FS: SEIKO Chronograph 23j "Fly-Back" 7018-7000... $280 [SOLD]

The Cal. 70xx, produced by Daini Seikosha, was a new automatic movement design in the late 1960s. The aim was to optimize functional stability through rational re-arrangement and reduction of the number of parts needed. Its 2nd generation, introduced in the early 1971, brought with it improvements, such as calendar quick-set of the Day by pressing the crown. It also brought the only complications of the 70xx line--the 701x chronographs--considered “high-end” calibers.





The operation of the 701x chronograph is different from Suwa’s 6139, and does away with any need for regulation or adjustment, while keeping the vertical clutch coupling system that that movement made famous. The 23 jewel Cal. 7018, which powers the 7018-7000 on offer, is one of Seiko’s rarest chronograph calibers.

This Japan-only timepiece is a true fly-back chronograph that is unique among the 701x in having 23 jewels, and unique among vintage Seiko, in featuring scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Comparatively speaking, the 7018-7000 is “very rare”, on the level of 5717 and 5719 one-pusher chronographs, 6138-0020 Tokei Zara, 7015, 7017, and other 7018 chronographs. At 25,000 Yen (in 1971), it was among the most expensive Seiko chronograph at the time, and well withing KS territory.














SPECIFICATIONS

Movement: Automatic Cal. 7018, 23 Jewels, 21’600 bph, Chronograph (60sec / 30min) with fly-back, Diashock shock-resistant device, QuickSet Day/Date
Case: Stainless steel (width: 38 mm w/o crown, lug-width: 18 mm)
Dial: Iridescent charcoal / black sun ray, gold chronograph sub-dial, applied polished steel indices, polished steel hands (all original)
Crystal: Sapphire, raised
Manufactured: In Japan, December 1971
MSRP in Japan (in 1971): 25,000 JPY
Bracelet: Replacement – Solid-link stainless steel double flip lock with side-push release (full-size and in mint condition)


The watch was originally purchased from the States, and is in overall EXCELLENT condition (87%). There are the small external blemishes on the case and case back (slightly tool marked, but inscriptions are crisp and clear). The dial is excellent, with only the hands showing a light sign of aging. The sapphire crystal is in perfectly mint condition. The quality solid-link bracelet is new and has only been worn a few times, and is thus in mint condition. It suits the watch very well, IMO.

Service history is unknown, though my watchmaker has inspected, oiled, and regulated the movement, along with replacing seals and gaskets. The 7018 is currently running within 14 sec/day, with 45 hours power reserve—indicating good health. The chronograph function, including the fly-back, work as it should, though the sweep seconds accumulator resets 1 sec off dead-centre. This is less noticeable on a Seiko, as you’d wear the watch with the chronograph running, using the centre seconds as the constant “hackable” seconds. I’m selling as is.

A regretful sale due to lack of wrist time. The watch is located in Auckland, New Zealand, and numerous international references are available upon request. The price includes worldwide shipping by NZPost International Courier, fully-insured with track & trace. PayPal fees absorbed. Please contact me through the Forum's email or PM facilities.

$280 ...SOLD

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