The watch It doesn't get much better than this. With its sharp case, faceted indices and beautifully textured cream-white dial, this King Quartz captures everything that makes Seiko's mid-1970s designs so appealing.
The dial is the highlight. At first glance it appears simple, but a closer look reveals a subtle washi-like texture that gives it a character all of its own. Combined with the clean layout and applied markers, it is a dial that never becomes boring to look at.
Produced in 1976, this example remains in very good condition. The case shows only minor signs of wear consistent with age, while the crystal has a few light scratches that are only visible upon close inspection. The dial is in mint condition and free from any flaws.
The bilingual day wheel can be displayed in either Japanese Kanji or Englis. The watch comes fitted with a new original Seiko leather strap and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Details The King Quartz line was introduced by Seiko in the mid-1970s as part of its effort to bring the same precision and quality standards associated with the mechanical King Seiko name into the quartz era. Positioned above the standard Quartz models, King Quartz watches featured higher-grade movements, superior case finishing, and more refined dials. During a period when quartz technology was advancing rapidly, King Quartz represented Seiko's commitment to producing highly accurate watches without compromising on craftsmanship or design.
Inside this watch is the Cal. 4823, one of Seiko's premium quartz movements of the period. Built during the golden age of Japanese quartz development, the movement was designed for long-term reliability and excellent accuracy. It features a bilingual day-date display, allowing the day wheel to be shown in either English or Japanese Kanji, a detail often appreciated by collectors today. Nearly fifty years after its introduction, the 4823 remains a reminder of an era when Seiko was setting the pace for quartz technology worldwide.
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.
