The build quality and design of Seiko’s early quartz Sport Divers is undeniable, and while the lion’s share of attention is given to Suwa’s 75XX and 7AXX references, the Daini division’s 712X movement is no slouch. It was housed in a handful of clean but colorful exports, and JDM “Silver Wave” models that are certainly worth the effort for the right example, and built to last through over engineering. The 7123 features most of the same aspects as the 75XX movements, including a metal gear train and “fly by wire” circuitry. Designed with serviceability in mind, two of its pivots are jeweled (lower step rotor and 4th (seconds) wheel), the plates and calendar components are metal construction, and the coil is easily replaced. Additionally, a hack (seconds setting) function, and independent quick set of both the day and date were incorporated. Compared to many modern offerings, the 7123 is still several miles ahead in reliability and robustness nearing 50 years since its introduction. The quality behind the dial is equally reflected from a front facing perspective, and this example from April of ’82 leans heavily into familiarity. The yellow dial and red/blue accenting makes a clear call back to the 6139 “Pogue” color scheme responsible for luring in innumerable rookie vintage Seiko enthusiasts . The dial is a perfect golden yellow with a “north to south” linen grain beneath a glossy lacquer finish. It’s topped with applied polished luminous markers with splits at 12, 6, and 9. The hour and minute hands are polished swords with painted black tips, and bright white luminous windows. Ticking away the seconds is a contrasting “arrow head” hand in bright red. Framing the dial is a steep, matte gold chapter with minute and hour hashes that transitions into a “Pepsi” bezel above the crystal. The bezel itself is a block edge friction style with black enamel inlay at each break, and the “count up” insert shows very little wear. The case is a sharp, low-profile tonneau with a factory sandblast finish, and it’s attached to the original tapered three link bracelet in stainless steel. Both the crown and case back screw down securely, and post service, it’s keeping perfect time. The day and date can be quickset via the crown in the second position. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and among the nicest examples of this reference we’ve seen. Easy on the wrist and the eyes, it’s sure to be a bright spot in any collection.

Original Seiko Tapered Three Link Bracelet

Serviced- 2/25

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 20mm