As the world brought their greatest athletes to Tokyo for the 1964 Olympic Games, Seiko brought the world to the wrists of the watch wearing public. The World Time was the perfect way to commemorate the games, and in addition to the model and serial number, the case back was also embossed with the Olympic torch. This example from September of '64 is truly as good as it gets. The silvery white linen dial is flawless. At its border is a split bi-color 24 hour track, and it’s framed by a matte silver rotating "cities of the world" bezel with sleek red trim. The hands have retained their bright polished finish, and are free of oxidation or corrosion. The GMT cursor hand is solid black, and free of chipping or paint loss. The case architecture is classically shaped and serves as merely a frame for the dial aside from neatly proportioned lugs. The large, knurled crown positioned at 4 o’clock allows for a comfortable fit against the wrist, and can be rotated in either direction to position the inner bezel. As the torch insignia and model information on the case back was originally applied using a light embossing method, it’s a rarity to find them with anything but the serial number still visible after nearly 60 years of even the lightest wear. This one, however, is fully intact, and appears as if it rolled out of production just days ago. In an effort to protect the delicate finish, I’ve applied a static cling film to cover that portion of the case back, and would recommend leaving it in place if possible. We’ve paired it with a smooth midnight leather strap with white stitching that nicely showcases the dial and serves as a great texture contrast to the linen finish. Unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, it is truly an outstanding example. With the 2022 Games coming to a close, this is a perfect opportunity to acquire an incredible piece of Seiko’s own rich Olympic, and horological history.

Kvarnsjo Leather Smooth Midnight Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 2/14/22

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 19mm