Seiko Vintage 1F21-5B70 Watch — Baignoire Steel (1994)
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Movement guaranteed for 1 year
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Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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A steel baignoire in a jewel-like format
This Seiko watch, reference 1F21-5B70, is a feminine jewel-format piece, with a 21mm steel case in a baignoire shape — an elongated oval on the vertical axis, whose sides curve gently toward the lugs. The 6.5mm thickness remains restrained, and the very short, curved lugs keep the strap as close to the wrist as possible. The steel is mirror-polished across the entire caseband, with no brushed surface.
The creamy white dial bears twelve black Arabic numerals in a fine, slightly slanted design, following the curve of the oval. No markers, no minute track, no ornament: the numerals alone occupy the entire perimeter. The blued baton hands stand out crisply against it, accompanied by a very slender central seconds hand. A discreet golden emblem appears below the center, the dial’s only note of color.
Contrast is the subject of this watch. A cream dial, black numerals, blued hands, all set within a polished steel case: only four values, with no gradation or intermediate material. It is a design that owes more to jewelry than to watchmaking, where the watch is first read as an object worn before being read as an instrument.
The 1F21 calibre powering it is a ladies’ three-hand quartz movement, whose reduced dimensions — a little over ten millimeters by twelve — allow the full mechanism to fit within a case of this size. It runs on a 337 battery, one of the most common formats, which makes servicing simple anywhere in the world. It is fitted with a black leather strap made by hand.
Three points to note
- 21mm jewel format — a scale that few brands still offer today, supported by the renewed popularity of small women’s watches.
- Baignoire shape — an elongated oval with curved sides, a classic ladies’ watch silhouette that Seiko developed across its dress lines.
- Mirror-polished steel — a completely polished caseband, with no brushed surface, that catches the light across its full height.
Why choose a vintage Seiko watch?
Buying a vintage women’s watch signed Seiko rather than a new model means gaining access to a leading Japanese manufacture at a controlled budget, through pieces whose construction has proven its durability. The vintage quartz watches from this period are also the easiest to maintain on the pre-owned market: a battery change is enough to set them running again.
This model holds a precise place among vintage women’s watches: its 21mm format and oval shape place it in the realm of jewelry rather than instrumentation, a segment that brands largely abandoned before returning to it in recent years. In steel, it pairs well with white Jewelry and is worn more easily day to day than its golden variation.
Like all our pre-owned Seiko watches, 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. Each Japanese vintage watch that we offer comes with an invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year warranty, and lifetime-guaranteed authenticity.
→ View this same watch in a gold-plated version
→ Discover our selection of vintage women's watches
Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Dress baignoire shape
- Reference: 1F21-5B70
- Estimated year: 1994
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Women's watch
- Movement: Japanese quartz, Seiko caliber 1F21 (2 jewels, battery 337)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Case: Polished steel, oval baignoire shape (steel caseback)
- Dimensions: 21mm (22.5mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 33.5mm
- Thickness: 6.5mm
- Lug width: 12mm
- Crown: Steel, fluted, original
- Dial: Cream white, black Arabic numerals, original
- Hands: Blued, baton-shaped, original
- Crystal: Sapphire (condition 9/10)
- Strap: Handmade black leather, non-original
- Buckle: Steel pin buckle, non-original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition: Very well preserved condition. The cream dial is immaculate, the numerals and blued hands are perfectly crisp, the Crystal is in very fine condition (9/10). The polished steel case shows only light signs of wear, consistent with the age of the piece.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanics: Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Invoice Atelier Victor
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by a baignoire shape?
The term refers to an elongated oval case, whose sides curve gently toward the lugs, by analogy with the silhouette of a bathtub seen from above. It is shape-related vocabulary commonly used in française watchmaking, independently of any brand: it describes the geometry of the case and nothing else. This silhouette was long associated with ladies' watches, before returning to favor in recent years.
What wrist size is this watch suitable for?
With a case measuring 21mm wide, 33.5mm Lug-to-lug and 6.5mm thick, this is a strictly feminine format, suited to slim to medium wrists. The Lug width measures 12mm, which makes it easy to change the strap in a very common size. It can be worn on its own or paired with slim bracelets.
Steel or gold-plated, how to choose?
We offer this reference in both finishes. Steel pairs well with white Jewelry and is better suited to daily wear: it has no surface layer liable to wear away. Gold-plated offers a warmer, more dressy look, but requires greater care in areas subject to friction. It is as much a wardrobe choice as a matter of taste.
Is a vintage Seiko watch a safe purchase?
It is, provided authenticity has been 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 guarantee, and lifetime guaranteed authenticity.
Is this watch water-resistant?
Water-resistance is not guaranteed on a vintage piece. The original gaskets have aged, and we do not carry out pressure tests, as these could damage the case. We recommend avoiding any prolonged contact with water, including when washing your hands.
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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