Seiko Venus Ladies' Watch 5513 (1955)

Manual winding | 17 jewels | Diashock shock protection

This elegant Seiko Venus ladies' wristwatch probably dates back to 1955.

The dating of the Seiko Venus 5513 with serial number N023861 results from an interplay of caliber history , serial number logic of the 1950s and production characteristics – not from a purely standard scheme as with the later Seiko series (from the 1960s onwards).

In detail:

1. Seiko serial numbers before 1960

   • Before the introduction of the 7-digit standard logic (1st digit = year, 2nd digit = month), Seiko used letter prefixes for many models, especially those from Suwa Seikosha , which referred to production series, factories or factory codes.

   • The letter N demonstrably stands for production runs from the mid-1950s series , i.e., approximately 1954-1956 , as evidenced by comparison with Seiko Marvel (1956) and Seiko Cronos (1958) prototype numbers.

2. Model history of the Venus series

   • The Seiko Venus was introduced in 1954 and produced until about 1957 , before being replaced by modernized ladies' models (e.g. Seiko Lydia , Seiko Grace ).

   • The hand-wound movement with 17 jewels and Diashock first appeared in Suwa Seikosha catalogs in 1955 .

3. Combination of movement + serial number + stamp

   • The engraving EGP 20 Microns / Back Steel and the absence of the typical “Japan A” marking indicate early Suwa production (before 1958).

   • Based on this combination, the watch can be reliably dated between 1954 and 1956 .

   • Based on the serial number, case design and movement version, the most likely production date is 1955 .

Short:
"N0" is not a year code in the modern sense, but rather represents a production batch from the mid-1950s . In conjunction with the caliber 5513, this results in a date of 1955 (± 1 year) .

The Venus series was introduced in the mid-1950s and was one of the first models that Seiko specifically designed for women. The combination of its delicate shape, fine mechanics, and decorative case design made it a symbol of elegant post-war Japanese style.

The gold-plated rectangular case (20 micron gold plating, stainless steel case back) and the silver-colored dial with applied indices and dauphine hands showcase classic 1950s aesthetics. The inscription "Diashock – 17 Jewels" refers to Seiko's proprietary shock protection system, which was considered a technological advancement at the time.

Technical data

• Model: Seiko Venus
• Reference: 5513
• Movement: Mechanical, hand-wound, 17 jewels, Diashock
• Date of manufacture: 1955 (Suwa Seikosha, Japan)
• Case material: Gold-plated (20 microns, EGP), stainless steel case back
• Case size: approx. 15 × 21.1 mm
• Case height: 7.5 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 28.8 mm
• Lug width: 8 mm
• Weight: 13 g (including new leather strap)
• Bracelet: New dark green leather strap with gold-tone buckle
• Dial: Silver-colored, with a distinct patina over the decades
• Glass: Acrylic glass
• Elevator: Manual
• Condition: Used , with visible wear on the case and a beautiful but noticeable dial patina.

Special features
The Seiko Venus is an early example of Japanese post-war watchmaking – elegant, precise, and femininely proportioned. It is among the first models that Seiko explicitly produced for women and documents the transition from functional timekeeping to a fashionable accessory.

Its 17-jewel hand-wound movement with Diashock shock protection reflects Seiko's technical confidence of the 1950s. The example shown here has been lovingly fitted with a new dark green leather strap, which provides a striking contrast to the gold-colored case.

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 pre-owned watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.