It would seem that nicknames have become a ubiquitous component of both modern and vintage watch culture. It’s likely that your favorite reference also carries some moniker that serves as a descriptor of sorts, or has been earned through association to some historical character, fictional or otherwise. Such is the case with this Daini sport diver from May of ‘68. The heroes of Japanese pop-culture have been pervasive here in the west for decades, and that’s owed to the success and transcendence of the “Tokusatsu” style of superhero television shows dating back to the late 1960’s and 70’s. Kamen or “Masked” Rider, was a camp sci-fi series that featured Takeshi Hongo as the motorcycle riding, and you guessed it, masked protagonist whose purpose was to seek justice against a Nazi terrorist organization known as Shocker. By this point, you may have already put it together that this specific Nazi slayer did so with a particular vintage Seiko strapped to his wrist. Oddly enough, it doesn’t seem that the connection was even made prior to 2014, but once discovered, collectors and tokusatsu fans all over the world began snatching up every 5126-8090 in sight. Today, its all but impossible to find your own, as like most of the Daini sport divers, this too was a JDM only variant with a very short production run. Even if you’re not a die hard Kamen Rider fan, its easy to see the appeal of this diver, and we’re proud to have this spectacular example to offer. The dial is a striking silver sunburst with a heavy grain and slick lacquer finish. A black block minute chapter traverses through the applied hour markers, and a bright red “lollipop” sweep counts the seconds. Beyond the dial is steel chapter with a tightly grooved concentric pattern that creates an almost iridescent frame. The bezel sports a sandblasted finish with minimal black markers at the hours and a luminous pip at zero. Most examples we’ve encountered did not age well as they are susceptible to paint loss on both the dial and the bezel. The condition here speaks for itself. It’s unpolished with crisp case lines and corners, and completely original aside from a replacement crystal. The Daini 5126 is keeping near perfect time post service, and we’ve paired with a chestnut leather with black stitching. Considering the scarcity and insane demand for this hero’s watch, it’s doubtful we’ll have another anytime soon. 

Kvarnsjo Leather Chestnut Grain Leather with Black Stitch

Serviced 8/2/20

Diameter- 39.5mm

Lugs- 19mm