from Japan


Condition Description

Professionally overhauled (OH) in April 2026. New-old-style crystal installed. Automatic clutch wheel and power reserve indicator gear retaining plate replaced during service. Dial and hands show minor age-related blemishes consistent with a 1959 vintage piece. All functions, including automatic winding and power reserve indicator, are working correctly.


Please Note

shipping from Japan.


Item Description

SEIKO Indicator (Caliber 11A) — Japan's First Automatic Wristwatch, Late Model, 21 Jewels

This is a and historically significant piece: the Seiko Indicator, based on Caliber 11A, which debuted in 1955 from Seiko's Kameido factory as Japan's very first automatic wristwatch. The model on offer is the late-production variant, manufactured in July 1959 (Showa 34) — the final year of production for this reference.

Key Features

  • Caliber: 11A Automatic (self-winding)
  • Jewels: 21 Jewels
  • Power Reserve Indicator: The defining feature of this watch — a dedicated "Maki-jirushi" (winding indicator) hand shows the mainspring's state of wind at a glance
  • Case: EGP (Electro Gold Plated) with flush/recessed crown — the rarer style emphasizing that manual winding is unnecessary
  • Crown Style: Recessed (flush-fit) crown — a minority variant produced to highlight the automatic winding capability
  • Movement: Mechanical Automatic

Service History

  • Full overhaul (OH) completed in April 2026
  • Period-correct style new crystal installed
  • Automatic winding clutch wheel replaced
  • Power reserve indicator gear retaining plate replaced (a known weak point on this caliber)
  • Parts sourced from a donor mid-production Indicator — this watch is now set up for continued reliable use

Condition Notes

The dial and hands show minor blemishes consistent with age (manufactured 1959). The case and crystal present well for a 65+ year old timepiece. All functions — automatic winding and power reserve indicator — are confirmed working after the overhaul.

Historical Context

When this watch was released, it was priced above even Seiko's prestigious Lord Marvel, positioning it as the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking. Its power reserve indicator was a revolutionary feature, allowing the wearer to confirm at a glance that the automatic mechanism was keeping the mainspring wound — something almost magical in an era when hand-winding was the norm.

What's Included

  • Watch only (no original box or papers)
  • Service records available upon request

Please refer to all photos carefully before purchasing. The images form part of the item description.



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