Seiko 7820-5480 Tonneau Steel — White Roman Dial (1989)
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Movement guaranteed for 1 year
Free insured shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Seiko steel: the tonneau dress watch with central lugs, white Roman dial and double framing
This Seiko watch is a tonneau-shaped dress watch, unisex, worn equally well by a man or a woman. Its tonneau steel case, with curved sides and central lugs — point attachments placed in the middle of the sides rather than at the corners — gives it an original and elegant silhouette, characteristic of the dress design of the 1980s. It measures 28.5mm wide (30.5mm with the crown), with a Lug-to-lug of 39mm and a thickness of only 6mm. An ultra-thin and refined piece, made to slip under a cuff.
The white lacquered dial is one of pared-back classicism. Black Roman numerals run around its perimeter, surrounding a double minute track that forms a cartouche echoing the shape of the case. The SEIKO and QUARTZ signatures occupy the center, the small Seiko QZ logo the lower part. Two fine blackened baton hands are enough: no seconds hand, no date, only the essentials, in a design of great restraint.
Inside beats the Seiko 7820 calibre, an ultra-thin two-hand dress quartz movement. Its slim construction allows the watch’s 6mm profile. In practice, maintenance is limited to battery replacement by any watchmaker. The movement of this example has been checked by our watchmaker and the battery replaced before shipping.
On the wrist, the piece plays the card of timeless classicism. The polished steel and white Roman dial create an ensemble of great clarity, highlighted here by a black genuine crocodile leather strap. This strap is not original; it is fitted with a steel Buckle. The 17mm Lug width leaves the choice of replacement straps open.
Three points to note
- The tonneau case with central lugs is an original and sought-after design, characteristic of the dress elegance of the 1980s.
- The white dial with Roman numerals and double minute track embodies the classicism of the dress watch: understated and perfectly legible.
- At 6mm thick, it is an ultra-thin watch that slips under a shirt cuff without the slightest inconvenience.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: tonneau dress watch, central lugs, Roman dial
- Reference: 7820-5480
- Estimated year: 1989
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Men’s and women’s watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Japanese quartz, calibre Seiko 7820
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- Case: Steel (steel back), tonneau shape with central lugs
- Dimensions: 28.5mm (30.5mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 39mm
- Thickness: 6mm
- Lug width: 17mm
- Crown: Steel, original
- Dial: White lacquered, black Roman numerals, double railway minute track, Seiko and Quartz signatures, Seiko QZ logo, original
- Hands: Blackened batons (hours, minutes), original
- Crystal : Mineral, very fine condition (9/10)
- Strap: Genuine black crocodile leather, not original
- Buckle : Steel, not original
Condition and guarantee
- General condition: Excellent state of preservation. Immaculate white dial, crisp numerals and hands, Crystal in very fine condition (9/10). The steel case shows only light superficial signs of wear.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanical: Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What is a "tonneau" case with central lugs?
The tonneau case, or "barrel," is a shaped case with curved sides, taller than it is wide. On this Seiko, it also features central lugs: the strap attachments are positioned in the middle of the upper and lower sides, rather than at the corners, giving the watch an original silhouette and a distinctly dressy character.
How was this watch dated?
Its date was estimated from its serial number and calibre, according to the Seiko method: the first character of the number indicates the year, the second the month. Cross-referenced with the production period of calibre 7820, this places the piece in October 1989. This dating remains indicative, as the Seiko convention is not an official brand standard.
Is the case steel or plated?
The case is steel, a durable and hard-wearing material that retains its lustre over time. Unlike gold-plating, steel does not carry any risk of plating wear: it is a robust and understated choice, perfectly suited to a dress watch intended for daily wear.
Is this Seiko water-resistant?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original gaskets have aged and the caseback pressure is no longer what it was on the first day. Avoid the shower, pool, and sea. However, simple contact with rainwater does not pose any difficulty.
What wrist size does this watch suit?
With a tonneau case measuring 28.5mm wide and a Lug-to-lug of 39mm, this is ideally a shaped watch in a measured format, comfortable on a slim to medium wrist and easy to slip under a cuff. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on taste and the look sought, this piece can be worn just as well by a man as by a woman, on all kinds of wrists. The market rating is only a guide, never a rule.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
Free delivery
Delivery is free on all our pieces internationally. Dispatch within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express, Emirates Post, EMS or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination, delivery within 2 to 14 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Collection in Dubai
In-person handover by appointment in Downtown Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product page. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt and are payable by the buyer. Customs inspections may in rare cases extend the delivery time.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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