The build quality and design of Seiko’s early quartz Sport Divers is undeniable, and while the lion’s share of attention is given to Suwa’s 75XX and 7AXX references, the Daini division’s 712X movement is no slouch. It was housed in a handful of clean but colorful exports, and JDM “Silver Wave” models that are certainly worth the effort for the right example, and built to last through over engineering. The 7123 features most of the same aspects as the 75XX movements, including a metal gear train and “fly by wire” circuitry. Designed with serviceability in mind, two of its pivots are jeweled (lower step rotor and 4th (seconds) wheel), the plates and calendar components are metal construction, and the coil is easily replaced. Additionally, a hack (seconds setting) function, and independent quick set of both the day and date were incorporated. Compared to many modern offerings, the 7123 is still several miles ahead in reliability and robustness nearing 50 years since its introduction. The quality behind the dial is equally reflected from a front facing perspective, and this example from November of 1979 dares you not to love it. The gold and “root beer” color scheme is captivating, and in this instance, a near NOS (new old stock) representation  of how it would have appeared brand new some 45 years ago. The dial is a perfect purple brown with a “north to south” linen grain beneath a glossy lacquer finish. It’s topped with applied gold luminous markers with splits at 12, 6, and 9. The hour and minute hands are gold swords with painted white tips, and bright white luminous windows. Ticking away the seconds is a contrasting “arrow head” in matte silver. Framing the dial is a steep, matte gold chapter with minute and hour hashes that transitions into a “root beer” bezel above the crystal. The bezel itself is a block edge friction style with black enamel inlay at each break, and the insert shows no visible wear. The case is a sharp, low-profile tonneau with a sandblast finish that’s factory clean, and it’s attached to the original tapered three link bracelet in stainless steel. Both the crown and case back screw down tightly to protect all inside, and the original blue case back sticker is still in place. As it’s the only example we’ve seen in such fine condition, offering it up was not an easy decision. Add it to your roster now, before I have time to reconsider.

Original Seiko Tapered Three Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced- 1/25

Diameter- 38.5mm

Lugs- 19mm