In 1969, Seiko introduced a quite exotic range of mechanical watches : the “Fashion watch” series. Based on the hand wound 2140 movement, they displayed only two hands on a mixed minimalist-excentric dial, cased in big palladium plated cases.
This range was only marketed in Japan and had probably only little success, considering the rarity of these models and the short period of production.
Presentation
The design of this watch is very typical from the space age, one could wonder if the designers from Seiko worked under the influence of some forbidden substance. The case looks quite big, the vertical striped dial being for sure absolutely eye-catching.
The dial & hands
The dial has a beautiful purple background which is revealed by the shining sun The stripes are at first sight quite disturbing but if you observe them with attention, you will notice that they are in fact hour markers. The Seiko logo is located at the top left corner, the jewelling at the bottom right corner.
The hour minute is wide, the minute hand is quite thin.
The case
The palladium plated steel case is made of two parts, the back in which the movement is fitted and the frame surrounding the crystal.
The flat acrylic crystal is held between the back and the front parts. The dimensions are quite big – 34 x 34.5 mm – and there are 24 mm betweens the lugs. The watch was initially fitted with a black leather strap, I think it is a quite strange choice, maybe a milanaise steel bracelet would have been more adapted.
The movement
This watch is fitted with a strangely small “tonneau” Seiko 2140 movement that would have been perfect for small sized lady’s watch. A big metal frame surrounds it, so it is well held in the case. I don’t have any experience with this calibre but it obviously runs well and knowing Seiko, it is probably reliable and enough precise.
In conclusion
This “Fashion watch” 2140-3000 is something very different, it belongs to a conceptual range introduced by Seiko in 1969 and was ahead of its time.
When purchasing one, take a special attention to the dial, rectangle watches are often less water resistant than round ones and humidity may have affected the paint and the enamel.
And choose one with an intact crystal, spare parts are unfindable.
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Fashion Watch 2140-3000 |
| Year | 1969-1971 |
| Calibre | Seiko 2140 |
| Jewels | 21 |
| Rate | 21,600 bph |
| Case material | Palladium plated steel |
| Width | 34.0 mm |
| Length | 34.5 mm |
| Lugs | 24 mm |
| Dial | Purple |
| Hands | Undefinable 🙂 |