{"product_id":"montre-seiko-vintage-spirit-5e31-6040-plaque-or-1988","title":"Seiko Vintage Spirit Watch 5E31-6040 — Gold-Plated (1988) ","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe grainy texture of an entirely golden dial\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Seiko Spirit watch, reference 5E31-6040, produced in 1988, can be worn equally well by a man or a woman, with a 31.5mm round gold-plated case whose 6mm thickness places it among the thinnest dress watches of its generation. The lugs are tapered and curved toward the wrist, and the bezel reduced to a fine trim: nothing protrudes, nothing catches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe dial is the focal point of this piece. Its golden surface adopts a grainy, almost sandblasted texture, which diffuses light instead of reflecting it — the exact opposite of a satin or sunburst dial. The result is a matte and deep material, which changes in density depending on the angle without ever dazzling. Twelve applied baton hour markers, also golden, are set on it, framed by a printed minute track in fine batons. The hands echo the design of the markers, and a very fine seconds hand runs across the whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe approach is that of complete monochrome: dial, markers, hands and case share the same tone. Legibility comes through relief and the differences in sheen between the matte base and the polished appliques, never through colour contrast. Only two inscriptions interrupt the surface: \u003cem\u003eSEIKO\u003c\/em\u003e below twelve, \u003cem\u003eSPIRIT\u003c\/em\u003e at six o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Seiko, the Spirit line occupied the contemporary dress watch segment, between the entry-level ranges and the prestigious Dolce and Exceline lines. It is characterised by slim cases, elaborately worked dials and pared-back legibility. The 5E31 calibre powering it is a three-hand analogue quartz movement, whose flat architecture makes this six-millimetre thickness possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThree points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrainy-textured 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\u003e6mm thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e — a profile that few dress watches achieve, including among contemporary Swiss productions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplete monochrome\u003c\/strong\u003e — dial, markers, hands and case in the same tone, with legibility through relief rather than contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy choose a vintage Seiko watch?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\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 contained budget, through 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 set them running again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spirit line holds a precise place among \u003cstrong\u003emen's and women's vintage watches\u003c\/strong\u003e: it constituted the contemporary dress segment of Seiko, between the entry-level ranges and the prestige lines. This 31.5mm \u003cstrong\u003evintage dress watch\u003c\/strong\u003e can be worn equally by both, in a classic round format that matches the dominant demand on the pre-owned market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned Seiko watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this one has been opened and inspected by our watchmakers: verification of the calibre and its consistency with the reference, checking of the serial number, examination of the dial, hands and case. Each \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese vintage watch\u003c\/strong\u003e  that we offer comes with an invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee, and lifetime authenticity guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-seiko-vintage\"\u003eDiscover our vintage Seiko watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-vintage-japonaises\"\u003eView our selection of vintage Japanese watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\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 5E31-6040\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1988\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 caliber 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, round shape with tapered lugs (steel caseback)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 31.5mm (33mm including the crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6mm\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, 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 Sapphire (condition 9\/10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black crocodile-pattern leather, non-original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original steel pin buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good state of preservation. 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 light marks and signs of wear, notably on the bezel and lugs, 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 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\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a grained-texture dial?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a finely grained surface, achieved by sandblasting or shot blasting, which diffuses light rather than 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 base, this treatment avoids a flashy effect and gives the surface an unusual density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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 characterized by particularly slim cases, carefully worked dials, and pared-back legibility, without complications or ornamentation. The line still exists in the Seiko catalogue today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a thickness of 6mm exceptional?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt is rare, including among contemporary Swiss dress watches, which generally exceed seven millimeters. This slenderness changes the way the watch wears: it slips under any cuff without resistance and never makes itself felt to the wearer. This was one of the development priorities claimed by Seiko for its dress lines, made possible by the flat architecture of quartz calibers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a vintage Seiko watch a safe purchase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is, provided authenticity is established and the condition is described without reservation. Our watchmakers systematically open the case to verify the caliber, its consistency with the reference and serial number, 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 authenticity guaranteed for life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this piece suitable for a slim or larger wrist?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a 31.5mm diameter, 36mm Lug-to-lug, and 6mm thickness, it suits wrists of approximately 15 to 18cm. Its very short Lug-to-lug relative to the diameter makes it particularly comfortable on a slim wrist. The Lug width measures 17mm, making it easy to change the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Qu'est-ce qu'un cadran à texture grenue ?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Il s'agit d'une surface finement grainée, obtenue par sablage ou par grenaillage, qui diffuse la lumière au lieu de la renvoyer directement. Contrairement à un cadran satiné, qui produit des bandes brillantes, ou à un soleillé, qui rayonne depuis le centre, un cadran grenu reste mat et profond quel que soit l'angle. Sur un fond doré, ce traitement évite l'effet clinquant et donne à la surface une densité inhabituelle.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Qu'est-ce que la ligne Spirit chez Seiko ?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Spirit occupait le segment de la montre habillée contemporaine dans le catalogue japonais, entre les gammes d'entrée et les lignes de prestige Dolce et Exceline. Ces montres se caractérisent par des boîtiers particulièrement fins, des cadrans travaillés et une lisibilité dépouillée, sans complication ni ornement. La ligne existe toujours au catalogue Seiko aujourd'hui.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Une épaisseur de 6mm est-elle exceptionnelle ?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Elle est rare, y compris parmi les montres habillées suisses contemporaines, qui dépassent généralement les sept millimètres. Cette finesse change la manière dont la montre se porte : elle passe sous n'importe quelle manchette sans résistance et ne se rappelle jamais au porteur. C'était l'un des axes de développement revendiqués par Seiko sur ses lignes habillées, rendu possible par l'architecture plate des calibres à quartz.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Une montre Seiko vintage est-elle un achat sûr ?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Elle l'est dès lors que l'authenticité est établie et que l'état est décrit sans réserve. Nos horlogers ouvrent systématiquement le boîtier pour vérifier le calibre, sa cohérence avec la référence et le numéro de série, et contrôlent le cadran, les aiguilles et l'ensemble des composants. Chaque montre Seiko d'occasion vendue par Atelier Victor est accompagnée d'une facture valant certificat d'authenticité, d'une garantie d'un an et d'une authenticité garantie à vie.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Cette pièce convient-elle à un poignet fin ou large ?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Avec 31,5mm de diamètre, 36mm de corne à corne et 6mm d'épaisseur, elle s'adapte aux poignets de 15 à 18cm environ. Sa corne à corne très courte au regard du diamètre la rend particulièrement confortable sur un poignet fin. L'entrecorne mesure 17mm, ce qui permet de changer facilement de bracelet.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e  ","brand":"Seiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54571956273489,"sku":"880110 5E31-6040","price":383.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/2VD01467.jpg?v=1787255718","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/seiko-vintage-spirit-watch-5e31-6040-gold-plated-1988","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}