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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Seiko Motorist Ref. J14108E

Partially verified

The Seiko Motorist, reference J14108E, is a 1964 manual-wind wristwatch characterized by an asymmetrical gold-capped case and an offset dial configuration. The watch features a silver dial with red metallic fluted detailing and Dauphine hands, intended to place the 12 o'clock marker in an upright position when the wearer's left hand is at the 10 o'clock position on a steering wheel. The timepiece is signed "Motorist" and "Seiko" on the dial, with additional markings identifying it as a "Diashock 19 Jewels" model. The watch is presented on a two-piece handmade leather strap. The auction description notes the case is unpolished with minor gold-cap chipping, while the stainless steel caseback retains its factory engravings. The watch is functioning and keeping time, though its service history remains unknown. It is identified by the source as a variant of the Seiko Harmony collection.

Front view of the Seiko Motorist showing the asymmetrical case, silver dial with red metallic fluted border, and Dauphine hands.
Front view of the Seiko Motorist showing the asymmetrical case, silver dial with red metallic fluted border, and Dauphine hands. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
J14108E
Catalogue / lot identifier
SKOMJ14108E
Source-reported date
1964
Source-reported place
Japan
Source-reported serial
26XXXXX

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 Case Construction

The Seiko Motorist Ref. J14108E features an asymmetrical gold-capped case measuring 37mm in diameter. The design of the case and the orientation of the dial are engineered for driving, positioning the 12 o'clock marker upright when the wearer's left hand is placed at the 10 o'clock position on a steering wheel.

The auction description reports that the gold-capped case is unpolished and in good vintage condition. While minor chipping is present along the edges of the gold cap, the stainless steel caseback retains its factory engravings in excellent condition. The watch is supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “The tilted 12 o'clock not only looks devastatingly cool, but also functions perfectly for the man (or woman) on the go, as the 12 o'clock is angled upright when the left hand is positioned at 10 o'clock on the steering wheel.”
  • “This ridiculously cool gold-capped asymmetrical case is unpolished and in good vintage condition.”
  • “All factory engravings on the stainless steel caseback are in excellent condition.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is finished in silver and features a distinct red metallic fluted surround located beneath the markers. The dial displays the "Motorist" and "Seiko" branding, along with the inscription "Diashock 19 Jewels." It is reported to be in excellent condition, showing only a very faint streaking patina attributed to age.

The Dauphine hands are original to the watch and are described as being in excellent condition. The auction description notes that there is some slight oxidation visible at the base of the second's hand, though the font and markers on the dial remain in excellent condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original dial is in excellent condition and reveals a very faint streaking patina from age.”
  • “The unique red metallic fluted surround underneath the markers is in excellent condition.”
  • “The original Dauphine hands are in excellent condition with the exception of some slight oxidation at the base of the second's hand.”

Origins and Functionality

According to the source, the Seiko Motorist model was introduced in 1964. It is described as a potential variant of the Seiko Harmony, a collection originally marketed as a line of lady's watches. Despite this connection, the Motorist is positioned by the vendor as a unisex timepiece.

Regarding functionality, the watch is currently operational and keeping time. No records exist regarding its previous service history, and the watch is sold without accessories.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Seiko Motorist was introduced in 1964 and is said to be a variant of the Seiko Harmony, which was a line of lady's watches.”
  • “The watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in the J14108E?
  • Are there archival production records confirming the relationship between the Motorist and Harmony lines?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seiko Motorist Ref. J14108E
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSeiko“Brand Seiko”
ReferenceJ14108E“Model J14108E”
Serial Number26XXXXX“Serial 26XXXXX”
Introduction Date1964“The Seiko Motorist was introduced in 1964”
Case MaterialGold Capped“Material Gold Capped”
CasebackStainless steel“All factory engravings on the stainless steel caseback are in excellent condition.”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical case design
  • Offset dial orientation
  • Red metallic fluted inner bezel
  • Gold-capped case construction

Research qualifications

  • Service history unknown
  • Exact production date within the 1960s is unconfirmed

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Seiko Motorist مدل J14108E روکش طلا

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 28311a8004

Terms in this record

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

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