Seiko Pins-Watch Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998 – Ref. Y136-6F50 – unworn with box

A watch not worn on the wrist, but on the lapel: 24 millimeters in diameter, a black dial with the Nagano emblem and the Olympic rings – unworn and with complete packaging.

The case back bears the engraving SEIKO, BASE METAL, the reference Y136-6F50, and the number 750743. The dial is marked with the license notice © 1993 NAOC TM and the identifier JAPAN Y136-6F50.

The Pins-Watch as a format

For the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Seiko, as official timekeeper and licensee, released a whole series of commemorative items. The Pins-Watch is the most unusual among them: a fully functional quartz watch in the format of a lapel pin, which can be worn on clothing using a bail or on a chain.

Such miniature watches had a certain tradition in Japan as promotional and commemorative items but remained virtually unknown outside of Japan. For collectors, this is precisely the appeal – especially since watches of this format are naturally easily lost and rarely survive with their packaging.

Inside, the Y136 quartz caliber works with an average rate deviation of ±20 seconds per month as stated by the manufacturer.

Design

The dial is deep black and is completely dominated by the official emblem of the Games: the stylized snowflake made of six petals, which Nagano had chosen as its symbol, executed in white hatching. To its left are the five Olympic rings.

The hour markers are reduced to the bare essentials – only the VI and XII are in Roman numerals; all other hours are set as fine white dots. The slender white hands stand out clearly against the black background. The result is a dial that is read more as a badge than a watch, and that's precisely why it works.

The polished case frames the dial in a narrow, double-profiled rim; the bail is at the top, also serving as crown protection.

Dating

The number 750743 on the case back dates the watch to May 1997 according to the usual Seiko system – about nine months before the opening of the Games.

Condition

The watch is unworn. The dial, hands, and crystal are flawless; the case shows no signs of wear or polishing.

Included in the delivery are the outer box with a gold Nagano imprint, the inner box with foam insert, the transparent protective sleeve, and the original tag with manufacturer information and barcode. The outer box shows slight signs of storage.

Please note: The case is made of base metal. A battery is not installed; according to the manufacturer's information on the tag, the battery price was not included in the retail price.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Occasion: 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, official licensed product (© 1993 NAOC)
• Reference: Y136-6F50
• Case number: 750743
• Movement: Seiko Caliber Y136, quartz
• Factory rate deviation: ±20 seconds per month
• Functions: Hour, minute
• Case: Base metal, polished
• Diameter without crown and bail: 24.1 mm
• Height: 7.3 mm
• Weight: 16 g
• Dial: black with Nagano emblem and Olympic rings
• Dating: May 1997
• Origin: Japan (Made in Japan)
• Scope of delivery: Watch, outer box, inner box, protective sleeve, original tag

For whom?

For collectors of Olympic memorabilia and Japanese curiosities. For anyone looking for a watch that isn't worn on the wrist. And as a lapel pin for occasions where a detail has more impact than a large dial.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

The manufacturer explicitly states that the watch is not waterproof. It must not be exposed to water or moisture – not even splash water when washing hands or rain.