Monday, October 27, 2014

HARD TO FIND AUTHENTIC SEIKO DIVER 6105-8000 GENT WRISTWATCH









BRAND : VERY RARE SEIKO 6105-8000 GENTS WRISTWATCH FOR DIVERS

MODEL : 6105-8000

MOVEMENT : 6105A AUTOMATIC 21JEWELS CHRONOGRAPH

ORIGIN : JAPAN

SERIAL NO. : 8719405

CIRCA : JULY 1968

CASING: SOLID STAINLESS STEEL

MOVEMENT : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS

DIAL:  BLACK redone

BEZEL: BLACK with WHITE LUMED MARKER

MARKINGS: DIAL, BACK CASING, MOVEMENT

BAND : ORIGINAL SEIKO BRACELET BAND

LUGS SIZE: 20mm

BAND WIDTH: 20mm

CRYSTAL: HARDLEX MINERAL

MEASUREMENT : 40mm X 42mm LUG TO LUG

WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS

CONDITION: MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME.

PRICE: PERSONAL COLLECTION (WILLING TO LET GO FOR USD700)

Brief Information on Seiko 6105
Seiko has a rich history in the world of dive watches, and it’s safe to say that none is as iconic as the venerable Seiko 6105-8110/9 (aka 6105-811X). It is the definitive Seiko diver, and it holds it’s own against the other iconic divers of the 1970′s. This is known as Seiko’s 3rd generation diver, following the 6217 (aka 62mas) and the slimmer 6105-8000/9. The 6105-8110 and 6105-8119 are exactly the same, but the last digit in the reference number indicates in which market the watch was originally sold.

The 6105-800X was made from 1965-1975, and came in two slight variations. The early models from 1960 were labeled “water 150m proof” on the dial, and “waterproof” on the case back. At some point later that year, they changed the text to “water 150m resist” with “water resistant” on the back. This was inline with a change in nomenclature throughout the Seiko offerings. The “proof/proof” models are fairly rare, and command a definite premium over the “resist/resist” models.

The build quality and finishing is exceptional, and definitely on par with other hi-end divers of the same period, like the Omega Seamaster 300 and the Rolex Submariner. Seiko was, and still is, a true manufacture, making everything in-house. Not only was the movement in-house, but Seiko even made their own oils, cases, crystals and such. The 6105 was a very popular choice with US military servicemen in the Vietnam war era, and was available from the PX stores (retail stores found on United States military installations) for soldiers. It was also famously worn by Martin Sheen’s character, Captain Willard, in the Vietnam war movie 'Apocalypse Now'



HARD TO FIND AUTHENTIC SEIKO MONACO 3 REGISTERS CHRONOGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH





BRAND : VERY RARE SEIKO MONACO CHRONOGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 7016-5011
MOVEMENT : 7016A AUTOMATIC 21JEWELS CHRONOGRAPH
ORIGIN : JAPAN
SERIAL NO. : 300015
CIRCA : OCTOBER 1983
CASING: SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT : SEIKO CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL:  BLACK/BROWN and BLUE CHRONOGRAPH SUB DIAL
BEZEL: NONE
MARKINGS: DIAL, BACK CASING
BAND : BLACK LEATHER BAND
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 20mm
CRYSTAL: HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT : 40mm X 42mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION: MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME, CHRONOGRAPH SET AND RESET TO ZERO
PRICE: PERSONAL COLLECTION (SOLD)

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.
From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.
A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.
The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.
The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.
In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.
In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.
1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.
Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.
Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.
Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.
Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.
And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.
In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

AUTHENTIC RARE COLLECTION SEIKO MONACO 3 REGISTERS CHRONOGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH





BRAND : VERY RARE SEIKO MONACO CHRONOGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 7016-5001
MOVEMENT : 7016A AUTOMATIC 21JEWELS CHRONOGRAPH
ORIGIN : JAPAN
SERIAL NO. : 460028
CIRCA : JUNE 1984
CASING: SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT : SEIKO CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL:  BLACK CHRONOGRAPH SUB DIAL
BEZEL: NONE
MARKINGS: DIAL, BACK CASING
BAND : BLACK LEATHER BAND
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 20mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT : 40mm X 42mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION: MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME, CHRONOGRAPH SET AND RESET TO ZERO
PRICE: PERSONAL COLLECTION (SOLD TO INDERA FROM JAKARTA FOR USD900)

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.
From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.
A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.
The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.
The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.
In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.
In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.
1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.
Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.
Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.
Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.
Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.
And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.
In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

Jaeger LeCoultre-FavreLueba Cal.885 Manual Wind Gents Wristwatch








Price: USD1200 (NEGOTIABLE) 

Historically speaking, the two Jaeger and LeCoultre entities were consolidated in 1927 under a holding company called SAPIC (Société Anonyme de Participations Industrielles et Commerciales), HQ'd in Lausanne.

In 1934, SAPIC bought SH (Spécialités Horlogères, the distribution company that was selling the Jaeger and LeCoultre products since 1931 - the year of the REVERSO, SH being renamed 'Jaeger-LeCoultre' in 1938).

Therefore, as of 1934, SAPIC was a holding controlling both production and distribution subsidiaries of Jaeger LeCoultre watches.
HQ'd in Geneve at that time.

In 1938, SAPIC bought a significant shareholding in both Vacheron & Constantin and Audemars Piguet  (hence the massive use of JLC calibres in V&C and AP watches from that day onwards).
So, from 1938, SAPIC was JLC +share of V&C +share of AP   (6 years earlier, LeCoultre has had a go at buying a financially distressed PP - which ultimately was bought by the Sterns, so this 'group' logic was not something new).

in 1964, V&C exited the SAPIC group.

in 1969, Favre Leuba (Georges Favre) bought Jaeger LeCoultre / SAPIC, renaming it SAPHIR Group, HQ'd in Zoug  (Société Anonyme de Participations Horlogères et Industrielles Réunies). 
Georges Favre took the reins of the group. Therefore, in 1969, Jaeger LeCoultre and Favre Leuba actually became sister companies, owned by George Favre / Favre Leuba.

This is evidenced by shared distribution, as illustrated below on this store display:

and again in this brochure from 1973 showing both JLC and FL 'extreme' watches  (the Bathy 50 is afairly unique watch and a very rare bird indeed) 

This was also the time when Favre Leuba did use some of JLC trademark concepts (which it owned the rights to market obviously), such as the first recreation of the Reverso under the Favre Leuba name  (model name: sandow), years before the Reverso was actually reborn under its Jaeger LeCoultre name in the late 1980's:

or a true 70's memovox, dubbed Memoraider, housing an evolution of the JLC calibre 916  (exclusive to Favre Leuba: JLC 917):

in 1978, George Favre sold Jaeger LeCoultre to the VDO group, later becoming Mannesmann then Vodaphone-VDO, which in turn sold its horology division (then called LMH -Les Manufactures Horlogers) to Richemont in 2000.

And the rest is history....

So, as you can see, the history of Favre Leuba and Jaeger LeCOultre is very intricate from 1969 to at least 1978  (not mentioning also the 1930's when Favre Leuba was a retailer of the original reverso, especially in India where FL was a prominent distributor of horology and jewellery).

It is therefore not abnormal to see the 2 names associated with the servicing of this Polaris in the early 1970's (since the 2 brands shared a common structure for sales and after-sales)