# Reference: **Model:** Seiko “Motorist” J14108E **Production Date:** 1964 **Timestamp:** [https://imgur.com/a/P4pvTAv](https://imgur.com/a/P4pvTAv) **Album:** [https://imgur.com/a/fqAUIeU](https://imgur.com/a/fqAUIeU) # Features: **The Functionality.** Driving watches aren’t the most obscure purpose-built watches, as that honour surely belongs to space watches built to function in zero gravity, but they’re certainly high on the list. They’re designed to increase legibility while holding a steering wheel - and as niche as that problem might be, the solution undeniably works. **The Design.** Driving Watches can suffer from a small psychological hurdle: your brain has to recalibrate to the repositioned numerals. Glance too quickly and an 11 can morph into a 12, simply because it’s in its spot. The Seiko Motorist avoids this confusion by using a sector dial - these guiding lines visually anchor the 3, 6, 9, and 12. **The Angle.** There’s a case to be made that this dial layout offers convenience well beyond the steering wheel. When I check the time, I rarely ensure my wrist is parallel to my chest - perhaps I'm just lazy, but my watch is typically angled slightly as I look at the dial. Similarly, I’m not currently wearing the Motorist as I type this, yet I can’t help but notice my wrist position - angled on the keyboard in such a way that I can practically hear the Motorist confidently say “put me in, Coach”. **The Case.** The gold plating on the case is a generous 20 microns thick - roughly 20-40 times thicker than what’s typically found on modern watches - which explains why it’s still in such good condition. Even more unusual, the case itself is physically raised from the 12 o’clock side (the 1 o’clock position on a standard watch), further enhancing legibility. **The Rarity.** This 1960s J14108E pushed the envelope with its use of accent colours, dial design, case architecture, and Seiko’s perpetually cool retro Motorist typeface. Whether Seiko didn’t sell many, or simply didn’t make many, I couldn’t say - but these are a rare sight, and it’s safe to say you’re unlikely to see another one this year. # Details: **The Condition**: In good condition overall. Just serviced. Small swirls and hairlines can be seen on the case. The dial is patinated.  **Scope:** No box or papers **Movement**: 19 Jewel Manual Wind **Dimensions:** \- Case Width: 37.5mm \- Lug to Lug: 37.5mm \- Case Thickness: 9.6mm \- Lug Width: 18mm **Price:** Priced at **$1565**. I accept various payment methods based on your transaction history. Not accepting trades. Transaction Fees paid by the buyer. **Of note:** Nothing to report