Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 19, 2022
LOT 74
SEIKOSHA
MILITARY PILOT'S WRISTWATCH; “TENSOKU”; NICKEL-PLATED METAL
MILITARY PILOT'S WRISTWATCH; “TENSOKU”; NICKEL-PLATED METAL
EUR 14,000 - 28,000
USD 14,800 - 29,500 / HKD 116,000 - 232,000 / CHF 14,200 - 28,300
Fine and very rare, nickel-plated metal, manual-winding, round-shaped, oversize pilot's wristwatch, with black dial, centre-second, revolving bezel and engraved case-back.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-12 |
Good Worn |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Seikosha, Japan
Model “Tensoku”
Year circa 1940-1945
Movement No. 25
Case No. 12 245
Material nickel-plated metal
Bracelet leather strap
Buckle steel buckle
Diameter 48 mm.
Caliber 19'''
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories with a command pennant of the Imperial Japanese Naval Aviation (imperial japan naval aviation) related to SEIKOSHA
Notes
Seikosha, “Tensoku”
This is the most famous Japanese military wristwatch of the Second World War. “Tensoku” is the abbreviation of “Tentai” and “Kansoku”, meaning “Astronomical Observation”.
For collectors of “militaria” this watch is the great rival of the large aviator’s watch “B-Urhen” made in Germany for the Luftwaffe.
Very legible and with an oversized crown, this watch was an important tool for the pilots. Two variants were produced. One equipped with a 19’’’ (line) and 15 jewels movement, the other with a less qualitative mechanical movement with 9 jewels.
Provenance
This watch was brought back from OKINAWA in 1945 by a marine officer (United States Marine Corps)