the story
The 25th Hour. The clocks said midnight. This Sony WM-FX193 checked the glorious “25 Hours Play Back” sticker on its chest and respectfully disagreed. Picture it on the last bus home, nestled beside a mixtape from your best friend, trying to persuade you to miss your stop because the good bit hasn’t finished. That translucent blue teardrop looks innocent, but this is clearly the friend who says “one more song” and gets everybody home late. The marks across its silver face? It calls them “evidence of excellent plans.” Eventually it reached the APD lab, where it endured our thorough restoration with the impatience of someone whose friends were waiting outside. Cleaned, serviced and sounding fantastic, it was ready to leave. We mentioned a quiet life on a collector’s shelf. It pointed at the sticker. This little legend doesn’t need a retirement home. It needs a tape, a pocket and someone willing to stay out for the other side. According to its own hype sticker, there’s still an hour to spare.
What You Get
• The unit itself, in great external condition with some visible bumps and bruises, fully serviced and ready for use. Pictures show the exact unit you’ll receive.
• Your choice: a freshly curated APD mixtape or a retro prerecorded tape from our archives
• New period correct headphones
• Original Sony belt clip
• Iconic Sony Sound - arguably sounds better than anything on the market today
• Legendary APD packaging with a custom sticker pack for a gift-worthy unboxing.
Features + Highlights
• AVLS - save your eardrums if you want
• Analog FM/AM tuner
• Manual side changes. Flip the cassette for Side B.
• Runs on 2 AA batteries
• Fun red LED battery indicator light
• Medium-sized format Walkman build, sturdy, built for real use
Service Provided (Nerd Stuff)
• Full off body cleaning and restoration
• Belt pathways fully cleaned and new premium belt installed
• Motor lubricated
• All contacts cleaned (crackle free)
• NAK-T100 Speed Adjusted
• Capstans and pinch rollers cleaned
• Head cleaned and demagnetized
• Transport cleaned and lubricated
• Full playback tested
Condition + Character
• A legend reborn. Great overall cosmetics, with some minor visible wear picked up over its 27 years of life (see photos).
• The yellow-and-green “25 Hours Play Back” lives on!
FCC information: This vintage Walkman is sold as a used device. The FCC’s adopted online-marketplace FCC-ID display rule exempts listings for used devices (47 CFR § 2.803(c)(3)(iii)).