The watch A striking and uncommon Seiko Quartz V.F.A. 3923-502A from the early 1970s, featuring one of the more distinctive case designs of Seiko’s early quartz era. The faceted rectangular case, metallic blue dial and ruby-red LED detail at 2 o’clock give the watch a very characteristic 1970s look.
The applied gold markers and hands contrast sharply against the blue dial, while the oversized “Quartz” signature reflects the confidence Seiko had in its quartz technology during this period. The vertical bilingual day-date display and sharply finished angular case give the watch a strong presence on the wrist despite its relatively compact dimensions.
This example remains in very clean condition, with sharp edges, excellent finishing and a well-preserved dial. Recently checked by a professional watchmaker, including correction of the hand-setting mechanism. The movement runs properly and the LED indicator functions as intended. A rare and increasingly collectible Seiko from the period that established Japan as the leader in quartz watchmaking.
Details The Seiko 3923-502A is powered by the Seiko calibre 3923, part of the high-grade 39-series V.F.A. quartz movements produced by Daini Seikosha in the early 1970s.
“V.F.A.” stands for “Very Fine Adjusted”, a designation reserved for Seiko’s most precise watches. The 3923 movement was rated to an accuracy of ±5 seconds per month, an exceptional specification at the time and far beyond the performance of most mechanical watches of the era.
The 39-series quartz models were positioned near the top of Seiko’s lineup and originally sold at prices comparable to high-end Grand Seiko models. Watches like this represent an important part of Seiko’s early quartz development, shortly after the launch of the Astron in 1969, the world’s first commercially available quartz wristwatch.
