Preliminary identification

Seiko Lassale Quartz Tank Watch, Ref. 1230-5289

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a refined example of the 'ultra-thin' era of watchmaking, representing the high-end collaboration between Seiko and the Swiss-founded Lassale brand.

Story

In 1981, Seiko acquired the prestigious Swiss brand Jean Lassale to merge European luxury design with Japanese quartz precision. At the time, the watch world was obsessed with 'thinness,' and Lassale was the undisputed king of slim movements.

Maker / Origin

Jean Lassale was a Swiss watchmaker who famously invented the world's thinnest mechanical movement before the brand was bought by Seiko.

Condition & Value

The case shows visible wear to the gold plating, particularly on the edges and corners, revealing the silver-toned base metal underneath. The crystal appears relatively clear, and the leather strap is a modern replacement. The plating wear reduces the value by roughly 40% compared to a mint-condition example.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD