New battery (November 2025) New battery hatch gasket
Dial
Diamond Dust / Snowflake
Jewels
7
Case
36mm
Lugs
18mm
Day/date
Day and date
Crystal
Sapphire
Strap
Fits up to an 18,5 cm wrist
Performance
±5 seconds per month
Box&papers
Not included
Condition
Very good
The watch This exact reference was one of the very first watches we sold after our launch, and we’re pleased to have another example back in the collection. The case shows light signs of wear consistent with age, but the dial is in mint condition and the original sapphire crystal remains scratch-free. The day display can be set to either Japanese Kanji or English.
The bracelet didn’t originally come with this model, but it’s from the same era and suits the watch perfectly, featuring two polished center links that complement the case design.
Additional information 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. Its accuracy is rated at ± 5 seconds per month, which were phenomenal specs for the 70’s.
The quartz crisis The "quartz crisis" was a major turning point in the watch industry during the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the rise of quartz technology. Companies like Seiko led the way, offering watches that were more accurate, more affordable, and easier to maintain than traditional mechanical models.
With the launch of the first quartz wristwatch, the Astron, in 1969, Seiko showed the world what quartz could achieve. Swiss watchmakers, known for their mechanical craftsmanship, were slow to react and lost much of their market share. The crisis forced the Swiss industry to restructure and helped shape a future where traditional watchmaking and modern quartz innovation could exist side by side.
