SEIKO 1962 / Champion Sea Horse / Cal.88

The "Seiko Champion Seahorse" combines a refined design with the practicality of a waterproof watch.

The "Seiko Champion" was born in the early 1960s, a period of significant growth for Japan's watch industry.

The Champion series was developed as a practical watch with a refined design and a robust hand-wound movement, offering ease of use for everyday wear combined with an elegant appearance.

Its offshoot, the "Seahorse," as indicated by the "WATER 30 PROOF" inscription on the dial, was a model equipped with water resistance at the time.
In an era when water and humidity resistance was a significant added value, it was manufactured as a watch that retained the classic design characteristic of the Champion while enhancing its practicality.

The series exemplifies Seiko's pursuit of perfection in practical watches at the time, combining the elegance of a dress watch with the robustness of an everyday timepiece.

■ Dial and Case Design

The dial is a softly polished silver.
A fine radial finish extends from the center to the outer edge, changing its expression from bright silver to a subdued gray tone depending on how the light hits it.

The indices are three-dimensional wedge-shaped.
While based on a sharply tapering design, broader designs are placed at the 12, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, adding a subtle accent to the simple dial.

The hands are linear and clean pencil hands. They pair well with the refined silver dial, adding a sharp impression to the classic atmosphere.

The "Seiko Champion" and "Seahorse" logos, written in cursive, are also impressive details that convey the elegance of the era.

The case uses a dedicated stainless steel case designed to enhance water resistance.
It features a double structure with a case back and an outer ring that secures it, a robust construction different from typical snap-on case backs, supporting the water-resistant specifications of the time.

The case sides and lugs have straight surfaces, and the bezel is rounded, balancing the strength of a practical watch with the elegance of a dress watch.
The seahorse design engraved on the case back is also a characteristic symbolizing its waterproof nature.

■ Movement

The movement is a Seiko-made manual-winding "Cal.88."

It is a 21-jewel movement characterized by a robust design typical of Seiko at the time, emphasizing durability and maintainability over ornamentation.
Its structure, with a large bridge plate stably supporting each part, demonstrates the reliability of a practical watch intended for daily use.

The inscription "SEIKOSHA 21 JEWELS" is etched in red on the bridge plate, providing a striking accent amidst the subdued finish of the movement.

The configuration, which allows a view of the balance wheel area and some gears, also offers the mechanical charm unique to a hand-wound movement.

It is a simple and easy-to-handle movement that can still be used today with regular maintenance.

■ Styling

Case size: Length 44.3mm (including lugs) / Width 39.1mm (including crown) / Thickness 10.1mm / Weight 42g (including band)

With its refined silver dial and sharp wedge indices, this piece pairs well with neat attire such as jackets and shirts.

The black leather strap tightens the overall impression, blending naturally with suits while adding a classic 1960s atmosphere to your wrist.

Conversely, when paired with casual attire like knitwear, cardigans, or jeans, the soft sheen of the dial and the three-dimensional indices provide a subtle accent, resulting in a subdued impression.

While having practical origins as a waterproof watch, its design is undeniably elegant. It's an easy-to-incorporate piece for both formal and casual occasions, suitable for a wide range of styles.

■ Condition

The case generally shows minor scratches from use.

Evidence of past repairs can be seen on the bezel near the 2 to 3 o'clock position.
There are no issues with durability or case structure, and it does not impede use. However, please be aware that this repair mark is visible externally.

Otherwise, no significant damage is seen on the dial, hands, or crystal, and it remains in good condition.

No notable issues are found with the movement, and it remains in good working order.

■ To purchase with peace of mind

All watches handled by our store undergo internal inspection by a professional watch repair technician upon arrival, and are determined to be genuine before being sold, so you can use our services with confidence.

When purchasing a watch, we will attach a new leather strap at our store.
Please select your desired color from the order selection tab when placing your order.
*For watches with original straps or metal bands, the leather strap will not be attached but sent separately as a spare.
We will also send a special watch case upon shipment.

● Important information regarding antique watch purchases, please read carefully ●

At RESUME, when selling antique watches, we do not hand them over immediately upon order.
Instead, we request an overhaul (hereinafter OH) from a specialized craftsman and deliver the watch after the OH is completed. (This typically takes about 1-2 months).

A specialized craftsman, certified as a Class 1 watch repair technician, will completely disassemble the watch, replace consumable parts such as internal gaskets, clean, lubricate, and perform a thorough OH, adjusting it to an accuracy of about ±1 minute per day.
Upon delivery, we will also send our original OH certificate, which details the work performed during the OH, along with photographs of the disassembled and serviced movement.

Of course, due to the nature of the product being pre-owned, there is no absolute guarantee that it will never break. However, we take these measures to ensure that you can enjoy the watch's original performance and use it with peace of mind in the future. We appreciate your understanding.

When purchasing a product, a 1-year warranty period is provided depending on the model. Even after the warranty period has passed, we offer repair services, although a fee will apply.
If you do not have a repair shop nearby, please feel free to consult us.