The SEIKO World Time "John Cleese"

Model No. A718-5030

In 1984 SEIKO introduced several new lines of digital World Time watches. The A718-5030 was a premium option.

The Seiko World Time A718-5030, John Cleese

This is the watch worn by Brian Stimpson (John Cleese) in the 1986 film Clockwise. It was one of three models using the A708A/A718A module, released in 1984. It was also the last of the SEIKO digital world time watches.

This specific version was likely sold as a premium model, with an alarm complication and a clean, fairly non-descript case design.

The Stainless Steel A718-5030 with black dial frame on non-original bracelet

The Gold-tone A718-5030 with yellow dial frame on original bracelet

This model was offered in stainless steel and gold-tone finish options.

Key Statistics
Top-Line Sales Info
The Case
Comparison with other A7X8 Models
Measurements
Dial Frames
Bracelets
Production Numbers
Resale Value
Other Resources
Related Articles

Key Statistics

35.0mm

Watch Case Size w/o Crown

38.5mm

Lug to Lug Measurement

Rare

Rarity Index Among Cataloged Examples is 9.0 out of 10

8

Total Examples Cataloged

4.2%

Percentage of all Cataloged Digital Examples

Top-line Sales Info

35mm case (not including buttons)
38.5mm 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 38.5mm tall (lug-to-lug). It is perhaps the most traditional design of the A718 and A708 models. It has (nearly) identical dimensions as the A718-5010.

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 38.5mm

Thickness, including OEM crystal is 8.5mm

Dial Frames

Here are the two different dial frames.

Original Bracelet

G1106

The G1106 bracelet is the correct and original bracelet used on the A718-5030 in both stainless steel and gold-tone versions. It is identical in design to the A708-5000's YA24A bracelet, except the links are rounded instead of flat.

The underside of the spring bar tubes is marked G1106

The underside of the clasp is marked ALL STAINLESS STEEL

Production Numbers

Based on the image data collected to-date, this series was produced from at least April 1984 through at least July 1984. These models use a 6-digit serial number scheme, allowing for up to 9,999 watches per production month/year. Assuming a 4 month production run, this allows for a max production of 39,996 watches, with a minimum production of 2,332 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. $350+ 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. $250 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