***As featured on GEAR PATROL*** Brand: Seiko Model: 45899 Single-Button Olympic Chronograph (RARE); Made in Japan circa July of 1964 (serial #4702XXX); 1964 Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo from October 10th to 24th Case: Solid stainless steel "waterproof" case with "Olympic Torch" caseback is approximately 37mm excluding the original unsigned winding crown Bracelet: 18mm vintage Seiko stainless steel 5-row bracelet with B410 end-pieces, signed "SEIKO" fold-over clasp, and removable links Movement: Seiko cal. 5719 manual-winding chronograph movement (21 jewels) with column-wheel engagement; 18,000 BPH; Made in Japan Features: Stunning original silver sunburst dial with beveled and polished hour markers; original handset; original black plastic external rotating bezel displays elapsed time in minutes for extended chronograph recording; 37mm solid stainless steel case with desirable "Olympic Torch" caseback (1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games); domed acrylic crystal Condition: Very nice original condition overall with minor honest wear consistent with age and use; solid stainless steel case remains thick and sharp with the original edges and bevels in tact; "Olympic Torch" caseback is lightly worn but remains visible; very attractive original silver sunburst dial with crisp printing throughout; original plastic bezel shows some minor wear and aging but remains in tact (given the overall rarity and fragile nature of these original bezels, we do not recommend rotating); domed acrylic crystal exhibits some very minor wear Other: The 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games proved to be a catalyst for Japan's re-entry onto the world's stage as a first-world economic power. Despite having no prior experience in sports timing, Seiko was named the official timekeeper and began research and development all the way back in 1961. As part of the process, Seiko developed several advanced wristwatches to commemorate their role in the Olympics. In 1964 they released their first world-time GMT watch (ref. 6217-7000) and their first chronograph watch (ref. 45899) that we have available for sale here. Early examples like this one are most desirable because they featured an embossed "Olympic Torch" logo on the caseback, a celebration of Seiko's connection to the Summer Games. The 45899 chronograph is powered by a column-wheel movement and operated by a single push-button that starts, stops, and resets the sweeping-seconds hand. This mono-pusher design was both efficient and easy to use. It is exceedingly difficult to find clean, original examples of this watch with the black plastic bezel still in tact. As such, it is an important piece of history with a place in any sophisticated collection.
