How can you get a vintage Seiko that will last you a lifetime? Please take a look at this article to find out about the appeal of vintage Seiko, tips on choosing a store, and how to enjoy vintage Seiko, which only Uchimura Watch Shop, a watchmaker company, can tell you.
What is a vintage watch?
Firstly, what exactly is a vintage watch?
Although each watch store has its own criteria, generally "vintage" refers to watches that have been manufactured 30 to 99 years ago, while "antique" refers to watches that have been manufactured over 100 years ago. The word "vintage" was originally a technical term for fine wine . Today, it is used for a variety of things, including cars, fashion, and furniture, and both vintage and antique carry the positive connotations of being "old and good," "valuable," and "having character."
The origin of clocks can be traced back to around 1300, when mechanical clocks were made in the area stretching from northern Italy to southern Germany. Over the following centuries, technological innovations included the invention of the pendulum clock and its portability, followed by the development of the "quartz clock," which takes advantage of the property of quartz (crystal) to vibrate precisely when voltage is applied. After the world's first quartz watch, the "Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ," was released in 1969, quartz watches became dramatically more popular.
For this reason, watches made before the 1970s are often referred to as "vintage watches," and this is why most vintage watches are mechanical.
Mechanical watches are powered by a mainspring, and each of their small parts is precisely assembled by skilled craftsmen based on a precise design. This means that they cannot be mass-produced, and they tend to be expensive.
The older the production date, the fewer the number of watches still in existence, making them highly rare. Depending on the brand and watch, they may be worth more than their original price and become an asset.
In addition, they may have designs, plans, and decorations that are not seen in current products. The high quality and sophistication that can only be achieved by craftsmen's handiwork is also one of their charms.
Unlike watches currently being manufactured and sold, you can create a watch that is different from what others have and that expresses your own sense and individuality. Of course, the unique flavor that comes with aging is also attractive, and it is also fun to learn about the previous owners and how the watch traveled around the world.
What is Vintage Seiko?
Vintage Seiko is included in the category of vintage watches.
First, let's look at Seiko's history.
The history of Seiko around the world began in Japan in 1881 when "Hattori Watch Shop" was founded. The Seiko brand was first used in 1923, and Grand Seiko was born as Seiko's pinnacle model in 1960. Since then, the company has established many world firsts using various technologies and functions, such as releasing the world's first quartz wristwatch, and it can be said that it remains a brand that is highly respected around the world to this day.
So what exactly is vintage Seiko? The answer is that it refers to Seiko watches that were manufactured mainly in the 1960s and 1970s .
The models, which feature the classic and simple design of the time and movements intricately assembled with reliable craftsmanship, are popular among people of all ages and are loved by many people.
Looking back, Seiko's wristwatch production increased significantly in the 1950s, and then in the 1960s, many models backed by advanced technology were released.
Born in 1960 as Seiko's pinnacle model, Grand Seiko is one of the most beloved historic models among vintage Seiko watches.
Only those that passed Seiko's rigorous in-house inspections, which conform to the standards of the Swiss Official Rate Testing Institute, were commercialized and sold with a rate certificate.
Also, when Seiko was selected as the official timepiece for the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's first chronograph (wristwatch with a stopwatch) was released in 1964.
Many historical models were developed and released, incorporating functionality, durability, and unique designs that are still common in modern-day wristwatches, such as the first model in Japan with a world time display function, which was released in 1964, and the first diver's watch in Japan, which was released in 1965.
Their high performance, visibility, stylishness, and the precision of their workmanship, carefully assembled by Japanese craftsmen, are recognized for their value not only in Japan but also around the world, which is why the watches from that time, that is, vintage Seiko, are loved by so many people.
Where to buy vintage Seiko watches
So, if you want to get your hands on a vintage watch or vintage Seiko, where should you look?
As we mentioned before, vintage watches and vintage Seiko watches were manufactured before the 1960s and 1970s, so we recommend that you learn as much information as possible about the model's features, performance, historical background, maintenance methods, etc. before purchasing. Many parts are different from products and parts currently manufactured and sold, and knowing the story behind them can help you develop an even greater attachment to them.
Therefore, when looking for a vintage watch or vintage Seiko, going to a store that specializes in vintage watches or a store with staff who are knowledgeable about vintage watches is the shortcut to finding your favorite watch and enjoying it for a long time .
