Seikosha Tensoku-Doke

A very rare, historically intriguing and fascinating nickel-plated pilot's wristwatch with revolving bezel

View our Conditions of Sale ., Manufacturer: Seikosha Year: Circa 1942 Case No: 1360 and 67718 Model Name: "Tensoku-Doke" Material: Nickel Calibre: Manual, 15 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Metal pin buckle Dimensions: 48.5mm Diameter Signed: Case and movement signed, outside caseback stamped Airforce No. 1360Condition Report Sign Up or Login Description View our Conditions of Sale . Manufacturer : Seikosha Year : Circa 1942 Case No : 1360 and 67718 Model Name : "Tensoku-Doke" Material : Nickel Calibre : Manual, 15 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Leather Clasp/Buckle : Metal pin buckle Dimensions : 48.5mm Diameter Signed : Case and movement signed, outside caseback stamped Airforce No. 1360 Catalogue Essay Manufactured by Seikosha, the present watch is an incredibly rare historical relic of the 1940s. Conceived as a pilot's watch, the "Tensoku-Dokei" or "Celestial Watch" is also known as the "Kamikaze" as it was originally worn by Japanese Kamikaze pilots in World War II. Not only were very few made, but most examples have all but disappeared, having been destroyed in the wreckage; those salvaged from the embers have been ravaged by the explosions. To discover an example still intact, let alone in excellent condition, is nothing short of extraordinary. Research from the Seiko Museum shows that this model was produced in two generations. Early examples, such as the present watch, featured a hand wound 19 Ligne movement with 15 jewels and displayed a detailed finishing on bridge and plate. Later generation examples had 9 jewels. The Japanese navy also used these timepieces as a navigation instrument, which could also be worn on the soldier's thigh. Read More A very rare, historically intriguing and fascinating nickel-plated pilot's wristwatch with revolving bezel