Model: Seiko Small Seconds Ref. 12070
Year: March 1955
Features:
The Owner. Claims of “single ownership” are rarely verifiable, but some stories hold more weight than others. The seller of this Small Seconds 1955 Seiko was going through Shūkatsu (終活), or end of life planning - a cultural practice in Japan involving the downsizing of personal possessions to spare loved ones the burden later. It’s not as morbid as it sounds. In fact, many elderly people in Japan find joy in shūkatsu, treating it as a reflective process - a time to reminisce, tidy up, and see your belongings pass to a new generation.
The Occasion. According to the owner, the watch was a gift from his parents when he left home. But being young and nervous, he rarely wore it, fearing damaging something so precious. Instead, he kept it safely tucked away, bringing it out only for periodic servicing. That certainly explains the condition! Aside from minor signs of ageing on the dial and hands, the watch appears remarkably well-preserved both inside and out.
The Design. The 14k gold-filled bezel beautifully complements the 1950s Alpha-style hands and raised hour markers, and finding a piece from this period with its original crown still intact is no easy feat. There’s something charmingly nostalgic about that old Seiko “S” logo - quaint in a way that feels entirely appropriate for the era.
The Authentication. Too good to be true? Possibly. With watches from this era, there’s always a degree of uncertainty. No definitive catalogues exist, and like most brands in the post-war period, Seiko often mixed parts during servicing. In those days, people weren’t too concerned with “matching” hands or period-correct crowns - having your watch back in working order mattered more than originality. That said, I’ve consulted the ever-trustworthy experts at The Tokei Club, purveyors of all things deadstock, and nothing about this watch raises alarm bells. The hands, dial, caseback, crown, and reference numbers all check out.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. Just serviced. Some signs of aging on the dial and hands, with some minor marks on the crystal.
Scope: No box or papers
Movement: Seiko Cal. 10B Manual Wind
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 31.0mm
- Lug to lug: 35.5mm
- Case Thickness: 9.3mm
