196.
SEIKOSHA – An oversized, extremely rare and historically interesting nickel-plated pilot’s watch
Manufacturer
Seikosha
Year
Circa 1940
Case No.
57’324
Model Name
“Tensoku-Doke”
Material
Nickel
Calibre
Manual, 9 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
48.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case and movement signed, outside case back stamped Airforce No. 8363
Estimate CHF 8,000-12,000 $8,200-12,300 €7,000-10,600
Manufactured by Seikosha, the present watch is an incredibly rare historical relic of the 1940s. Conceived as a pilot’s watch, the “Tensoku-Dokei” or “Celestial Watch” is also known as the “Kamikaze” as it was originally worn by Kamikaze pilots in World War II. Not only were very few made, but most examples have all but disappeared, having been destroyed in the wreckage; those salvaged from the embers have been ravaged by the explosions. To discover an example still intact, let alone in excellent condition, is nothing short of extraordinary. Research from the Seiko Museum shows that this model was produced in two generations. Early examples featured a hand wound 19 Ligne movement with 15 jewels and displayed a detailed fnishing on bridge and plate. The present watch is a later generation example with 9 jewels. The Japanese navy also used these timepieces as a navigation instrument, which could also be worn on the soldier’s thigh.
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