Such specialty stores not only have knowledgeable staff, but also often have technicians on-site who are skilled in repairs and maintenance. For this reason, if you choose a store that specializes in vintage watches or has a strong focus on such items, you will be able to enjoy your vintage watch or vintage Seiko watch with peace of mind even after you have made your purchase.
The appeal of Uchimura Watch Shop when it comes to vintage Seiko
One of these specialty stores is Uchimura Watch Shop, a long-established store in Yokohama. In addition to stocking a carefully selected range of vintage watches, the owner is also a watchmaker and has ample experience in repairing and maintaining vintage watches and vintage Seiko watches, which is a major selling point of the store. Let's take a closer look at its features.
Uchimura Watch Shop, a long-established store founded 80 years ago
Uchimura Watch Shop was founded in Tsurumi, Yokohama in 1945 and will celebrate its 80th anniversary in May 2024. After opening in Tsurumi, it moved to Mitsukyo and is still a specialty store that is frequented by fans from the local area as well as from far away. Another great thing about the store is that it moved to Motomachi on the occasion of its 80th anniversary, making it even easier to access from Yokohama Station and downtown Tokyo.
Click here for more information about Uchimura Watch Shop
Vintage watches selected by a watch repair technician
The characteristic of Uchimura Watch Store is that it offers long-lasting vintage watches .
We select vintage watches from the perspective of a watch repair technician. You can rest assured that we select vintage watches with a focus on "uses durable movements" and "focuses on movements that can be repaired in the future."
The same goes for vintage Seiko watches; we carefully assess the condition of the products and their parts, and even consider after-sales service before purchasing. It is safe to say that there are very few stores that handle vintage watches, especially vintage Seiko watches, with this level of expertise.
After-sales follow-up and maintenance to ensure peace of mind
So, what should you do about after-sales service and maintenance after you get your favorite vintage watch or vintage Seiko? Some people may not know the details and just leave it, or they may end up just using it for decoration and the watch will stop working.
First of all, if you purchase a vintage watch or vintage Seiko, the best way to care for it is to wear it every day . After use, wipe off sweat and sebum with a soft cloth and store it in a stable place without magnetism. Be especially careful not to place it on top of a smartphone or laptop as it may become magnetized.
Some cleaners, such as cleaners for metal bracelets, deodorizing sprays for leather bands, and mild detergents, can be used depending on the material of the watch, but the basic rule is to wipe the watch after use to prevent daily dirt from accumulating as much as possible. Vintage watches are particularly delicate and many of them have no replacement parts, so if you want to perform serious maintenance in addition to basic daily maintenance, it is best to consult a repair shop or the store where you purchased the watch. We recommend looking for a watch shop or repair shop that offers solid after-sales support.
A watchmaker from Uchimura Watch Shop who also appeared in the Masterpiece Restoration
Uchimura Watch Shop also provides after-sales support and maintenance.
Taro Uchimura, the third generation owner of Uchimura Watch Shop, is a watchmaker. The national qualification of watch repair technician requires specialized and advanced knowledge and skills.
In particular, vintage watches and vintage Seiko watches require more knowledge, experience, and skills than repairing a regular watch, as the parts used are different from those of currently manufactured movements, the assembly methods are different, and maintenance is more difficult.
They are among the most skilled watchmakers and can be trusted to handle repairs and maintenance.
Taro Uchimura, a craftsman at Uchimura Watch Shop, also appeared on BS Fuji's "Restoring Masterpieces: The World of Neo-Retro." One of the attractions of Uchimura Watch Shop is the craftsmanship backed by skill and trust.
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The appeal of vintage Seiko from Uchimura Watch Shop
Vintage Seiko is one of Uchimura Watch Shop's specialties. We carry vintage Seiko watches that are carefully selected by our watchmakers and in good condition. Vintage Seiko watches stand out not only for their design but also for their high performance and the skill of the craftsmen at the time, which is why we encourage you to choose your vintage Seiko from Uchimura Watch Shop, where our watchmakers are on hand.
As we have said before, maintenance is key to keeping vintage watches and vintage Seiko watches for a long time, so in that respect, Uchimura Watch Shop is a valuable presence, as you can consult with a watchmaker nearby.
Uchimura Watch Shop has a selection of vintage Seiko watches. Let's take a look at some of the models.
