{"product_id":"montre-seiko-vintage-spirit-5e31-5b50-tank-or-1996","title":"Seiko Vintage Spirit Watch 5E31-5B50 — Tank Gold (1996) ","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe golden tank of the Japanese dress line\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Seiko Spirit watch, reference 5E31-5B50, produced in 1996, can be worn equally well by a man or a woman, with a 27mm gold-plated tank case — a rectangle with cut corners, whose sides curve slightly toward the lugs. Its 5.8mm thickness places it among the thinnest dress watches of its generation. The bezel is double, with a polished outer trim framing a second, finer trim that follows the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe golden dial features a grained, almost sandblasted texture that diffuses light instead of reflecting it — the exact opposite of a satin or sunburst finish. The result is a matte, deep surface that changes in density depending on the angle without ever dazzling. Twelve applied baton hour markers, also golden, are set on it, bordered by a printed minute track in fine batons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe layout of the inscriptions is unusual: \u003cem\u003eSPIRIT\u003c\/em\u003e occupies the upper part of the dial, below twelve, and \u003cem\u003eSEIKO\u003c\/em\u003e the lower part. This is the reverse of the usual hierarchy, where the brand name precedes that of the line. This choice gives the piece its character and immediately sets it apart from the other variations in the line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design choice is that of complete monochrome: dial, hour markers, hands and case share the same tone. Legibility comes from relief and from differences in brilliance between the matte background and the polished appliqués, never from color contrast. The 5E31 calibre powering it is a three-hand analog quartz movement, whose flat architecture allows for this thickness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrained-texture dial\u003c\/strong\u003e — a sandblasted surface that diffuses light rather than reflecting it, rare on golden dials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReversed signature\u003c\/strong\u003e — SPIRIT at the top, SEIKO at the bottom: the reverse of the usual hierarchy, which distinguishes this variation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5.8mm thick\u003c\/strong\u003e — a profile that few dress watches achieve, including among contemporary Swiss productions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy choose a vintage Seiko watch?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuying a \u003cstrong\u003evintage Seiko watch\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than a new model means gaining access to a leading Japanese manufacture at a restrained budget, with pieces whose construction has proven its durability. \u003cstrong\u003eVintage quartz watches\u003c\/strong\u003e from this period are also the easiest to maintain on the pre-owned market: a battery change is enough to get them running again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spirit line occupies a precise place among \u003cstrong\u003evintage men's and women's watches\u003c\/strong\u003e: it formed the contemporary dress segment of Seiko, between the entry-level ranges and the prestigious Dolce and Exceline lines. This 27mm \u003cstrong\u003evintage dress watch\u003c\/strong\u003e can be worn equally by both, and its tank shape sets it apart from the round formats that dominate the pre-owned market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned Seiko watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this one has been opened and checked by our watchmakers: verification of the calibre and its consistency with the reference, examination of the dial, hands and case. Every \u003cstrong\u003evintage Japanese watch\u003c\/strong\u003e we offer comes with a Atelier Victor invoice serving as a certificate, a one-year warranty, and guaranteed lifetime authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-seiko-vintage\"\u003eDiscover our Seiko vintage watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-vintage-japonaises\"\u003eView our selection of vintage Japanese watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\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 Spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5E31-5B50\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1996\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\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 Japanese quartz, Seiko calibre 5E31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold-plated, tank shape with cut corners (steel caseback)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 27mm (28.5mm including the crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 35mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.8mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden, fluted, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden with grained texture, applied baton hour markers, printed minute track, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden, baton-shaped, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral (condition 9\/10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black crocodile leather, not original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel pin buckle, not original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and warranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good overall condition. The golden dial retains its full grained texture, the applied hour markers and hands are intact, and the Crystal is in very fine condition (9\/10). The gold plating on the case shows fine marks and signs of wear, particularly on the bezel and edges, consistent with the age of the piece.\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 Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Atelier Victor invoice\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\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a grained-texture dial?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a finely grained surface, produced by sandblasting or bead blasting, which diffuses light instead of reflecting it directly. Unlike a satin-finished dial, which produces bright bands, or a sunburst dial, which radiates from the center, a grained dial remains matte and deep regardless of the angle. On a golden background, this treatment avoids a flashy effect and gives the surface an unusual density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is meant by a tank case?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe term refers to a rectangular shape whose vertical sides frame the dial, with cut or rounded corners depending on the model. This silhouette dominated the dress watch for a large part of the twentieth century before giving way to round formats. It fits the wrist better than a round case of equivalent surface area, which explains its wearing comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Spirit line at Seiko?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eSpirit occupied the contemporary dress watch segment in the Japanese catalogue, between the entry-level ranges and the prestige Dolce and Exceline lines. These watches are distinguished by particularly slim cases, refined dials, and pared-back legibility, with no complications or ornamentation. The line is still present in the Seiko catalogue today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a vintage Seiko watch a safe purchase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is, provided that authenticity is established and the condition is described without reservation. Our watchmakers systematically open the case to verify the calibre and its consistency with the reference, and inspect the dial, hands, and all components. Every pre-owned Seiko watch sold by Atelier Victor comes with an invoice serving as a certificate of authenticity, a one-year warranty, and lifetime guaranteed authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this piece suitable for a slim or larger wrist?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a width of 27mm, a Lug-to-lug of 35mm, and a thickness of 5.8mm, it suits wrists of approximately 15 to 18cm. Its compact format and exceptional slimness place it firmly in the dress category, equally wearable by a man or a woman. The Lug width measures 18mm, making it easy to change the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Seiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54571846992209,"sku":"620167 5E31-5B50","price":1.05,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/montre-seiko-vintage-spirit-5e31-5b50-tank-or-1996-atelier-victor-1.jpg?v=1787407643","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/seiko-vintage-spirit-watch-5e31-5b50-tank-gold-1996","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}