Vintage Seiko Tank Watch — Sandblasted Gold Dial (1990)
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Seiko Tank gold-plated: the Japanese dress watch with a sanded gold dial
This Seiko watch is a unisex dress watch, designed for the city and worn equally by a woman or a man. Its rectangular case with four bevelled corners is an exercise in austere geometry: no attached lugs, the bracelet springs directly from the case, and the polished flanks reflect the light in crisp edges. Overall, it measures 27mm (29mm with the crown) for a Lug-to-lug of 31mm and a thickness of 5.4mm, Crystal included. A watch that stays hidden beneath a cuff.
The sanded gold dial is the star of the piece. Its finely grained surface catches the light in thousands of points, without ever producing the smooth sheen of a sunburst dial: it shimmers, it does not shine. Twelve applied gold baton hour markers rhythmically encircle the dial, double at 12 o'clock. Two faceted baton hands and a slender seconds hand are all that is needed for the display. The Seiko signature occupies the top of the dial, the only inscription alongside the reference engraving at the bottom.
At its heart beats the Seiko caliber 5E21, an analog quartz three-hand movement produced in Japan, part of the 5Exx family that Seiko designed for its finest dress cases. It is this ultra-thin architecture that here allows the 5.4mm profile. The movement of this example has been checked by our watchmaker and the battery replaced before shipment. Seiko has never published a precision specification for this caliber: we therefore make no numerical claim.
On the wrist, the piece behaves more like a jeweler's watch than an instrument. The warm gold-plated case, the dark cabochon set into the fluted crown, and the gold dial compose a monochrome ensemble that the navy blue genuine crocodile leather strap cuts through with sharp contrast. This strap is not original; it is fitted with a Buckle steel pin buckle. The Lug width of 18mm leaves complete freedom to change it.
Three points to note
- The 5E21 caliber is no longer produced: movement spare parts are becoming scarce, even though a battery change remains a routine operation for any watchmaker.
- No original precision specification has been published by Seiko for this caliber. We therefore make no claim in seconds per month.
- The case is gold-plated, not solid: it should be kept away from repeated rubbing against a bracelet or a Buckle belt buckle.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Rectangular dress watch
- Reference: 5E21-5A50
- Year: 1990
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Japanese quartz, Seiko caliber 5E21
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Case: Gold-plated (steel caseback), rectangular shape with bevelled corners
- Dimensions: 27mm (29mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 31mm
- Thickness : 5.4mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width : 18mm
- Crown : Gold-plated, fluted, dark cabochon, original
- Dial : Sandblasted gold, applied gold baton indexes, original
- Hands : Gold, faceted baton hands, slender seconds hand, original
- Crystal : Mineral, in very good condition
- Bracelet : Genuine navy blue crocodile leather, non-original
- Buckle : Steel pin buckle, non-original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition : Very fine condition. Even gold plating, with no notable wear on the corners or edges of the case. Superficial micro-scratches from use on the case and the Crystal, visible in raking light, consistent with the age of the piece.
- Water resistance : Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity : Lifetime guarantee
- Movement : Controlled quartz movement, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included : Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included : Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
How should a gold-plated case be maintained ?
Gold plating is a layer of precious metal deposited on a steel case: it wears through abrasion, never through oxidation. Avoid repeated friction against a bracelet, a stiff leather strap or a belt buckle, and remove the watch before any manual work. A soft, dry cloth is enough for routine care; abrasive products and ultrasonic baths should be avoided.
Is the Seiko 5E21 caliber reliable ?
Yes. The 5E21 is a three-hand analog quartz movement, made in Japan, from the 5Exx family that Seiko reserved for its extra-thin dress cases. Its simple construction makes it durable, and in practice its upkeep is limited to battery replacement. The movement in this example has been checked by our watchmaker and is guaranteed for 1 year.
Is this Seiko 5E21-5A50 water-resistant ?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original gaskets have aged and the pressure on the case back is no longer what it was on day one. Avoid the shower, the pool and the sea. However, brief contact with rainwater does not present any difficulty.
Is a 27mm rectangular case suitable for a man's wrist ?
Yes, in a dress context. On a rectangular watch, it is the Lug-to-lug that matters: 31mm here, which places it on wrists measuring 14 to 18cm. The slim rectangular format was the norm for de ville watches in the 1980s and 1990s, designed to disappear under a cuff rather than fill the wrist. The 5.4mm thickness contributes to this.
What year does this Seiko 5E21-5A50 date from ?
From December 1990. At Seiko, the serial number engraved on the back gives the production date: the first digit indicates the year, the second the month, the letter D corresponding to December. The digit zero refers to a year ending in zero; as the 5Exx caliber family only entered production at the end of the 1980s, 1990 is the only possible reading.
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.
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.
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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