SEIKO "Golden Frame Dial" GP 1980s

A slim quartz dress watch from Seiko, made in the 1980s. The dial is what sets it apart: a sunburst gold centre sits inside a ring of brushed gold panels divided by fine dark lines, so the gaps between the panels do the work of hour markers. Inside is the Cal.5Y39, a quartz movement with a date at 3 o'clock, so there is no winding to think about. We paired it with a black croc leather strap, and it sits as easily with a suit as with an evening jacket.

The case is gold plated with a stainless steel back. There are light marks from use and a few small scratches on the crystal, but no major damage. It measures 31mm across (excluding the crown) and 38mm lug to lug, with an 18mm lug width. The case is thin and the lugs are slim, so the watch sits flat on the wrist and slips under a shirt cuff without catching.

The dial is original. Below a small Seiko emblem at 12, only SEIKO and QUARTZ are printed, which leaves the gold to carry the design. When the watch is tilted, the centre throws the light back while the outer panels stay a paler, flatter gold, and that contrast gives a simple two-hand dial real depth.

- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -