Seiko Voice Note

These days, we take for granted the ease with which we can save memos, text, images, and more to our phones. Back in the early 1980s, however, none of this was possible…

For the most part, that is. When Ghostbusters debuted in 1984, three out of four specter-seekers were equipped with the Seiko Reference M516-4009 “Voice Note” watch — a tech-heavy, cutting-edge timekeeper with the ability to store 4- or 8-second voice memos and play them back via a built-in speaker.

Everything about this watch anticipated the future. The ability to store audio in RAM aside, it was constructed in a housing that included not just plastic and stainless steel, but also carbon fiber — a material that wouldn’t become commonplace in watchmaking until decades later. Finally, the whole shebang (including a flat-link bracelet) was PVD-coated, giving it a stealthy look that was likewise well ahead of its time.

Joyfully, we’ve sourced an example in most excellent condition for your ghost-busting pleasure. Housed in a 39mm x 45mm stainless steel, plastic, and carbon fiber composite case with square operational pushers, a stainless steel bezel plate with operational buttons, and a mineral crystal, it features a digital quartz movement powering calendar functions, a 1/100th-second chronograph, the voice memo function, an incandescent backlight, and more. 

Paired to its correct DLC-coated, stainless steel flat-link bracelet with a signed blade clasp, this Seiko from circa 1983 constitutes an important chapter in the horological journey from analog timekeeper to digital, wrist-borne computer. 

It’s also, in our humble opinion, cool as hell!

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.