Seiko watch Crown 45899 Tokyo 1964 Olympic Vintage Chronograph

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Seiko Crown 45899
Movement : 5719A 21 Jewel
Age : May 1964
Case Size : 38mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 44.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In good pre-owned condition, with some signs of wear from use.
  
• Case has some scratches and marks
• Dial has the tiniest blemishes just off centre.
  
• Original Bakelite bezel, has signs of wear.
  
• Fully serviced movement
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

A BIT OF TRIVIA

1964 marked a turning point in post-war Japan’s emergence as a global economic force, symbolized most clearly by Tokyo hosting the Summer Olympics that year. Seiko, a rising powerhouse in Japanese watchmaking, was appointed the official timekeeper of the Games — a remarkable achievement considering its relatively limited international experience in sports timing at the time. The company began research and development for Olympic-grade timekeeping instruments as early as 1961.

As the head of the Olympic Technical Committee noted, "We are not assigning official timekeeping to a Japanese manufacturer because the Olympics will be held in Tokyo, but because these are actual functional [timepieces], backed up by solid theory." Despite initial reservations within Seiko — including doubts from the head of the Watch Design Section about the feasibility of developing suitable devices in time — company president Shoji Hattori was unwavering in his commitment to the project.

To celebrate and capitalize on its role in the 1964 Games, Seiko released several innovative wristwatches around this period, including the landmark Seiko 45899 mono-pusher chronograph — the brand’s first wrist-worn chronograph. Powered by a column-wheel movement and operated by a single pusher to start, stop, and reset the seconds hand, the Cal. 5719 timed minutes via a rotating bezel rather than a sub dial — a practical, sporty design well suited to the era.

The 45899 was offered only briefly around the time of the Olympics and was joined by other notable releases: the 5717 (a date-equipped variant), the exceptionally rare 5718 (with a unique tally register and calendar functions), and the 6217-7000 World Time GMT — Seiko’s first GMT, also introduced in 1964.

Early examples of the 45899, like the one offered here, are especially prized for their embossed Olympic torch case backs — a nod to Seiko’s role in the Tokyo Games. In true Seiko fashion, these watches were prominently advertised in connection with the Olympics, cementing their place in the brand’s heritage.

Of historical note, according to the Official Report of the Organizing Committee for the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, 50 “Seiko Crown Chronographs” were presented as commemorative gifts for the Torch Relay. While the exact models aren’t specified, it is widely believed that these were likely 5719s or a close variant, lending further historical significance to surviving examples.

Due to their short production run, mono-pusher design, and fragile original Bakelite bezels — many of which haven’t survived — clean, original examples like this one are rare and desirable. It’s a significant piece of Seiko and Olympic history, and a fitting addition to any serious vintage chronograph collection.

OUR THOUGHTS

This Seiko 45899 mono-pusher chronograph is a standout piece for any collector due to its historical importance, rarity, and distinctive design. As Seiko’s first wrist-worn chronograph and released specifically in conjunction with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics — where Seiko served as the official timekeeper — it represents a pivotal moment in both horological and Japanese industrial history. Its unique single-pusher column-wheel movement, rotating bezel for minute tracking, and embossed Olympic case back make it not only mechanically interesting but also a tangible artifact of a landmark global event. Clean, original examples are increasingly scarce, especially those retaining their original Bakelite bezel, making this an essential acquisition for vintage chronograph enthusiasts.