The SEIKO World Time "Frankenstein"

Model No. A718-5010

In 1984 SEIKO introduced several new lines of digital World Time watches. The A718-5010 was a premium option.

The Seiko World Time A718-5010, Frankenstein


Behold Frankenstein's World Timer. This model A718-5010 is one of three different case designs and sub-model designations of the A708/A718 line. The double-set buttons in the four corners are reminscent of the plugs in Frankenstein's monster's head and neck, and this specific 5010 sub-model is the first to include Frankfurt along with Paris and Rome as a noted Time Zone city code.

The Stainless Steel A718-5010 with black dial frame
The Stainless Steel A718-5010 with gray dial frame

This is also the only sub-model in this line to include the SPORT 100 notation, likely indicating 100m water resistance and perhaps marking the first time that SEIKO used the World Time function as a complication on a sports watch, vs prior releases where the World Time complication was its own line of watches.

Table of Contents


Key Statistics



35.0mm

Watch Case Size w/o Crown


39.0mm

Lug to Lug Measurement


Rare

Rarity Index Among Cataloged Examples is 11.3 out of 10


3

Total Examples Cataloged


1.6%

Percentage of all Cataloged Digital Examples

Top-line Sales Info


  • 35mm case (not including buttons)
  • 39mm lug to lug
  • 28 selectable Time Zones
  • Display Medium: Nematic Liquid Crystal, FE-Mode
  • Time micro-adjuster : Trimmer condenser system
  • Offered in Stainless Steel and Gold-tone versions
  • MSRP: Unknown

The Case


The case is narrow at 35mm wide (not including buttons) and 39mm tall (lug-to-lug). It has a blocky shape with the vertical line pattern from the bracelet extending up into the lugs on the case.

Lug and button profile from bottom-right
Lug and button profile from bottom-left
Side profile

Comparison with the other A7X8 models


In all, there are 3 models that share the A708A/A718A module. Here, photographed together you can see that each has a distinctly different case design.

From left to right, A708-5000 (TWA), A718-5010 (Frankenstein), A718-5030 (John Cleese)

Measurements


Here are approximate measurements.

The case is 35mm wide, not including the buttons
Lug to Lug (height of the case) is 39mm
Thickness, including OEM crystal is 8.5mm
The bracelet springbar tubes are just shy of 20mm wide
The bracelet itself flares out to about 23mm wide at the case
The bracelet tapers down to 16mm at the clasp

Dial Frames


Here are the two different dial frames.

The black dial frame, code A718-5010T
The gray dial frame, code A718-501AT

Original Bracelet


M1021

The M1021 bracelet is the correct and original bracelet used on the A718-5010. The lug width at the spring bars is 20mm, with the bracelet itself tapering from about 23mm to 16mm at the clasp.

This is a chiclet style bracelet, matching the case/lug design.
The bracelet code is stamped on the understide of the springbar holders
The underside of the clasp is signed STAINLESS STEEL
Another look at the bracelet code on the underside of the bracelet
The clasp is signed SEIKO SQ
The side profile of the bracelet and clasp

Production Numbers


Based on the image data collected to-date, this series was produced from at least February 1984 through at least April 1984. These models use a 6-digit serial number scheme, allowing for up to 9,999 watches per production month/year. Assuming a 3 month production run, this allows for a max production of 29,997 watches, with a minimum production of 12,944 based on current image data.

Resale Value


Please note:

  • This scale is a derivative of the Hagerty Classic Car Condition Rankings, adapted for watches. It is an attempt to keep it simple. They explain it really clearly here (albeit in car terms): Car Conditions: What The Numbers Mean.
  • Almost no one owns or has even seen a condition 1 example of this watch in at least a few decades. Most of what is sold online today are condition 4 and 5 watches - if you think you have a gem, it is most likely a 3.
  • While many enthusiasts spend inordinate amounts of time chasing down the best deal, digging through the dark corners of the internet, local antique shops and estate sales, and are ok fixing things up themselves... a lot of others would like to just know what a clean example is worth from a reputable source - that's what these are. Think of them as the price you would expect to pay if you saw one of these under the glass at your favorite local watch shop.
  • All values assume OEM parts or all original examples. After market dials, mismatched bracelets etc will reduce the value, in some cases substantially. For example a non-original bracelet can reduce the overall value by 10-20%, a non-original dial may reduce resale value by 80% or more.
  • Finally, gold-tone variations (these are not gold plated, but rather gold colored base metal) command a much lower resale value, from 50% to 80% less than equivalent examples in stainless steel.
Rank Description and Value

1

Condition 1
EXCELLENT

A perfect original (NOS) that has been professionally serviced and where all components are functioning as new; also a watch that has been restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area, showing no signs of wear; a 95-plus point show piece that isn't worn.
$450+ USD

2

Condition 2
FINE

Well-restored or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original, where any replacement parts are strictly OEM; also, an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear, or NOS that has not been professionally serviced.
$350 USD

3

Condition 3
VERY GOOD

Completely operable original or "older restoration" showing wear; also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus combinations of well-done restoration and good operable components or a partially restored watch with all parts necessary to complete a restoration and / or valuable NOS parts.
$200 USD

4

Condition 4
GOOD

A wearable watch needing no work to be functional; also, a deteriorated restoration or a poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be "excellent", but the watch is usable "as is".
$100 USD

5

Condition 5
TO RESTORE

Needs complete restoration; may or may not be running, but isn't rusted, wrecked or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts.
$50 USD

6

Condition 6
FOR PARTS

May or may not be running, but is weathered, wrecked and/or stripped to the point of being useful primarily for parts.
$20 USD

Other Resources


The Internet is littered with various documents about this watch. Here is a quick collection to save you some googling around.


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