Earlier this year (2013) the Spanish forum ClubSeiko decided to make their first project the Proyecto Tokkotai in tribute to the WWII Japan Imperial Navy pilot’s Seikosha.
The idea is to keep the dial and hands as close as possible to the original. The 316L steel case has been sized to 43 mm and the water-resistance to 20 bar (~200 meters). It will boast a sapphire glass with AR coating.
The original hand-wound movement will be replaced by the automtic NH35 (4R35). This calibre is an evolution of the NH25 from 1995, which lacked a hacking mechanism and could only wind throught the rotor (the watch had to be literally shaken to start it). Engineers at Seiko Instruments have been working on it, and the upgraded NH35 version was released a couple of years ago, adding hack and hand winding to a very popular calibre amongst boutique brands.
All watches will be assembled by the Polish G.Gerlach foundation, an initiative aimed at fostering the local industry.
The production will be limited to 150 units, and the price has been set at EUR 295. There are already 128 pre-orders on the list.
The original WWII Japan Imperial Navy pilot’s Seikosha shown here was once mine…A great WWII Pilot’s watch. Ed
These watches are really amazing.
I just have found this really watch. I would like to get moré información and how to get it
very interesting project