Seiko Tomony Tom & Jerry Ref. 5000-7000 – Manual Wind – 1970s

A Japanese character watch from the 1970s, featuring a standard mechanical hand-wound movement beneath the cartoon motif – not a toy, but series-produced technology from Japan.

This watch features the engraving "5000-7000 JAPAN" on the case back and the license notice "© MGM, INC." on the dial next to the motif. It is therefore part of the most famous reference in the series of Japanese character watches, which was released in the 1970s with a whole range of different dial designs.

The Tomony character watches

Tomony was a brand for which Seiko produced watches outside of its classic range from the early 1970s onwards – including the character and licensed models that are among the most sought-after Japanese collector's items outside of the classic model series today.

The 5000-7000 reference is the best-known of this series: a round case of about 35 to 36 millimeters with a mechanical hand-wound movement, which was released in several dial versions. Alongside Mickey Mouse, the Tom and Jerry version is the most sought-after – it is offered much less frequently than the Disney motifs.

What is crucial for the collector's value is what is not used here: no quartz movement, no simplified toy mechanism. It is a regularly produced mechanical hand-wound movement from Japanese series production – the same technology that worked at the time in the manufacturer's adult models. Those who wind the crown in the morning are operating the same mechanism as with a vintage dress watch.

Design

The silver-colored dial shows Tom in a bold blue, drawing back a shovel to strike; Jerry sits small and yellow below the center of the dial by the 4. The scene is executed in the classic cartoon style of the series: bold contours, flat colors, no gradients.

Surrounding it are black Arabic numerals in a playful, hand-drawn font, along with a delicate minute track on the edge. The arrangement follows the logic of the character watches of that time: the figure determines the center of the image, the time display is subordinate. The slender, high-contrast hands ensure that the watch remains clearly readable at all times despite the dense motif.

The case is round and simple, with short, clearly defined lugs and a ribbed crown at 3 o'clock. At 38 grams, the watch is extremely light. It is supplied on a leather strap with a red and green checkered fabric overlay, which picks up on the nostalgic character. Via the 18-millimeter lug width, the look of the watch can be completely changed in a minute with a strap change.

Dating

The 5000-7000 reference was produced in the 1970s. There is no serial number on this example, so dating to the exact month according to the usual Japanese system is not possible.

Condition

The dial is the highlight of this watch: fresh colors, without spots, discoloration, or peeling; the prints are sharp and complete, and the license notice is clearly legible. All hands are present and undamaged.

The crystal shows clear scratches and scuff marks in the area between 10 and 12 o'clock that are noticeable in grazing light; no cracks or chips are visible. The case shows signs of wear all around; on the left flank between 8 and 9 o'clock, dark discoloration and spotty flaking of the surface are visible. The case back has fine scratches and fully legible engraving. The crown sits firmly and can be operated cleanly. The strap is worn but intact and fully wearable.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical data

• Brand: Seiko / Tomony
• Reference: 5000-7000
• Motif: Tom & Jerry, license notice © MGM, INC.
• Movement: mechanical hand-wound
• Case: metal, chrome-plated
• Diameter without crown: approx. 36 mm
• Height: 11.7 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 41.4 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 38 g
• Dating: 1970s
• Dial: silver-colored, multi-colored motif print
• Strap: leather strap with checkered fabric overlay (not original)
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors of Japanese character watches who know the series and are looking for the Tom and Jerry version. For anyone who wants a mechanical watch with recognition value and doesn't need another black dial. And as a gift with substance – a watch that has to be wound, which is precisely why it remains in the memory.

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 watch dates from the 1970s. Water resistance is not guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.