As the 1964 Tokyo Games were approaching, Seiko chose to mark the occasion with the release of two new models that held Olympic relevance, and would lay the ground work for some pretty historic milestones later on: the 6217 World Time, and the 45899 Monopusher Chronograph. Both were embossed with the Olympic torch on the case back, and after the games were kept on as regular production models. The World Time evolved several times over the next five years, and the Monopusher would eventually give way to the 6139 just a few years later in 1969. Those five years, however, saw a few variants of Seiko’s 60 second chronograph that would go on to forego the five digit model number of the past, and be renamed for the calibres housed inside; The time only 5719, 5717 date, and the holy grail of all Seiko chronographs, the 5718 (I’ll save the details on that one on the off chance I’m actually able to ever acquire one!) Though production only lasted a few years, these early Seiko single pushers are polished and refined pieces worthy of any efforts to track down your own. This example from September of ‘68 is an absolute stunner. The dial is a bright silver sunburst with heavy graining and a lacquer finish. Applied polished markers note the hours, and broad dauphines count the hours and minutes. They have retained their original luminous windows, and along with the dial, show almost no visible patina. The chronograph sweep is long and slender with a lengthy tail that makes it easy to follow around the dial. The minute chapter has 1/5th second hashes set over a satin circular brush finish. The knurled bezel is a steel “count up” style with black inlay for contrast. The case is a timeless design with reaching tapered and beveled lugs, and a sleek profile. It’s unpolished and original aside from a replacement crystal. We’ve paired it with genuine Seiko “Beads of Rice” bracelet from the same era that appears to be correct for this model. It winds and sets smoothly, and post service is keeping near perfect time. The single pusher starts, stops, and resets the sweep hand, and operation is smooth and responsive. At 37.5mm, its a dream on the wrist, and sure to be a highlight in any collection. 

Genuine Seiko “Beads of Rice” Bracelet

Serviced 5/16/20

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 18mm