Sourced from Japan: Quartz Astrons to Ghibli Specials

The first two watches couldn’t be more juxtaposed. Perfectly preserved history meets a modern tragedy. I might bid on the tragedy just to give it a proper burial.

For those of you completely unfamiliar with the buying process in Japan, please consult our “How To” Guide for buying in Japan.

↳ Wow… · Ends Sunday, 19 July

The Description. The 18k gold case houses what is inarguably the most widespread horological innovation since the advent of the automatic winding movement. This is, of course, the world’s first quartz watch - or, if you believe Switzerland's perspective, the watch responsible for the “quartz crisis”. Of particular note because this is the very first variant, released on Christmas 1969.

The Condition. In great condition. In my opinion, it looks unpolished. The case edge on this variant is naturally softer than the two variants that followed. Aftermarket strap and buckle.

The Functionality. The elephant in the room. It isn’t working. The positive is that the seller has shown the battery port to be empty, and with no obvious signs of damage from a leaking cell. The negative is finding someone capable of servicing this will be a challenge in itself - and even if you do, it might not be repairable without spare parts.

FromJapan Link: Seiko “First Quartz” Astron 35-9000

Due to the condition, someone will be prepared to take a gamble on this one. Were it in working order, I’d expect it to push ¥2,400,000, but I’m not sure how the market will react to the current state of it. I’ll be watching with great interest!

↳ Sacrilege · Ends Wednesday, 22 July

The Description. Look how they massacred my boy. Some reprobate has plucked the internals out of a GBLL998 Moonphase Spring Drive and melted down its gold case. The 18K case probably weighs 40g - meaning you might get ¥600,000 from this crime against horology. An unfathomable decision given that a GBLL998 sold in Japan last year for ¥1,200,000.

The Condition. Not applicable.

The Functionality. Not applicable.

FromJapan Link: Credor “GBLL998” 5R77 Calibre

I’m unsure as to why anyone would buy this. It’s barely useful for spare parts as Seiko still make parts for this calibre - not to mention how niche the movement itself is. I am, however, morbidly curious as to what the hammer price will be as I’ve never seen a 5R calibre come up for sale before by itself.

↳ Clock or Watch? · Ends Tuesday, 21 July