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.

Table of Contents


Key Statistics



35.0mm

Watch Case Size w/o Crown


38.5mm

Lug to Lug Measurement


Rare

Rarity Index Among Cataloged Examples is 10.5 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.

The case back
Right side profile and buttons
Top left side including buttons
Bottom right profile
Bottom left profile

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
Lug spacing is 20mm

Dial Frames


Here are the two different dial frames.

The black dial frame, code A718-5030T
The yellow dial frame, code A718-503BT

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.

Clasp signed SEIKO SQ
Side profile of the bracelet and clasp
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.
$450+ 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.
$350 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

Other Resources


The Internet is littered with various documents about this watch. Here is a quick collection to save you some googling around.

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