SEIKO Two-Tone "Ivory Roman" Quartz 1990s

A round dress watch from Seiko, built around Cal.8J41, one of Seiko's high-accuracy quartz movements. The dial pairs black Roman numerals with two shades of white, an ivory centre and a brighter outer ring, which gives it a classic face close to that of an old pocket watch. The 8J41 corrects for changes in temperature, the main cause of drift in a quartz watch, and Seiko rated it to about ten seconds a year, far tighter than an ordinary quartz movement. There is nothing to wind, and it keeps time with very little attention. It comes on a brown crocodile-pattern leather strap with a Seiko-signed buckle, and it works with a suit as well as with a weekend jacket.

The case is stainless steel with a gold-toned bezel, and the back is stainless steel. There are fine marks from use, mostly on the bezel, but no major damage. It measures 33mm across (excluding crown) and 39mm lug to lug, with a 17mm lug width. The steel lugs curve down from a slim round case, and the gold crown matches the bezel. Because the case is thin, it sits low on the wrist and slips easily under a shirt cuff.

The dial is original, and the code printed at six, 8J41-0AP0, matches the movement. The ivory centre carries a fine woven pattern that picks up the light in small lines, while the outer ring is smooth with a soft pearly sheen. Black printed Roman numerals mark every hour, with slim black hands and a fine gold-toned seconds hand. The two textures shift as the wrist turns, so a simple white face never looks flat.