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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz digital watch

Seiko Alarm-Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Seiko gents wrist watch, produced in 1979, is a digital quartz model featuring an integrated alarm and chronograph function. It was acquired by the Museums Victoria collection as a donation from Robert Lyndsay Abbott in 1992. The watch is constructed with a stainless steel back and features case markings indicating its model and water resistance status. It serves as a personal timekeeping piece with significant historical provenance, having been presented to Mr. Abbott by Rex Aviation on June 21, 1979, to commemorate his retirement. The watch is presented on a matching metallic bracelet and remains in the museum collection as an example of late-twentieth-century quartz technology within the field of science and measurement. The item is accompanied by trade literature and an instruction manual, illustrating the period-specific documentation provided for such consumer electronic timepieces.

The Seiko Alarm-Chronograph watch shown in isolation.
The Seiko Alarm-Chronograph watch shown in isolation. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz digital watch
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
A259-5000
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 39558
Source-reported date
1979
Source-reported place
Japan
Source-reported serial
923159

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Functionality

The watch is a digital quartz timekeeper designed with a distinctive rectangular aesthetic. The dial area features the 'Alarm-Chronograph' designation, indicating the watch's internal capabilities for timing intervals and acoustic alerts. The case exhibits a metallic construction, incorporating a stainless steel back as specified by the case engravings.

The external design includes push-pieces located on the periphery of the case, which facilitate the operation of the digital functions. The overall dimensions of the watch measure approximately 12.8 cm in length and 3.5 cm in width.

Evidence for this section
  • “Alarm-Chronograph”
  • “quartz movement”
  • “Water Resist SGP Back St. Steel Japan-A A259-5000”

Signatures and Markings

The watch displays several identifiers on its components. The rear of the stainless steel case is marked with the Seiko brand, the specific model reference A259-5000, and the serial number 923159. Additional markings denote the water resistance and the material composition of the case back.

A notable feature of this particular specimen is the custom engraving on the case back, which provides specific biographical context. It reads 'Bill Abbott Rex Aviation 21.6.79', commemorating the presentation of the object to Robert Lyndsay Abbott by the organization Rex Aviation on the date of his retirement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Seiko 923159”
  • “Water Resist SGP Back St. Steel Japan-A A259-5000”
  • “Engraved on rear of case 'Bill Abbott Rex Aviation 21.6.79'”

Provenance and Documentation

The object was donated to the Museums Victoria collection by Mr. Robert L. Abbott on May 29, 1992. The provenance is well-documented, identifying Rex Aviation, the donor of the watch, was a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.

Supporting documentation accompanies the physical watch, including trade literature and an original instruction book. These items offer further context regarding the intended operation and maintenance of the quartz movement technology during the period of its acquisition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Donation from Mr Robert L. Abbott, 29 May 1992”
  • “Presented to Robert Lyndsay Abbott by Rex Aviation upon his retirement in June 1979”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific technical differences between the A259 movement and other contemporary Seiko quartz alarm modules?
  • What does the 'SGP' marking signify regarding the specific plating process used on this watch head?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seiko Alarm-Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSeiko“Seiko, Japan”
Model ReferenceA259-5000“A259-5000”
Serial Number923159“Seiko 923159”
Presentation DateJune 21, 1979“21 Jun 1979”
EngravingBill Abbott Rex Aviation 21.6.79“Engraved on rear of case 'Bill Abbott Rex Aviation 21.6.79'”
Case ConstructionStainless steel back with gold-plated finish“Water Resist SGP Back St. Steel Japan-A”
Movement TypeQuartz“quartz movement”

Visible details

  • Digital LCD display configuration
  • Integrated metallic link bracelet
  • Rectangular watch head geometry
  • Push-piece controls on case side

Research qualifications

  • The internal quartz movement condition is not verified by current documentation
  • The precise metal composition of the plated case front is not detailed beyond SGP markings

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Seiko, Japan, presented to Robert Lyndsay Abbott by Rex Aviation, 1979

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 89f3e35344

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.