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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Mono-pusher chronograph wristwatch

Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph Ref. 5717-8990

Partially verified

This Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph, identified by reference 5717-8990, dates to 1966. It was developed to commemorate and support the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Japan. The timepiece features a mono-pusher mechanism that performs start, stop, and reset functions for the 60-second chronograph timer. Compared to the earlier 45899 model, this version includes a date wheel complication. It is equipped with a bi-directional stainless steel bezel containing original black enamel markings and is presented on its original stainless steel rolled-link bracelet. The dial is a sunburst silver finish with luminous markers and hands. The caseback displays an Olympic torch insignia and is engraved with the model's reference and serial numbers.

Front view of the Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph ref. 5717-8990, showing the silver dial, bi-directional bezel, and stainless steel bracelet.
Front view of the Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph ref. 5717-8990, showing the silver dial, bi-directional bezel, and stainless steel bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Mono-pusher chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
5717-8990
Catalogue / lot identifier
SKOMPC57178990-2
Source-reported date
1966
Source-reported place
Japan
Source-reported serial
640XXX

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

Case and Bracelet Construction

The timepiece is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case. The vendor suggests the case has not been polished and retains sloping beveled lugs with signs of use. A bi-directional stainless steel bezel is fitted to the case, featuring original black enamel-filled markings. The watch is worn on its original rolled-link Seiko bracelet.

The caseback contains engravings of the model reference and individual serial numbers. An embossed Olympic torch insignia is present on the caseback, linked to the object's commemorative association with the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is believed to be unpolished, featuring beautiful and dramatic sloping beveled lugs”
  • “The bi-directional stainless steel bezel shows appropriate signs of use, with all of its factory black enamel still intact”
  • “The embossed caseback Olympic torch insignia is crisp and present.”

Dial and Complications

The watch features a sunburst silver-colored dial. The hours are indicated by applied markers with luminous material that exhibits a creamy green coloration. The hands are luminous, with the vendor reporting stable, partial loss of luminous material on the minute hand.

A date wheel complication is positioned on the dial, a feature distinguishing this reference from the earlier 45899 model. The chronograph functions are operated via a single pusher, which manages the start, stop, and reset operations for the 60-second timer.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original sunburst silver dial is in wonderful vintage condition”
  • “All lume plots are fully in tact under U.V. light inspection”
  • “The ref. 5717-8990 also features a date wheel, which was not present in the first 45899 Mono Pusher model.”

Design Context

This chronograph was produced as part of a series intended to support the 1964 Summer Olympics in Japan. The project was developed alongside the Seiko World Time model to mark the Games of the XVIII Olympiad.

The movement is identified as a 21-jewel calibre, featuring the Diashock system as indicated on the dial. The auction description reports that the watch is functioning and keeping time, though the history of previous servicing is not known.

Evidence for this section
  • “Designed alongside the Seiko World Time, both were created to celebrate and assist in the 1964 summer Olympics”
  • “Watch is functioning perfectly and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production month indicated by the 640XXX serial number?
  • Are there variations in the black enamel bezel markings across different batches of the 5717-8990?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph Ref. 5717-8990
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Production year1966“1966 Seiko Mono Pusher Chronograph”
Chronograph function60-second timer“This specific chronograph hosts a 60-second timer”
Caseback detailsOlympic torch insignia“The embossed caseback Olympic torch insignia is crisp and present.”

Visible details

  • Silver sunburst dial with applied markers
  • Single pusher located at the two o'clock position
  • Bi-directional bezel with black enamel numerals
  • Bracelet with a rolled-link construction

Research qualifications

  • Unverified service history
  • Unpolished condition of the case is a belief rather than a confirmed fact
  • Exact level of lume loss in the minute hand is subjective

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف Seiko Mono Pusher رفرنس 5717-8990 محصول ۱۹۶۶

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a31127b1f5

Terms in this record

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