This Seiko automatic watch was ordered by the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1919-1980) for the officers of the Iranian Royal Army in 1970. These watches were given selectively to some of the high-ranking Army officers. Many of these officers were purged from the army following the overthrow of the Shah in 1979, and left Iran after the revolution. Some were imprisoned or executed.
Very few of these watches survive today, and the one we offer remains in new-old-stock condition. The owner I am told was a Colonel under the Shah who never wore the watch, and brought it to Los Angeles, CA as a keepsake when he left Iran.
The Imperial Iranian Army Designations
The matte black dial is perfect without any patina and features the Imperial Iranian Army’s logo in raised red enamel. The Persian inscription on the dial reads Imperial Iranian Army. The Seiko serial number on the case back is crisp and legible, and additionally there is Persian text engraved the back that says “government property”.
The watch is an adaptation of a Seiko divers watch. It is rated water resistant to 70 feet, but because of the age and commemorative nature of the timepiece it should not be used for swimming. It is equipped with a Seiko automatic movement with a quickset date function. The unworn bracelet is long, and one or two links need to be taken out to fit the new owners wrist.
Case: Stainless Steel, Screw Back
Diameter: 38.5 mm, 44mm lug-to-lug
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Technical Data
Movement: Seiko Cal 7005, Automatic Date
Jewels: 17
Frequency: 21,600 VpH
Power Reserve: 42 hrs
