VINTAGE WATCH | Seiko 7005-7001 [Yomiuri Shimbun 100th Anniversary Emerald Dial] – Full Set with Original Box, Papers & Hang Tag

Vintage Seiko 7005-7001: Yomiuri Shimbun 100th Anniversary Emerald Automatic – The Ultimate Full-Set Grail

Here it is – the holy grail of 1970s commissioned Seikos. Produced in 1974 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Yomiuri Shimbun (the world’s largest newspaper by circulation), this 7005-7001 is one of the most spectacular and hardest-to-find corporate Seikos ever made. That mesmerizing emerald-green dial was specially designed and commissioned by Yomiuri – you will literally never see another color like it on any regular-production Seiko from the era. And this example? It comes as a complete full set – original Yomiuri commemorative box, papers, and even the original hang tag still attached. In years of hunting vintage Seiko, this is the very first full-set Yomiuri 7005 we’ve ever had. 

1974 – Japan’s Economic Miracle Meets Newspaper Royalty

By 1974, Yomiuri Shimbun was already held the title of the world’s highest-circulation newspaper (a record it still holds today with nearly 8 million copies daily). Founded in 1874, it had grown into a true Japanese institution – conservative, powerful, and deeply respected. To mark its centennial, Yomiuri commissioned Seiko to create an exclusive automatic watch for executives, long-serving employees, and VIPs. The result was this 7005-7001 with its bespoke emerald-green dial that shifts from deep forest to almost metallic teal depending on the light. The sunburst texture and crosshair design give it insane depth and make it one of the best-looking dials Seiko ever produced in the 1970s. These were never sold in stores – they were presentation pieces only, which is why surviving examples are so incredibly rare, and full sets are practically mythical.

The Legendary 7005 Movement – Built Like a Tank, Runs Like a Dream

Powering this masterpiece is Seiko’s bulletproof Caliber 7005A – 17 jewels, 21,600 bph, Magic Lever bidirectional winding, quick-set date, and hacking seconds. Introduced in 1969 and produced at the high-grade Daini factory (the same facility that made King Seiko), the 7005 is one of the most reliable and serviceable automatic movements Seiko ever built. This particular watch has been freshly serviced in Japan, keeps excellent time, and the date snaps over perfectly.

Design That Still Looks Insanely Good 50 Years Later

37mm stainless steel tonneau case with razor-sharp brushed finishing, fully intact facets, and virtually no wear – this case is about as clean as they come. The emerald dial is flawless – no fading, no spots, no patina, just pure 1970s vibrance that photographs even better in person. Applied baton markers, razor-thin black hands, and that perfect crosshair – it’s dressy enough for a suit yet bold enough to wear every day. Signed Seiko crown, domed acrylic crystal with no deep scratches, and the caseback carries the proper 7005-7001 engraving plus the November 1974 production code.

And again – this one comes as a complete full set:

• Original Seiko presentation box
• Original papers
• Original hang tag still attached to the watch
• Seiko just serviced in Japan by our watch maker

Finding even one of these elements is rare. Finding all above together is borderline impossible.

This is the kind of piece that makes seasoned collectors lose sleep. If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate 1970s commissioned Seiko with an insane dial and full provenance, this is it. Once it’s gone, you will probably never see another.

Specifications

• Maker: Seiko [Yomiuri Shimbun 100th Anniversary Commissioned Model]
• Model: 7005-7001
• Year: November 1974
• Case Diameter: 37mm (without crown) / 39mm (with crown)
• Lug-to-Lug: 43mm
• Thickness: 11mm
• Lug Width: 18mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel, brushed tops + polished sides, outstanding condition
• Case Condition: Near-mint, sharp edges, original factory finishing fully intact, minimal honest wear only
• Dial: Bespoke emerald green sunburst/wavy textured dial made exclusively for Yomiuri 100th Anniversary – absolutely flawless, no aging, no damage
• Crystal: Original domed acrylic, pristine
• Movement: Seiko Cal. 7005A, 17 jewels, automatic, quick-set date, hacking seconds – freshly serviced in Japan, running perfectly
• Accessories: Original Yomiuri commemorative box, original papers, original hang tag (full set!)
• Strap: Comes on the original Seiko metal bracelet in orignal condition, the watch is also good with a leather strap as well

This is not just a watch – it’s a piece of Japanese media and horological history, in the best possible condition with every original document. Serious collectors know how special this one is. Don’t sleep on it.