Seiko has been a relentless innovator, however from time to time what might be call ‘longevity’ flaws crop up. Flaws that reveal themselves after 40 or 50 years after manufacture. One of those flaws is the inner metal dial ring of the 48xx series watches, particularly in the rear loading models. The rings are made of a cast alloy and if any moisture enters the case they are the first thing to rust, and rust they do. In fact, a non running 48xx watch could well be in pristine condition excepted for a rusted inner case ring. Further complicating things is that the highly magnetic stator motor used to drive the ticks of the seconds hand very quickly attracts bits of rust. This will eventually stop the watch. Besides this one flaw, the rest of the 48xx watches are beautifully designed and fabricated, with full metal main plates and jeweled bridge plates. These are some of the most luxurious quarts movements and watches Seiko or any other make made in the 1970s.
Obsolete inventory doesn’t include these metal dial rings as they are made redundant by the outer (corrosion resistant)plastic retaining ring and shield. The innards are sung without the risk of rust.
On request, and if the 48xx watch you purchase did in have a metal retaining ring, I can be sent for whatever purposed you see fit.
