Seiko - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Seiko
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 4520-8020
    Movement No: 000’831
    Model Name: Astronomical Observatory Chronometer
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 4580, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Seiko pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Grand Seiko service invoice and report dated 9th April 2013, The Seiko Museum letter confirming the present timepiece has been exhibited from June to August 2014 and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Seiko entered the Swiss chronometry contests following its success in domestic chronometer competitions organized by the Japanese government in the late 1950s. Seiko first participated in the contests organized by the Observatoire Cantonal de Neuchâtel in 1963, submitting a quartz Crystal Chronometer clock in the marine chronometer category, which impressively placed 10th. This achievement made Seiko the first company from outside Switzerland to finish in the top ten, marking the beginning of a series of victories in chronometer contests.

    Although the Neuchâtel Observatory ceased the chronometry contests in 1968, it continued to test and certify observatory chronometers. In that same year, Seiko submitted 103 of its cal. 4520 movements for chronometer certification. These high-beat movements, running at 36,000 bph, saw 73 certified as observatory chronometers. In the following years, Seiko submitted another 30 in 1969 and 150 in 1970, with 25 and 128 passing respectively. The increasing success rate demonstrated Seiko's ability to produce exceptionally accurate movements, culminating in a total of 226 certified within three years.

    Selling for 180,000 Yen in 1969, the Astronomical Observatory Chronometers were priced about six times higher than the basic Grand Seiko at the time. The case features a beautiful and delicate linen finish, mirrored by the dial. While the calibre 4580 was fitted in the 1969 and 1970 watches, all were labeled “4520” on the dial at six o’clock. Notably, this particular wristwatch was equipped with a display back, allowing admiration of the incredible chronometer movement, whereas the original case back was solid. What is even more impressive is that the present watch was also included in The Seiko Museum from June to August 2014 after servicing.

Σ40

Ref. 4520-8020
A historically important and well-preserved yellow gold cushion-shaped observatory chronometer wristwatch with center seconds

Circa 1970
36mm diameter
Dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 310,000 
€18,800-36,500
$20,500-39,700

Sold for HK$444,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November