Model: SCVM001 / 4S28-0040 “Historic Collection” Laurel Limited Edition (1000 Pieces)
Year: 2000
Features:
The Occasion. To celebrate the turn of the millennium, Seiko produced seven limited-edition reissues of historically significant watches. A mix of divers, formal pieces, everyday automatics, and pocket watches - the collection had something for everyone. The watch on offer today is a reimagining of the earliest model from the collection: the 1913 Laurel, also known as Seiko’s first wristwatch.
The Recreation. While broadly faithful to the original, Seiko sensibly made this reissue slightly larger than the original. At 33.0mm wide, it’s still smaller than the average modern wristwatch, but the WWI-style Bund strap gives it formidable wrist presence. The dial has been dutifully recreated. You don’t need me to tell you that Seiko has delivered an immaculate enamel finish - crisp white with a gently recessed small seconds sub-dial. The painted numerals have been layered multiple times, giving them a subtle lift against the high-contrast background.
The Details. On this millennium version, Seiko decided to replace the 1913 blued spade style hands with blued Breguet-adjacent hands - perhaps to harmonise with the Breguet numerals. Interestingly, the domed crystal carries a blood-pink tint. As seen in the photos above, a soft red hue creeps around the edges in certain light. Believe it or not, anti-reflective coating dates back to 1886, so it’s entirely plausible that its inclusion here is historically faithful - although I haven’t been able to find confirmation from Seiko.
The Strap. The original Bund strap rarely ages well, and most examples are now found on aftermarket replacements. This one has been paired with a Japanese soldier’s strap - a fitting choice given the period from which the original Laurel hails. Etched into the leather is a small cherry blossom accompanied by the kanji 忠勇 (chūyū), meaning “Loyalty and Courage” - virtues upheld by the Japanese military, dating back to the Bushidō moral code followed by the Samurai. Similarly, the cherry blossom has long appeared on Japanese military apparel as a poetic reminder of life’s fragility - like the blossom itself, human life can bloom brilliantly and end suddenly.
The Miniature. In 2021, Seiko included a mysterious box with every watch purchase from one of its Japanese boutiques. Inside was one of fourteen possible pin badge miniatures from their expanded and revised Historical Collection - the watches Seiko now considers most representative of its legacy over the past 120 years. The miniature shown above is original 1913 Laurel, upon which the SCVM001 was based. It will be included in the sale, as a small bonus.
The Movement. The looks of a sixty year old watch, but powered by one of Seiko’s most famously reliable modern, hi-beat, movements - the 4S Calibre. The perfect package!
Specifications:
Condition: In very good condition overall, but there are very hard to notice, hairline scratches in the top left corner of the crystal. On an aftermarket strap.
Scope: Full box and papers.
Movement: 4S28 Manual Wind 28800bhp, 24 Jewels
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 33.0mm
- Case Thickness: 13.0mm
