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No Reserve

151

Seikosha

"Tensoku-Doke"

A very rare, historically intriguing and fascinating nickel-plated pilot's wristwatch with revolving bezel

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000
€10,400 - 15,600
$11,000 - 16,500
CHF11,430
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Seikosha
Year
Circa 1942
Case No
1360 and 67718
Model Name
"Tensoku-Doke"
Material
Nickel
Calibre
Manual, 15 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Metal pin buckle
Dimensions
48.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case and movement signed, outside caseback stamped Airforce No. 1360
Catalogue Essay
Manufactured by Seikosha, the present watch is an incredibly rare historical relic of the 1940s. Conceived as a pilot's watch, the "Tensoku-Dokei" or "Celestial Watch" is also known as the "Kamikaze" as it was originally worn by Japanese Kamikaze pilots in World War II. Not only were very few made, but most examples have all but disappeared, having been destroyed in the wreckage; those salvaged from the embers have been ravaged by the explosions. To discover an example still intact, let alone in excellent condition, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Research from the Seiko Museum shows that this model was produced in two generations. Early examples, such as the present watch, featured a hand wound 19 Ligne movement with 15 jewels and displayed a detailed finishing on bridge and plate. Later generation examples had 9 jewels. The Japanese navy also used these timepieces as a navigation instrument, which could also be worn on the soldier's thigh.

Seikosha

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