Seiko Laurel
The Laurel, introduced in 1913, is Japan's first ever wristwatch and one of the most historically significant timepieces produced by Seikosha, the company that would become Seiko. It features a pristine white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals. For some, a signature red "12", and a small seconds subdial located at six o'clock. The silver case incorporates fixed wire lugs to attach the strap, which is typical of early transitional wristwatches of the era. Originally, the Laurel was produced in extremely limited quantities due to the high difficulty of manufacturing its small 12-ligne hand-wound movement. Today, this groundbreaking timepiece remains a cornerstone of Seiko's heritage, frequently inspiring modern commemorative releases.
| Years | 1913 to present |
|---|---|
| Line | Laurel |
What makes the 1913 Seiko Laurel historically significant?
The Laurel is Japan's first domestically produced wristwatch, introduced by Seikosha in 1913. It marked the beginning of Seiko's transition from pocket watches to wristwatches.
What are the key distinguishing features of an original 1913 Laurel?
The original 1913 model features a true enamel dial with a red "12" marker, a small seconds subdial at the six o'clock position, and fixed wire lugs on a silver case.
