{"product_id":"seiko-lucent-5e21-5c10-tank-acier-romains-or-verre-saphir-1996","title":"Seiko Lucent 5E21-5C10 Tank Steel — Gold Roman Numerals Crystal Sapphire (1996) ","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 28px 0; padding: 22px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2ddd5; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; opacity: 0.5;\"\u003eAtelier Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-style: italic; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7;\"\u003eA dial assembled like a mat: white at the center, a grained silver frame, gold Roman numerals set upon it — beneath a Crystal sapphire crystal that, in 1996, was reserved for far more costly watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA 1996 Lucent tank, with a dial arranged like a mat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Seiko watch belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003eLucent\u003c\/strong\u003e line, which Seiko produced in the 1990s for its Japanese market around a singular idea: \u003cstrong\u003epaired watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, the same design rendered in a men's size and a women's size, in the spirit of the European dress codes then highly sought-after in Japan. A line that remained confidential, never distributed in Europe, it offers dress watches with finishing above what their discretion suggests. This \u003cstrong\u003e5E21-5C10\u003c\/strong\u003e reference is dated \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 1996\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003edial\u003c\/strong\u003e is constructed like a framer's mat: a central white rectangle, bearing the \u003cem\u003eSeiko\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLucent\u003c\/em\u003e signatures, set within a \u003cstrong\u003egrained silver frame\u003c\/strong\u003e — a finely granulated surface across which the \u003cstrong\u003egold Roman numerals\u003c\/strong\u003e run. The \u003cstrong\u003egold hands\u003c\/strong\u003e, as fine as pen strokes, cross both levels with the seconds hand. This interplay of frames within the frame gives the small dial an unexpected depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003etank\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003epolished steel\u003c\/strong\u003e case — 24.5mm wide, of the type that watchmaking, since the Tank of Cartier, commonly calls by this name — envelops the dial with its curved lugs, which descend toward the strap without interruption. The \u003cstrong\u003egolden crown\u003c\/strong\u003e answers the Roman numerals, the only touch of gold on the steel. And the \u003cstrong\u003eCrystal sapphire crystal\u003c\/strong\u003e, scratch-resistant in normal use, was at the time a rarity in this segment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe movement is a \u003cstrong\u003eSeiko quartz caliber 5E21\u003c\/strong\u003e, three-hand, checked. This watch was produced for the Japanese market — what collectors refer to as \u003cstrong\u003eJDM\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJapanese Domestic Market\u003c\/em\u003e — and it is fitted on a black lizard-pattern leather strap with a Buckle steel pin buckle, both later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eThree points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px 0; padding-left: 16px; border-left: 1px solid #e2ddd5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e01\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMat-style dial\u003c\/strong\u003e — a white rectangle set within a grained silver frame, gold Roman numerals and hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e02\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal sapphire crystal\u003c\/strong\u003e — scratch-resistant in normal use, a rarity in this segment in 1996, in very fine condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e03\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucent line, never seen in Europe\u003c\/strong\u003e — paired watches from 1990s Japan, which remained confidential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eWhy choose a vintage Seiko Lucent?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003evintage Seiko watch\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a precise place among \u003cstrong\u003evintage men's and women's watches\u003c\/strong\u003e  : its 24.5mm by 33.6mm tank case Lug-to-lug is the quintessential compact dress format, conceived by Seiko to be worn equally by either sex — that is the very principle of the line. A \u003cstrong\u003evintage dress watch\u003c\/strong\u003e with a sapphire Crystal, at this level of discretion, is found nowhere outside JDM lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our \u003cstrong\u003evintage quartz watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this one has been opened and checked by our partner watchmakers: movement verification, examination of the dial, hands and case. Each \u003cstrong\u003evintage watch\u003c\/strong\u003e we offer comes with an Atelier Victor invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee, and lifetime-guaranteed authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-seiko-vintage\" title=\"Seiko Vintage Watches\"\u003eDiscover our other Seiko vintage watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-vintage-japonaises\" title=\"Vintage Japanese Watches\"\u003eSee all our vintage Japanese watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lucent, tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5E21-5C10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6905••\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1996 (September)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan (domestic market)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Men's and women's watch (Unisex)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz Seiko, calibre 5E21\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, central seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Polished steel, steel back, tank shape with curved lugs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24.5mm (26.5mm with crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 33.6mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.75mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e White rectangle in a grained silver frame, gold Roman numerals, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold, fine seconds hand, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire (condition 9\/10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black lizard leather, non-original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel pin buckle, non-original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eCondition and guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good state of preservation. Clean dial, grained frame and Roman numerals without alteration, intact gold hands, sapphire Crystal in very fine condition. The polished case shows fine signs of wear on the bezel and sides, visible in our photographs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not guaranteed (vintage watch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lifetime guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Checked quartz movement, guaranteed for 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Atelier Victor invoice Atelier Victor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original box and papers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Seiko Lucent line?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt is a dress line that Seiko produced in the 1990s for the Japanese market, built around an idea that was then very much in vogue in Japan: paired watches — the same design made in a men's size and a women's size, to be worn by two people. Inspired by European dress codes, the line remained confidential and was never distributed in Europe: Lucent watches circulate very little, and almost exclusively from Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is meant by a tank watch?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name comes from Cartier: the Tank, designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, whose vertical brancards evoked the tracks of the first battle tanks. The design was so successful that the word entered the common language of watchmaking to refer to any rectangular dress watch, worn lengthwise on the wrist — across all brands. This Seiko is a Japanese interpretation of it, with curved lugs that embrace the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the advantage of a sapphire crystal?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSynthetic sapphire is, after diamond, one of the hardest materials there is: it does not scratch in everyday use, whereas a mineral crystal becomes marked over the years. Finding one on a Japanese dress watch from 1996 is uncommon — at the time, it was a feature of far more expensive watches. This one is in very fine condition, and it will remain so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs quartz reliable on a watch from this period?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Seiko calibres from the 1990s are robust and easy to maintain: the battery is changed every two to three years by a watchmaker, with no periodic servicing as on a mechanical movement. This one has been checked and is guaranteed for one year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this piece suitable for a slim or larger wrist?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt 24.5mm wide, 33.6mm lug-to-lug and 6.75mm thick, it suits wrists of around 14 to 17cm — a guideline, never a rule: everyone wears what they like, and the Lucent line was designed precisely for both. The lug width measures 17mm, which makes it easy to change the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Seiko","offers":[{"title":"Travel case","offer_id":54770298192209,"sku":"690578 5E21-5C10","price":1.05,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Vintage Seiko case","offer_id":54770298224977,"sku":"690578 5E21-5C10 box","price":1.05,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/seiko-lucent-5e21-5c10-tank-acier-romains-or-verre-saphir-1996-atelier-victor-1.jpg?v=1788390614","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/seiko-lucent-5e21-5c10-tank-steel-roman-yellow-gold-crystal-sapphire-1996","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}