Vintage Seiko 5S21 Gold-Plated — Sweeping Seconds Hand (1989)
Only 1 available
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Seiko vintage gold-plated: a dress watch with a golden dial and sweep seconds hand
This vintage Seiko watch is an elegant dress piece with a round gold-plated case, slim and refined, with a sunburst gold dial. It conceals a rare feature: its sweep-seconds calibre, an exceptional quartz movement considered a precursor to Spring Drive. In a versatile size, it can be worn just as well on a man’s wrist as on a woman’s. A sober and refined Japanese watch, ideal for everyday wear as well as evening occasions.
The gold dial with its sunburst finish highlights a Roman numeral XII, fine applied baton indices, and the Seiko signature. Slim gold hands sweep across the dial, including a seconds hand with a particularly fluid motion. A sober and luminous dial, in the great tradition of Japanese dress watches, enhanced by the distinctive smoothness of its seconds hand.
This Seiko is powered by the 5S21 quartz calibre, a rare and sought-after movement: its seconds hand glides smoothly, like a mechanical watch, instead of ticking once per second. Thanks to a hairspring and a viscous regulator, it delivers that highly distinctive sweep, and is often described as one of the forerunners of Spring Drive technology. Produced for only a few years in the late 1980s, it was originally announced with a precision of less than 20 seconds per month. An original calibre that carries forward the heritage of Seiko, the quartz pioneer with the 1969 Astron.
With its 32mm case and very slim profile (6.8mm), and its round gold-plated shape, this vintage watch offers an elegant and versatile size, suitable for both men and women — a true Unisex watch. The dial, hands, and mineral Crystal are in very fine condition. It is fitted with a leather strap, not original, and a steel Buckle.
Three points to note
- Vintage Seiko watch, round gold-plated case, sunburst gold dial with applied indices (circa 1989).
- Rare Seiko 5S21 quartz calibre with sweep seconds (sweep), a precursor to the Spring Drive spirit.
- Unisex watch (men and women), very slim profile; leather strap, not original.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Dress watch, round shape
- Reference: 5S21-6110
- Estimated year: Circa 1989
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Men’s and women’s watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Japanese quartz with sweep seconds, Seiko 5S21 calibre (less than 20 s/month annoncés of origin)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds (sweeping seconds hand)
- Case: Gold-plated (steel back), round shape
- Dimensions: 32mm (34mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 36mm
- Thickness: 6.8mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width: 17mm
- Crown: Gold-plated, not original
- Dial:
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition: Very fine state of preservation. Dial, hands and Crystal in very fine condition.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Movement: Checked quartz movement, 1-year guarantee
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective box
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What is the sweeping seconds hand of this Seiko?
Unlike a standard quartz movement, whose seconds hand ticks once per second, the 5S21 caliber lets its seconds hand glide smoothly, like a mechanical watch. This effect is achieved thanks to a spiral spring and a viscous regulator integrated into the movement. It is a rare feature, highly prized by collectors.
Is the 5S21 caliber rare?
Yes. Produced for only a few years at the end of the 1980s, this sweeping-seconds movement was made in limited quantities. It is now considered one of the precursors to Seiko's Spring Drive technology, making it a sought-after horological curiosity.
Is the case solid gold?
No. It is a gold-plated case over a steel base. This dress finish offers the brilliance of gold with the robustness of steel, and contributes to the elegant character of this vintage watch.
Is this Seiko watch vintage?
Yes. Dating from the late 1980s, it is approaching forty years old. It is an authentic vintage Seiko watch, fitted with its original movement, reflecting the brand's spirit of innovation.
Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman?
It is a Unisex watch. Its 32mm round case suits both a masculine and feminine wrist. Its gold sunburst dial and dressy format make it an elegant watch for any occasion.
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.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- 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
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
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.
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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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