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.