SEIKO Monopusher Chronograph 2nd ref.5719-8980 cal.5719A / November 1964

— Marking a world stage —

In 1964, with the Tokyo Olympics confirmed, Seiko was chosen as official timekeeper.

These were the first Olympic Games held in Asia, and the first broadcast worldwide by satellite.

Amid an event that stood for Japan stepping onto the international stage, Seiko developed a series of timing instruments with real pride.

One result was Seiko's first mechanical chronograph calibre, which wrote a new chapter in the technology of measuring time.

— Seiko's first wristwatch chronograph —

This example is a second model, made in November 1964.

As the name says, a single pusher handles start, stop and reset in turn — an extremely simple way to operate it.

Setting the rotating bezel against the minute hand allows timing up to 60 minutes, and the caseback carries the seahorse marking that stands for water resistance.

— At its best in daylight —

The dial has a silver sunray finish.

A minute track and indexes stand in strict order around the edge, and with no luminous material the watch is typical of its type yet gives a dressy impression.

The indexes are mirror-finished flat on top, reflecting light strongly while quietly showing the passage of time.

— The source of the mechanism —

The movement is the manual-wind chronograph Cal.5719A.

Control is by column wheel, with six pillars governing the action precisely.

It uses a carrying-arm transmission, which is rare within Seiko, giving it a mechanical beauty of its own.

It was produced by Suwa Seikosha, and forms a page of innovation written into Japanese watch history.

— Shadow in black and white —

A chic, fine quality brought by the monochrome scheme.

The pleasure of holding a piece Japan can be proud of before the world brings a satisfaction quite different from enjoying an imported masterpiece.

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