Seiko JR 500 Kodama 25th Anniversary Chronograph (Caliber 8T63A)

Limited special edition commemorating the 25th anniversary of the legendary Shinkansen 500 series , developed by Seiko in collaboration with JR West (Japan Railways West) . This exclusive anniversary watch pays tribute to one of the most significant symbols of Japanese engineering and combines modern chronograph design with technical precision.

The design of the watch directly references the futuristic look of the train: the blue and silver-grey color scheme is based on the front of the 500 series, while the parabolic arrangement of the three totalizers symbolizes the aerodynamic lines of the Shinkansen.

The screwed-on stainless steel base features a detailed engraving with the inscription
“Seiko 25th Anniversary / JR 500 Kodama” and the individual limitation number (1 of 5,000 copies).

Background: The JR 500 Kodama

The Shinkansen Class 500 was introduced by JR West in 1997 to compete with air travel in high-speed rail. At the time, it was the first commercial Shinkansen to reach a speed of 300 km/h , making it the fastest production train in the world .
Its streamlined design minimized air resistance and was designed by German industrial designer Alexander Neumeister , who had previously worked on the ICE high-speed train, among other projects.

The model name Kodama (Japanese: こだま = “Echo”) refers to a Shinkansen service class that, unlike express trains ( Nozomi or Hikari ), serves all stations – it symbolically represents reliability and accessibility.

To this day, the 500 Series Shinkansen is considered Japan's most beautiful high-speed train , a futuristic symbol of technical elegance and speed. This watch is therefore not just a timepiece, but a tribute to Japanese innovation.

Technical data

• Brand: Seiko
• Edition: JR 500 Kodama 25th Anniversary
• Reference: 8T63-0TD0 (Caliber 8T63A)
• Movement: Seiko 8T63A – Japanese quartz chronograph movement (± 15 s/month)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour display, date, chronograph (60 min), tachymeter
• Case: Stainless steel, screw-on case back with special engraving
• Glass: Curved Hardlex (mineral glass)
• Color: Blue/Silver (following the color scheme of the JR 500 front car)
• Dimensions: 47 × 39.8 × 12.8 mm
• Lug-to-lug: approx. 47 mm
• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, two spare links
• Water resistance: 10 bar / 100 m
• Limited edition: 5,000 pieces worldwide
• Origin: Made in Japan (Sunrise Factory Ltd.)

Special features

• Official cooperation between Seiko and JR West Japan
• Limited special edition (5,000 copies, individually numbered)
• Commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Shinkansen 500 series (1997 – 2022)
• Design by Alexander Neumeister – aerodynamically inspired parabolic lines on the dial
• Mecha-Quartz Caliber 8T63A : Mechanical chronograph reset with quartz precision
• Anniversary box with engraving of the train's head – manufactured exclusively for this edition

Condition & Scope of Delivery

Condition: very good – only minimal signs of wear, technically flawless, visually well-maintained.
Included in the box: Original box, warranty card, user manual (Japanese + English), two spare links.

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

Notice
As this is a used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed . To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.