80s Retro JDM

Those of you who know me, will have an inkling of my penchant for diminutive wrist candy and yes.. I've bought another one.

It's my first JDM and probably the thinnest watch I've ever owned. But to be honest, I'm now not sure that the sellers description was correct. He described it “Seiko x Nano SCXP123 Watch, Limited Edition, JDM, Steve Jobs, Chariot” . I had no idea what most of that meant, but I was intrigued enough to check it out.

Apparently, back in 2017 after Steve Jobs' Seiko Chariot from 1982 (I know.. I was also surprised it wasn't an Apple watch) was auctioned off for $42,500, Seiko and Nano Universe collaborated to reproduce the watch in limited numbers. Steve's original watch was 33mm but the reissue came in two sizes 37mm and 33mm and two dial colours black or white, both with a black stainless steel case and black leather strap. The white dial versions were limited to 1982 pieces, the black 300 pieces, all were restricted to the JDM market and it will come as no surprise to many that it was the 33mm version that caught my attention.

The original 'Steve Jobs' Seiko Chariot series wristwatch, as auctioned in 2016 for $42,500

Now, here is where I become confused. When I saw the pictures of the watch for sale, I presumed the paint was wearing off the case and someone had swapped the black leather strap (AKA Steve Jobs) for tan. But no matter, It was small, it was cheap, it was 80s retro and I liked it.

However, after the watch arrived, I did a little more digging and discovered, Seiko did in fact release a limited edition of 300 pieces with a distressed black paint job and a tan leather strap, with the model code of Seiko Selection SCXP123 1987-01. So I'm thinking this might be in addition to the Nano Universe Steve Jobs watches, or maybe it was a later collaboration with Nano. who knows and who cares, I like it and I thought you, my fellow Crunchers might also be interested in seeing a retro quartz watch with a 1980s heritage.

Apparently, it's got a calibre 7N01 movement.

A stainless steel case with Hard Coating and Hardlex glass.

The Case Size is 33mm diameter and 6.4mm thick.

And water resistance is 50m.

The only thing I have to decide now is, do I leave it on its original tan strap for a nice bit of contrast or do I go all minimalist like Steve Jobs and fit the black Hirsch strap that I just happened to have in 17mm.