Seiko Grand Quartz 4843-8100

 
The watch
One of the most impressive dials when it comes to vintage Seiko’s. 
In excellent unpolished condition, some signs of use on the case but overall super clean. There is a small discoloration at the 3 'o clock marker. The original sapphire crystal is scratch-free and more scratch-resistant than a mineral crystal.

The watch comes on its original bracelet, which can be easily adjusted to fit your wrist. Simply use a small screwdriver to lift the clasp and secure it at your desired length.

Details
The case is made of hardened stainless steel, giving it a specific type of finish and extra resistance against scratches. 

The 4843 movement was developed by Seiko’s Suwa division, introduced in 1974 along with the King Quartz 4823 and the higher-end 4883 superior (which will also be for sale soon). Its accuracy is rated at ± 5 seconds per month, which were phenomenal specs for the 70’s.

The quartz crisis
The "quartz crisis," also known as the "quartz revolution," refers to a period in the late 20th century when the Swiss watch industry faced significant upheaval due to the rise of quartz technology. This technological shift began in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily driven by Japanese companies like Seiko.

Quartz watches, which use a battery-powered quartz crystal to keep time, offered several advantages over traditional mechanical watches. They were more accurate, less expensive to produce, and required less maintenance. Seiko, a pioneer in quartz technology, introduced the world's first quartz watch, the Astron, in 1969. This innovation demonstrated that quartz watches could offer precision and affordability, challenging the long-standing dominance of Swiss mechanical watches.

The Swiss watch industry, which had long been revered for its craftsmanship and mechanical expertise, struggled to adapt to this new technology. Many Swiss companies initially underestimated the impact of quartz watches and were slow to innovate. As a result, they faced financial difficulties and market share losses. The quartz crisis led to the decline or bankruptcy of several traditional Swiss watchmakers and forced the industry to undergo significant restructuring.

Ultimately, the it reshaped the watch industry, leading to a renewed focus on innovation and a blend of traditional and modern technologies. The Swiss watch industry eventually rebounded by incorporating quartz technology alongside their mechanical expertise.