Model: Ginza Wako “Clock Tower” 6898-00Z0
Year: 2022
Limited Edition: 50
Features:
The History. In 1894, in order to satisfy his rapidly expanding business, Kintarō Hattori, founder of Seiko, converted the headquarters of a local newspaper into a bustling hub for his Seikosha clocks. Then came tragedy. In 1923, the Great Kantō earthquake, and the firestorm that followed, ripped through the city - almost half of Tokyo was transformed into a blackened wasteland, with an estimated 397,119 homes destroyed. Despite the devastation, politicians and business leaders saw it as an opportunity to rebuild Tokyo as modern metropolis, fit for the new age.
The Rebuild. Hattori seized the moment, and rebuilt his destroyed Ginza store even grander than it had been before - crowned with an even taller clocktower. By 1932, work was complete, and if you’ve already made the pilgrimage to Ginza, you’ll no doubt recognise its façade as the shape hasn’t changed much since its unveiling almost 100 years ago. At seven stories tall, it became a symbol for Tokyo’s recovery and gave hope to the city.
The Anniversary. Fast-forward to 2022, and Wako celebrated the clock tower’s 90th anniversary with the release of the 6898-00Z0. But this was more than a commemorative release - the building had reached a turning point. Ginza Wako, as it had been known since the 1950s, became Seiko House Ginza, and its top three floors were repurposed. The top floor was transformed into the Atelier Ginza watchmaking studio.
The New Studio. You’re undoubtedly familiar with Seiko’s three major studios - Shizukuishi, where the mechanical Grand Seikos get made, Shinshu, home of the Spring Drive, and The Micro Artist Studio, where pieces like the Credor Eichi II are born. What about a newly created fourth studio? The Atelier Ginza Studio, located on the 7th floor of the Seiko House Ginza, was formed in 2022 as a mechanical-centric answer to The Micro Artist Studio. And when their debut watch was a $350,000 constant-force tourbillon, the first of its kind for Seiko, you know they mean business.
The Movement All of that is to say the 90th anniversary of the Wako clocktower was more than a historical mark in a calendar, and the 6898-00Z0 perfectly encapsulates the importance. Powered by the always delightful, 1.98mm thick 68 calibre, the exhibition caseback has been decorated with the famous Wako silhouette.
The Dial. Turning the watch over and you’re meet with a uniquely patterned dial - designed to look like the granite that adorns the building itself. Arabic numerals at the 12, 3 and 9 are unusual for Seiko dress piece, but they’re a welcome addition, further making this watch distinctly its own.
The Availability. Limited to just 50 pieces, and offered exclusively to Wako’s top clients, I’ve only seen it come up for sale once in Japan. Given the likely future significance of Atelier Ginza, the 90th anniversary Wako clock tower watch will undoubtedly remain of interest to collectors.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. No marks of any significance. Original strap and clasp, with spare strap.
Scope: Full box and papers.
Movement: 6898 by Credor
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 36.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 43.0mm
- Case Thickness: 6.9mm
