Orient - AAA Swimmer - No reserve price - T104937A - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the "Golden Era" of Japanese watchmaking, featuring the highly collectible Orient AAA Swimmer. Produced during a period when Orient was competing fiercely with Seiko and Citizen to offer the highest specifications possible, this timepiece boasts an impressive 30-jewel automatic movement, a specification count that signified a premium tier offering in the late 1960s. With its classic fluted bezel, sharp stainless steel case, and unique day-date configuration, this watch combines robust vintage engineering with an aesthetic that remains timelessly elegant on the wrist. Brand: Orient Model: AAA Swimmer Reference Number: T104937A Movement: Orient Automatic 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. late 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and strong case definition. Timegrapher testing indicates accuracy between +9 and +18 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with the applied "AAA" emblem and the Orient crest, along with the signature three stars at the six o'clock position. The dial text is crisp, proudly displaying "30 Jewels" and "Swimmer." The applied baton hour markers are multi-faceted to catch the light, matching the sharp dauphine-style hands. A framed day-date window sits at the three o'clock position, adding practical utility to the elegant design. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a substantial 37mm, which was considered a larger, contemporary size for its era and offers excellent wrist presence today. The standout feature is the fluted bezel, which remains sharp and distinct, framing the crystal perfectly. The case flanks are clean, and the lugs retain their original geometry. A dedicated pusher is located at the two o'clock position, a distinctive Orient feature used for quick-setting the calendar functions. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the "AAA" logo and "Perfect Water Proof Stainless Steel Antishock" markings, with the reference number clearly visible. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-grade Orient automatic caliber featuring 30 jewels. This high jewel count was a mark of prestige and durability during the 1960s Japanese watch boom. The movement appears clean and free of oxidation in the visual inspection. It is running strongly, with timegrapher results showing a deviation of +9 to +18 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance for the new owner. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome silver tones of the dial and case, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or damage to the silver sunburst finish. The case shows only light signs of wear consistent with age, with minor handling marks but no significant dings or deep scratches. The fluted bezel retains its sharp edges, and the caseback engravings are deep and legible. The movement is clean and functionally sound. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown and pusher. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a wide variety of wrist sizes, while the profile remains slim enough to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Orient AAA Swimmer represents a fantastic value proposition in the world of vintage horology. It offers the robust build quality and intricate design language often associated with much higher-priced Swiss counterparts of the same era. The combination of the 30-jewel movement, the fluted bezel, and the unique quick-set pusher makes this a conversation piece for any collector. History The "AAA" line was introduced by Orient to signify distinct qualities: Performance, Accuracy, and Appearance. During the 1960s and 1970s, Orient established itself as a major player in mechanical watchmaking, focusing on developing robust in-house movements that could withstand daily rigors while maintaining high accuracy. The "Swimmer" designation indicates the watch's original design intent as a water-resistant sports watch, bridging the gap between a dress watch and a tool watch, a versatility that makes it highly desirable today. / Second Vintage SKU: ORI-OSJ-0001