Vintage Seiko 5S21 Gold-Plated — Sweeping Seconds Hand (1989)

Seiko vintage gold-plated: a dress watch with a golden dial and sweep seconds hand This vintage Seiko watch is an elegant dress piece with a round gold-plated case, slim and refined, with a sunburst gold dial. It conceals a rare feature: its sweep-seconds calibre, an exceptional quartz movement considered a precursor to Spring Drive. In a versatile size, it can be worn just as well on a man’s wrist as on a woman’s. A sober and refined Japanese watch, ideal for everyday wear as well as evening occasions. The gold dial with its sunburst finish highlights a Roman numeral XII, fine applied baton indices, and the Seiko signature. Slim gold hands sweep across the dial, including a seconds hand with a particularly fluid motion. A sober and luminous dial, in the great tradition of Japanese dress watches, enhanced by the distinctive smoothness of its seconds hand. This Seiko is powered by the 5S21 quartz calibre, a rare and sought-after movement: its seconds hand glides smoothly, like a mechanical watch, instead of ticking once per second. Thanks to a hairspring and a viscous regulator, it delivers that highly distinctive sweep, and is often described as one of the forerunners of Spring Drive technology. Produced for only a few years in the late 1980s, it was originally announced with a precision of less than 20 seconds per month. An original calibre that carries forward the heritage of Seiko, the quartz pioneer with the 1969 Astron. With its 32mm case and very slim profile (6.8mm), and its round gold-plated shape, this vintage watch offers an elegant and versatile size, suitable for both men and women — a true Unisex watch. The dial, hands, and mineral Crystal are in very fine condition. It is fitted with a leather strap, not original, and a steel Buckle. Three points to note Vintage Seiko watch, round gold-plated case, sunburst gold dial with applied indices (circa 1989). Rare Seiko 5S21 quartz calibre with sweep seconds (sweep), a precursor to the Spring Drive spirit. Unisex watch (men and women), very slim profile; leather strap, not original. → Discover our vintage Seiko watches → See our vintage watches under €500 Technical specifications Brand: Seiko Model: Dress watch, round shape Reference: 5S21-6110 Estimated year: Circa 1989 Origin: Japan Gender: Men’s and women’s watch (Unisex) Movement: Japanese quartz with sweep seconds, Seiko 5S21 calibre (less than 20 s/month annoncés of origin) Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds (sweeping seconds hand) Case: Gold-plated (steel back), round shape Dimensions: 32mm (34mm with the crown) Lug to lug: 36mm Thickness: 6.8mm (Crystal included) Lug width: 17mm Crown: Gold-plated, not original Dial: Gold sunburst, Roman numeral XII and applied baton indices, original signature Seiko Hands: Gold-plated (hours, minutes) and sweeping seconds hand, original Crystal: Mineral, very fine condition Bracelet: Leather, non-original Buckle: Steel pin buckle, non-original Condition and warranty Overall condition: Very fine state of preservation. Dial, hands and Crystal in very fine condition. Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch) Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee Movement: Checked quartz movement, 1-year guarantee Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective box Not included: Original box and papers Frequently asked questions What is the sweeping seconds hand of this Seiko? Unlike a standard quartz movement, whose seconds hand ticks once per second, the 5S21 caliber lets its seconds hand glide smoothly, like a mechanical watch. This effect is achieved thanks to a spiral spring and a viscous regulator integrated into the movement. It is a rare feature, highly prized by collectors. Is the 5S21 caliber rare? Yes. Produced for only a few years at the end of the 1980s, this sweeping-seconds movement was made in limited quantities. It is now considered one of the precursors to Seiko's Spring Drive technology, making it a sought-after horological curiosity. Is the case solid gold? No. It is a gold-plated case over a steel base. This dress finish offers the brilliance of gold with the robustness of steel, and contributes to the elegant character of this vintage watch. Is this Seiko watch vintage? Yes. Dating from the late 1980s, it is approaching forty years old. It is an authentic vintage Seiko watch, fitted with its original movement, reflecting the brand's spirit of innovation. Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman? It is a Unisex watch. Its 32mm round case suits both a masculine and feminine wrist. Its gold sunburst dial and dressy format make it an elegant watch for any occasion.