Recommended Items
This series was sold as Seiko's luxury line from 1961 to 1975. At the time, it was positioned as Grand Seiko's second line.
This model has been manufactured since 1968, and is a highly accurate high-beat automatic watch with manual winding. It is characterized by its thinness, and the fact that Seiko was able to manufacture such a thin automatic watch 50 years ago shows the high level of technology at the time.
King Seiko has many models, but this model has a slightly rounded square shape, giving it a unique atmosphere not found in other watches.
King Seiko, along with Grand Seiko, was discontinued in 1975 and has never been revived since (Grand Seiko was later revived). This is a series with a vintage story.
Uchimura Watch Shop's polite customer service and suggestions
Uchimura Watch Shop has been in business for 80 years and is loved by the locals, and has built trust through its attentive service. Its attitude and passion have not changed from the past to the present. We listen carefully to the requests of each customer and help them find the vintage Seiko that suits them.
We take the same careful look at each movement and suggest a watch that you can use for a long time. Due to the nature of vintage watches, it may not be easy to find the model you want right away. However, the time it takes to find the one you are looking for is also enjoyable, and it adds value to the purchase of your favorite vintage watch or vintage Seiko.
How to Maintain a Vintage Seiko
Let's take another look at how to maintain a vintage Seiko. You might have the impression that vintage Seiko watches are particularly difficult to care for. But don't worry, with basic maintenance and regular care at a specialist store, you can keep using your vintage Seiko for a long time.
How to overhaul and care for your vintage Seiko watch
An overhaul involves disassembling and cleaning each movement in a watch, then reassembling and oiling it. It is recommended that an overhaul be performed every 3 to 5 years for mechanical watches and every 7 to 8 years for quartz watches. Vintage Seiko watches have intricate movements that were assembled one by one by craftsmen at the time of manufacture, so overhauling them requires considerable skill.
To ensure you can continue to use your watch for a long time with peace of mind, it's a good idea to visit a specialist store for regular overhauls and condition checks.
How to Store a Vintage Seiko
This applies to all watches, but it is best to store them in a place that is free from direct sunlight, moisture, dust, etc. Vintage watches in particular are vulnerable to moisture, as they generally have a case that is fastened by a lid that fits snugly against the case body. For this reason, be careful not to store them near the kitchen or bathroom.
The recommended method of storage is to put it in a specialized case called a winding machine.
What you need to know about vintage Seiko damage and repairs
Vintage Seiko watches are manufactured at least 30 years ago, so they will naturally have some wear and tear. However, that is also part of their charm. As we said before, the best way to maintain a vintage Seiko is to wear it every day, and you will be able to appreciate its quality even more by using it.
On the other hand, it is not a good idea to leave any damage to the strap or other parts as they are. Repairs take longer because manufacturing methods are different from those used today, and parts are harder to come by. Repairs and care for vintage Seiko watches are slightly different from regular watch repairs, so if you have any concerns, it is best to consult the store where you purchased the watch or a repair specialist as soon as possible.
Maintenance at Uchimura Watch Shop
As I mentioned earlier, the craftsmen at Uchimura Watch Shop are certified watch repair technicians and have ample experience repairing vintage Seiko watches, so why not come and consult us about the vintage watch or Seiko you currently own?
For information on repairs at Uchimura Watch Shop, click here
By having your watch regularly maintained by a watchmaker and using it safely for a long time, you can feel as if your vintage Seiko is growing into your own watch. You can enjoy your vintage Seiko not only by learning about the background, performance, and technology at the time of its manufacture, but also by adding memories and a worldview to it as you go through life. This may be what vintage watches and vintage Seiko are all about.
When it comes to vintage Seiko, Uchimura Watch Shop is the place to go
So far we have looked at the various charms of vintage Seiko.
There are not many watchmakers who can repair vintage Seiko watches that are no longer manufactured, have no assembly blueprints, and have been assembled by highly skilled craftsmen a long time after they were manufactured. Why not visit Uchimura Watch Shop to find a vintage Seiko watch selected by the owner, an experienced watchmaker?
■ Uchimura Optical Store Store Information
Address: 2-112-13 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0861
Telephone: 045-263-8995
Business hours: 12:00 - 19:00
Closed: Tuesdays and the first Monday of the month