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 May of ‘68 is just phenomenal. The dial is a bright silver white sunburst with a subtle radial grain and a sleek lacquer finish. Applied polished markers note the hours, and second or minute notations are printed at each in a clean thin font.  Broad, sharply tapered dauphines with a beveled polished finish count the hours and minutes. They have retained their original “mint” luminous, and along with the dial plots, show some 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 cross grain finish. The knurled bezel is a black “count up” style with white inlay for contrast. The case is a timeless design with reaching tapered and beveled lugs, and a lean profile. It’s unpolished and all original aside from a replacement crystal, and we’ve paired it with a “tropic sport” style strap for a sporty period finish. It winds and sets smoothly, and post service with a NOS mainspring installed, it’s 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. 

CNS “Tropic Sport” Style Black Composite

Serviced 6/23

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 18mm