SEIKOSHA | OVERSIZED NICKEL-PLATED MILITARY PILOT'S WRISTWATCH WITH ORIGINAL STRAPCIRCA 1942

Dial: black Calibre: manual winding Case: base metal, snap-on back Case number: 52'279 Dimensions: 48 mm Signed: case and movement Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: with signs of wear and age as there are scuffs and scratches throughout. Some abrasions to the uppermost layer of the case and larger scratched off areas on the back revealing the bronze-coloured base metal. DIAL: in good condition with signs of aging. Some of the luminous material has worn off and the hands have possibly been relumed a long time ago. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

This military watch is historically interesting and was made for pilots of the Japanese Air Force. It comes in a large case and features a big onion crown as it was designed to be worn over flight equipment and operated while wearing thick gloves. During the human tragedy of the Second World War, a lot of these watches were lost and destroyed alongside their original owners, as the infamous 'Kamikaze' pilots sacrificed themselves and used their planes as missiles to attack enemy vessels. It is therefore a very rare occasion to come across one such as the present example.   This example is in very original condition with Japanese military engravings to the outside of the case back. The dial too is in very attractive and original condition. What makes this watch rarer still, is the presence of the original strap, a rarity in itself.