Selection: Thevintageur x italianwatchspotter
SPECIFICATIONS
Incredible Seiko “Golden Waves” ref. 18-3119-D with solid 18K yellow gold case, Seiko 16-A quartz crystal movement, from the 1980s.
18K yellow gold case measuring 27.4mm x 24.1mm
Original crown
Original crystal
Black strap and buckle
Seiko 16-A quartz movement
ANALYSIS
When Japanese technology meets European craftsmanship, something truly special is born. This watch elegantly and subtly blends two distinct worlds. Seiko designed the dial and movement; the splendid gold case is crafted by the UTI factory in France. The double “owl” hallmarks (a reference to the production of small 18K gold objects in France) and the “UTI” hallmark, featuring two hammers intersecting to form an “X,” are recognizable. The reference to Germany on the caseback is also very distinctive. It is highly likely that the dial and movement were shipped from Japan to France, where the case was crafted, and that the watch was then destined for the German market.
With these premises, it was inevitable that a nearly unique piece would be created.
The TV-shaped dial is finely brushed and gold-colored. The hours are marked by thin stick indexes arranged almost radially on the edge of the semi-rectangular dial. They shimmer in the light, matching the surface of the dial. The hands are the same width as the indexes and are pencil-shaped.
The solid 18k yellow gold case is finished on the upper surface with a fluid and sculptural undulation, reminiscent of a series of golden waves that appear to overlap. The visual effect is truly extraordinary.
This timepiece is powered by the Seiko 16-A movement, a 15.1 mm x 13 mm ovoid quartz caliber. It features 5 jewels, and the quartz crystal oscillates at a frequency of 32.768 Hz.
