Seiko Ring Watch Ref. 17-0400 - Purple Dial, December 1971
With this Seiko, the watch moves from the wrist to sit directly on the finger. At first glance, the case measuring approximately 17.7 mm in diameter resembles a gemstone in a ring setting, while the tiny crown on the side reveals the presence of a genuine mechanical movement within. The Ref. 17-0400 is one of the most distinctive examples of Seiko’s "Fancy Watch" era, a period when the brand reimagined timekeeping not merely as a function to be measured, but as an accessory to be worn.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
Despite its diminutive surface area, the purple dial feels surprisingly open and uncluttered. It lacks a second hand and a date window, featuring only hour and minute hands alongside applied metal indices. The dial surface—which shifts between lilac and blue-violet depending on the light appears much like a gemstone set within the bright, white-metal-toned case. The small lightning-bolt symbol at the 6 o'clock position is not merely decorative; it is the manufacturing emblem of Daini Seikosha.
The "JAPAN 17-0370S" code at the bottom of the dial, combined with period Seiko catalogs, clarifies the watch's technical specifications. The 040-037 case/dial pairing corresponds to the hand-wound, 20-jewel 17QS movement. Consequently, the "17" at the beginning of the reference number does not indicate the jewel count; the actual movement in this model features 20 jewels. The fact that Seiko managed to pack mechanical watchmaking into such a compact volume demonstrates that the Ring Watch is more than just a playful design object.
The serial number 1D0482 on the case back dates this specific piece to December 1971. The "AWGP" marking on the same surface indicates Seiko’s "All White Gold Plating" case code; meaning that while it has the appearance of white gold, the watch is plated rather than made of solid white gold. Its open-ring design allows it to be adjusted to fit various finger sizes.
The period-correct integrity of this piece is also remarkable. It has been preserved with its original inner and outer box set. The small, textured light-green inner box highlights how the watch was presented more like a piece of jewelry than a standard wristwatch. The Japanese retailer marking inside serves as a delightful detail, linking the piece to the Japanese retail landscape of the 1970s.
Final Thoughts
The truly surprising aspect of the 17-0400 is not merely its diminutive size, but the fact that Seiko refused to compromise on mechanical watchmaking even at this scale. Housed within the ring featuring a striking purple dial—is the hand-wound, 20-jewel 17QS movement. Dating back to December 1971, this example with its Daini production pedigree, AWGP case, and original period boxes preserves the legacy of a unique era when Seiko transformed timekeeping into a piece of jewelry.
The product shown was manufactured in 1971.
IT HAS UNDERGONE A COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL OVERHAUL.
The movement was fully disassembled; every component was cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require any further maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
