Railroad Approved (By Whom and Why?)
One aspect of the early development of watches was the need that railroads had for accuracy. Before telephones and other methods of communication engineers would have to consult time tables to ensure that people and cargo arrived on time. They needed accurate watches. It wasn't just for timeliness, it was for safety. Trains had to share large stretches of track. Knowing exactly when something was going to be two miles outside of Muncie was vital.
When we think of railroad approved watches we tend to think of Waltham and Elgin pocket watches. The railroads mandated standards for accuracy in the late 19th Century and only a few pocket watches made the grade. Eventually, Ball, Illinois, Hamilton, and others would manufacture for the railroads. Watches had to be checked regularly and jewelers were contracted to make repairs and give out loaners.
Pocket watches remained the norm until the 1950's and early 1960's. Ball, Elgin and Bulova competed to make railroad approved wristwatches.
Seiko joined that space with quartz movements in the 1970's. So, Seikophiles out there: why? The golden age of rail travel was over in most places. Watch accuracy was high across the board, especially with quartz. What railroad needed a Seiko? Was this just a nostalgia design?
This was a popular Seiko model for decades. Mine is from 1995. That's vintage enough. I took it off of an expandable band and put it on silicone. With those colors I don't know what would look good with it. Pink, white and gold is an odd combination. (Why pink?)
Do you have railroad approved pieces?
Restitutor Orbis. Aristocrat of beauty. Autocrat of time. (Trying to perfect trolling over at theescapementroom.com)
The watch is probably one of the most unique vintage seikos I have ever seen. The color combinations are for sure special. What about the movement?
And what kind of strap is this?
Lots of questions... I am really intrigued..
https://thetruthaboutwatches.com/2020/04/the-truth-about-the-ball-railway-watch/
I have none. I like some but they are often too stark even for me. Looking at the actual old requirements, I think you are right that this is just a nostalgic style vestige, which just seems like such a hipster affectation. If that wasn't such a perfect flamingo pink, I'd suspect unstable faded red.
Apparently the Japanese railroad was actually still using pocket watches at least into the 1980's.
https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2017/7/16/seiko-railway-watches
I‘ve that the Pulsar Railroad watch which had the same movement as the Seiko 7546 great watch but on sold it as I prefer dive watches
I have a "Dingwall" branded pocket watch from 1901 with a "Class A" railroad grade movement from Hamilton - does that count?
dunno but that handset is awesome.
The watch is probably one of the most unique vintage seikos I have ever seen. The color combinations are for sure special. What about the movement?
And what kind of strap is this?
Lots of questions... I am really intrigued..
I don't know the movement. Quartz is a weakness in my game (one of many). That is a Bisonstrap silicone strap. It is quick release. I was at a loss for what would look good with that, perhaps a red NATO. Bisonstraps are a low cost way of putting a strap on a watch while you figure out what the next step might be.
I have a "Dingwall" branded pocket watch from 1901 with a "Class A" railroad grade movement from Hamilton - does that count?
The movement is as pretty as the dial. It counts.
https://thetruthaboutwatches.com/2020/04/the-truth-about-the-ball-railway-watch/
I have none. I like some but they are often too stark even for me. Looking at the actual old requirements, I think you are right that this is just a nostalgic style vestige, which just seems like such a hipster affectation. If that wasn't such a perfect flamingo pink, I'd suspect unstable faded red.
Apparently the Japanese railroad was actually still using pocket watches at least into the 1980's.
https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2017/7/16/seiko-railway-watches
These Seikos (and Pulsars) all look pink. What convinced me was that the second hand and 24 hour markers were the same color. With different materials you would expect them to fade to pink at a different rate. I have never seen a faded second hand. Red seconds from the 1940's are still red.
Its an absolute beauty❤️