Seiko Railway Pocket Watch – 15 Jewels – Precision – Showa 45 (1970)

Japanese railway watch | Oita Railway Bureau | Hand-wound | Blued hands

This rare Seiko Railway Pocket Watch dates from 1970 (昭和45年) and was manufactured for the Japanese railway system. Such pocket watches were issued to train conductors, stationmasters, and signalmen and were considered precision instruments of the national railway system.

The example shown here bears the engraving 「昭45」(Showa 45) on the back, which corresponds to the year 1970 , as well as the additional marking 「分鉄67」 , which refers to the regional railway area (here the Oita Railway District ).

The model features a robust, chrome-plated case and a 15-jewel mechanical hand-wound movement , renowned for its high accuracy. These railway watches were designed for synchronization purposes and include a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock (" Second Setting – Diaflex "), allowing for precise time setting during railway operations.

Technical data

• Model: Seiko Precision Railway Pocket Watch
• Caliber: 9119 (hand-wound, 15 jewels, second setting)
• Year: 1970 (昭和45年)
• Origin: Oita Railway Bureau, Japan
• Housing material: Chrome-plated stainless steel
• Dial: Silver-white with Arabic numerals, small seconds at 6 o'clock
• Hands: Original blued steel hands
• Diameter (excluding crown): 50.2 mm
• Total diameter including crown and ring: 72 mm
• Height: 14.3 mm
• Crown: 8 mm diameter, engraved with the Seiko logo
• Weight: 100 g
• Watch crystal: Mineral glass
• Movement: Manual winding, 15 jewels, "Second Setting Diaflex" shock protection
• Origin: Japan, Showa 45 (1970)

Condition

The watch is in good original condition with fine patina and signs of wear, mostly on the back of the case.
The dial is in excellent condition, the hands shine in a rich royal blue , typical for the blued steel finishing of this era.
The movement starts up smoothly, the power reserve is stable, and the time setting works precisely.

Historical background

Seiko began manufacturing Railway Pocket Watches in the 1920s, which were developed for the Japanese State Railway (国鉄, Kokutetsu ).
These models had to meet the strictest requirements for accuracy and robustness – they were considered service watches of the Japanese railway .

In the post-war period, particularly from the 1960s onwards, these watches were further developed and equipped with the caliber 9119 , which featured the " Diaflex " shock protection system. The engraving "分鉄" ( Bunten ) represents the respective railway district – in this case, Ōita , an important regional depot on Kyushu.

These railway watches are now sought-after collector's items , especially in Japan, where they are valued as a symbol of the precision and reliability of the national railway system.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Notice

Since this is a historical, used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed.
To protect the clock mechanism, the clock should not come into contact with water or moisture.