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Does anyone know an official reason why all Japanese trains seem to still use a Seiko Railway pocket watch on the dash? Everything from subway trains to the newest shinkansen all have slots for the watch built into the consoles. Is it because of traditions or is it actually a valuable tool for the driver? The prominent location on the dash (usually) with dedicated lighting and the fact that even co-drivers (if the train has one) almost always have their own watch slot makes me think it's still a primary instrument for operation rather than just a piece of tradition.
The watches have changed little externally since being released in the 1930s, though they became more accurate over time and now have high quality jeweled quarts movements. While not particularly noteworthy in any respect for accuracy or features unlike other classic railroad watches, they seem to be one of the only watches still in widespread service with railroads rather than just a sales gimmick by a watch company.
Information on the watches is easy to find, but solid reasons for their continued use is not.
