Seikosha - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Seikosha
    Year: Circa 1940
    Case No: 57'324
    Model Name: "Tensoku-Doke"
    Material: Nickel
    Calibre: Manual, 9 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 48.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case and movement signed, outside case back stamped Airforce No. 8363

  • 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 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 featured a hand wound 19 Ligne movement with 15 jewels and displayed a detailed finishing on bridge and plate. The present watch is a later generation example with 9 jewels. The Japanese navy also used these timepieces as a navigation instrument, which could also be worn on the soldier's thigh.

196

An oversized, extremely rare and historically interesting nickel-plated pilot's watch

Circa 1940
48.5mm Diameter
Case and movement signed, outside case back stamped Airforce No. 8363

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,000-10,600
$8,200-12,300

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018