1970s Seiko Gold Tone Mesh Cocktail Wristwatch

This Seiko cocktail watch was made in the 1970s. It has a tiny round face, just 1 cm across, in brown with gold numerals, a hand-wound mechanism and a gold-tone mesh strap. It comes in its original box. Seiko, founded in Tokyo in 1881, made watches in every category in the 1970s, from technical sports models to delicate pieces like this one.

The cocktail watch, small and decorative, was a staple of women's evening dressing from the 1940s onwards. By the 1970s, gold mesh straps and tiny dials gave such watches the look of a bracelet, so that they could be worn alongside jewellery.

Gold-tone jewellery and accessories were central to 1970s glamour, from chains and cuffs to belts and watches. A gold mesh watch fitted naturally into that look, shining under the lights of an evening out.

The brown face with gold numerals is an unusual and warm combination, legible despite its small size. The gold-tone mesh strap is supple and adjustable, following the wrist closely. The original box adds to its completeness.

Vintage cocktail watches with their original boxes are less common. This Seiko, in very good condition and fully functioning, is ready to be worn as a delicate piece of jewellery.