showa 36 (1961) supply stamp on the exterior caseback confirm this example's official JNR provenance without ambiguity. The DIAFLEX inscription on the sub-seconds register refers to Seiko's shock-protection system for the balance staff, introduced in this era to improve durability in daily service.
Condition
The watch is running and keeping good time. 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 case shows scattered fine scratches across the mid-band and caseback exterior, consistent with decades of working use. The caseback retains its stamped markings clearly. The bow and crown are intact and functional.
Dial: The cream dial is legible with all numerals and text clearly readable. There is visible patina and some light staining across the dial surface, particularly toward the lower half, which is consistent with age. No paint losses or chips to the numerals.
Crystal: The crystal shows light surface scratches and some haze consistent with age and use. No cracks are present.
Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the Seikosha movement is visible: it is signed 'SEIKOSHA' and '15 JEWELS' on the nickel-finished mainplate, with a fast/slow regulator, gold-coloured train wheel bridge, and red jewel settings. The movement presents cleanly with no visible damage to the visible components.
Accessories: No box, papers, or chain are included. The watch is offered as pictured.
Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.
Specifications
Brand: Seiko
Model: SEIKO PRECISION 15 JEWELS DIAFLEX JAPAN
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case material: Stainless steel
Case diameter: approx. 49.8 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 58.6 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 63.7 mm
Dial color: Cream
Period: 1960-1969
Weight: approx. 79 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked lying flat after a full wind)
Closing note
A fully documented JNR-issued Seiko Precision from 1961, with the Tokyo Railway Administration Bureau stamp intact — a rare combination of proven provenance and working condition that makes this a compelling piece for any serious Japanese horology or railway memorabilia collector. Please examine all photographs carefully 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.
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