RARITY! SEIKO 7005-8140 IRANIAN ARMY, (New Old Stock)

Seiko 7005-8140 Iranian Imperial Army: Historical Relic from the 70s

Historical Context and Origin
The Seiko 7005-8140 was created in 1970 by exclusive commission of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, for high-ranking officers of the Iranian Imperial Army. This watch symbolized status and loyalty to the Pahlavi monarchy during a period of military modernization and alignment with the West. Its production coincided with the Iranian economic prosperity era driven by the oil boom, where the regime invested in elite equipment for its armed forces. Following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, many of these watches were destroyed or concealed as owning them became associated with the deposed former regime. Officers who served under the Shah were purged, executed, or exiled, taking these pieces with them as reminders of a lost era.

Design and Patriotic Symbolism
The model stood out for its military aesthetics and commemorative details:

• Matte black dial with the emblem of the Iranian Imperial Army in raised red enamel (a rampant lion with sword and sun).

• Persian inscription below the 12 o’clock hour marker: “Iranian Imperial Army” engraved in Arabic-Persian script.

• 38.5 mm stainless steel case with threaded case back engraved with Persian text reading “Government Property”.

• Unused original steel bracelet designed to fit military uniforms.

These elements turned the watch into a symbol of authority rather than just a timekeeping instrument.

Technology and Performance
Based on Seiko’s dive watch design, the 7005-8140 featured:

• Caliber 7005 automatic movement with 17 jewels, frequency of 21,600 vibrations/hour, and quick date change function.

• Water resistance of 70 meters (although its commemorative nature discouraged underwater use).

• Square indices and tritium-coated hands for readability in low-light conditions.

Despite its inspiration from dive tools, it was mainly destined for ceremonial and daily use in barracks.

Survival and Contemporary Legacy
Out of the approximately 1,000-2,000 units produced, it is estimated that less than 100 exist today in pristine conditions. Specimens like the one kept by an exiled colonel in Los Angeles (never worn and with original documentation) are treasures for collectors. Its historical value surpasses its horological aspect, representing:

• Testimony of the Iran-West alliance during the Cold War.

• Symbol of pre-revolutionary Iran’s ephemeral modernization.

• Cult object in specialized auctions, where it fetches high values for its rarity and origin.

Reissues and Reproductions
Seiko has never officially reissued this watch due to current political sensitivities around the Shah’s regime. However, unauthorized replicas circulate in secondary markets, lacking authentic details like the Persian engravings or red enamel on the emblem.

Conclusion
The Seiko 7005-8140 Iranian Imperial Army transcends horology: it is a historical artifact that encapsulates the greatness and tragedy of a nation. Its sober design, reliable mechanics, and genuine lineage make it a museum piece, reminding us that watches not only measure hours but also hold memories of fallen regimes and lost national identities.

TEMPPUS. All rights reserved.