Seiko Calculator Watch

The 1970s was a breeding ground for technological innovation, advancement and disruption.

In the world of watches, a newcomer was ready to shake things up — the digital watch. The very first digital watch debuted in 1972, and albeit time-only, this piece was nothing like the world had seen. It laid the groundwork for various iterations until in 1977, the first calculator watch was introduced — a Pulsar model 901 which was limited to just 100 pieces and retailed at an astounding $3,950. That price equates to north of $20,000, today!

Bonkers.

However, like with all products, once Japanese manufactures such as Seiko and Casio caught on and added their meticulously-detailed approach to the calculator watch, they virtually set the stage for what became the hottest item on wrist in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The C153 was Seiko’s first calculator watch and is arguably the best of them all. Unlike most calculator watches of the era, these pieces were so well-engineered that most are still in functioning condition today. Powered by a Seiko quartz movement, the C153 featured a highly legible LCD screen, raised keyboard and a solid stainless steel case.

This piece, a Reference C153-5011, features a 35mm stainless steel case accompanied by a comfortable, multi-link stainless steel bracelet with locking clasp. The LCD digital display comes equipped with a backlight and features a time, date and seconds display in ‘home’ mode. With a push of a button, an 8-digit calculator display pops featuring an array of functions including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc. by way of a raised keyboard on the dial face. Essentially, this was the smart watch before the smart watch.

In great overall condition, this piece is accompanied by its original instruction manual and stylus. While many of its contemporaries used lesser case materials such as rubber and plastic, this vintage Seiko C153-5011 offers a robust build quality that has managed to stay in fantastic shape for over 50 years, and more than likely for another 50!

There’s nothing wrong with a quartz watch. The experienced collector will honestly tell you that there is always a “quartz” phase.

We admit, we’re currently into Quartz. But rest assured, it’s not a Crisis.

For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.

Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.