1970s Seiko 7018-6000 Time Sonar

Arthur
Sep 14
2 min read

What's so special about the watch?

The 701X line of flyback chronographs come in all colours and designs. This one has a military vibe, that's really out of character for the jazzy and retro line of 70s chronographs.

What are the functions of the watch?

Day, date, 30-minute chronograph with flyback function.

Let me tell you about the case...

This watch comes in a solid, full-out tonneau case with straight lugs that really brings out the military dial. The sides of the case are lightly brushed, which contrasts nicely with the polished thin bezel the craters the dial. The crown is flushed with the case, leaving the two chrograph pushers protruding outwards.

Another interesting thing about this watch is the semi-tranluscent (in black!) case back! The 70018 movement is in view, its rotor spinning nice and strong to keep the flyback engine running.

And now the dial...

It's black with white markings. If that doesn't get your blood pumping, a closer look at the details might be just what you need - the rehaut tachymetre sets the stage for the military'esq appeal of the watch, clean white numerals and hash marks slanted nicely for the sweeping seconds hands to interact with.

Inside the dial, a fine mintes and microseconds chapter ring has thick five-minute markers and arrow indicators, broken only by the discrete black day date window and matching black internal wheels. Above this window are the start / stop / reset commands that have been printed on the dial as part of the design. Very appreciated.

At 6, the 30-minute sub-register is neatly cut into the dial, with clear markers printed and the "minutes" indicator printed above to match the commands for the chronograph. The Time Sonar and Suwa insignia are printed on the horizontals.

The only applied element on the dial is the vintage Seiko logo, complete with compressed O.

Let's not forget the hands...

White. Syringe. Hands. The chronograph hands are in a nice contrasting dull yellow.

Specifications: