Seiko
Session High Standard Version
1980s · Quartz
Ref. 5E31-5A60
'High Standard Version' — the words printed on the dial tell you exactly how Seiko felt about this watch. The Session presents a soft champagne dial inside a crisp rectangular gold-tone case, with refined baton markers and slender hands that give it a tailored, almost jewellery-like presence. Powered by the 5E31-5A60 movement and rated to 10 bar, it was built to be worn every day, not hidden in a drawer. On its lizard-grain strap it feels like a piece of 1980s Japanese luxury that never went out of style.
$120 CAD
Sold out — no stock available
DM on InstagramThe story behind it
In the 1980s Seiko was the largest watch company in the world, and it used domestic sub-lines like Session to test bolder designs and higher finishing standards for the Japanese market. 'High Standard Version' marked the upper tier of the range — better dial work, tighter tolerances and more careful assembly.
This was the decade when Japanese consumers were enjoying the famous 'bubble economy' boom. Department stores in Ginza filled with sharply dressed buyers, and Seiko answered with elegant gold-tone dress watches meant to compete directly with Swiss names costing many times more.
Because Session pieces were made almost entirely for Japan, they are rare outside the country. Finding one with its case back markings intact, like this example, is a small win for anyone who collects Seiko's lesser-known domestic history.
Honest condition
Champagne dial, gold-tone rectangular case. Case back stamped 5E31-5A60, antimagnetic, 10 bar. Light surface marks consistent with age. Keeps perfect time.
Specifications
- Brand
- Seiko
- Model
- Session High Standard Version
- Era
- 1980s
- Movement
- Quartz
- Case size
- 28 mm
- Strap
- Leather
- Water resistance
- 10 bar (not recently tested)
What's included
- — Watch
- — Lizard-grain leather strap