There is a wide gap between the watch and the spring bar, making strap changes easy. I own the 42mm and while it is larger than most watches in my collection, the 12.5mm thickness makes it wear much smaller and lie flat on the wrist. Beyond the size, the main difference is the smaller version has an integrated bracelet, making it difficult to change out straps. There are actually two readily available Arabic dial Seiko’s, the 42mm SNKP21J1 and the smaller 34mm SNK063J5. The day feature is in Arabic and English, with the Arabic word for Friday (الجمعة) in Red, English “SAT” in blue and “SUN” in red, presumably honoring the holy days of the three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The Arabic Seiko is a simple black dialed Seiko 5, with large Eastern Arabic numerals. personal Breitling and Arabic Seiko, Photo Credit: James Rupley Amazon knew I would like this watch before I even knew it existed, and that is fascinating.Īt the time I had two Arabic-dial watches in my collection: A Breitling Aerospace (a gift from King Abdullah of Jordan), and an Arabic Breitling Aviator 8 Etihad Limited "Middle East" Edition in black steel, both watches that a treasured, something that would make my Arabic tutors in Beirut proud. It is not a daring spy story, but it does say a lot about the state of technology and (commercial) surveillance. Amazon’s algorithm served it to me in early 2022, something that I even wrote an article about for Hodinkee. pick it up at Khan el-Khalili Souk in Cairo to support a cover legend, or receive it as an honorary gift from a Middle Eastern intelligence service after an impactful operation? The truth is, it was purchased online. If this is the first time you are hearing about the Arabic Seiko, you are probably wondering how a former CIA Case Officer came across this unique timepiece.ĭid W.O.E. In short, the ref Arabic Seiko connects with every facet of the community in one way or another, and that’s what makes it so popular. It is a great conversation starter, and you can’t go wrong with this W.O.E. Maritime Special Operations units (including the Navy SEALs) were issued Seiko Divers until at least the mid-1990s and the CIA even modified a digital Seiko with a covert camera for intelligence collection. Our predecessors in the 1960s and 1970s wore "SOG" Seikos during covert operations carried out during the Vietnam War. A lot of veterans and NatSec folks can identify with this connection.Īdditionally, while I never wore a Seiko in any operational capacity during my time at the CIA, the Japanese brand has a long history in the Intelligence and Special Operations community. I personally have a strong affinity for the rich culture and language of the Arab world and this piece is a constant reminder of that connection and that specific period in my life. Many of us have spent a considerable amount of time in the Middle East over the past 20+ years. Just as important, however, is the deep meaning it has for our community. In part, its popularity is owed to the fact that it’s just a downright cool and unique piece at an affordable price point–but it’s also received consistent coverage on W.O.E. hype watch) is a popular reference within the W.O.E. Once an obscure watch, the “Arabic Seiko” (aka the "Seik-W.O.E." and the W.O.E. Why I am bringing the Rolex at all is a story for another time. On my wrist is the Arabic Seiko, the understated watch that I plan to wear while in London due to the increased watch theft in the city. travel pouch is my Rolex GMT Master II 16710. As a former CIA Case Officer, separating the two can be difficult. As I type this Dispatch, I am on a transatlantic flight to London for a short visit, a mix of business and pleasure.
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