The worlds first production quartz watch was released in December 1969. Throughout the 1970s there was a cycle of rapid development to transform this new technology from a science like project, into a high-end, cutting edge form of haute-horology.
The quartz pieces that gave Seiko so much success, cannibalised not just other brands mechanical pieces, but also Seiko’s. The Grand Seiko pieces, King Seiko, Lord Matic names all had to undergo revamping as sales of mechanical dropped off. As such these names shifted, with Grand Seiko now being revamped as Grand Quartz, making use of fresh quartz technology.
The twin quartz Seiko first appeared in Volume 2 of the 1978 domestic catalogue. This was the 99 series of watches from Seiko. There were four grand quartz models all fitted with the 9943A movement. The prices were eyewatering at the time. The 9943-8000 with bracelet was 120,000 Yen. Today this is approximately 183,713 Yen, which equates to $1600.
These watches have long been typecast as a mid to late 1970s quartz watch, dismissed as one of many quartz watches churned out by Seiko in that period. Yet these are not merely a quartz dress piece from the 1970s. They are now appreciated for what they were and are. They were originally very expensive and today we may view that as ridiculous, but this ignores the top-grade engineering, the quality of design, general finish and materials used in construction.
The 1970s had varying tastes and styles, but these unassuming dress pieces, after 50 years, are drawn upon for inspiration when Seiko create modern day Grand Seikos. You can see many similarities in dial finishes, layouts and case shapes.
This particular example is from May 1979. The case construction is unconventional. The movement is housed in its own monocoque sub case, which fits into the main front section of the case.
The dial is completely original and has a silvered snow base tone which is subtle, yet beautifully executed. The dial is finished to an exceptionally high standard. There is a chapter ring inside of the bezel piece which has a mirrored finish. There are three-dimensional applied hour markers, black painted to the top which matches the hands. They are cut out, in a dog leg design with a thick section, with a slight facet, leading to a more traditional baton numeral depth. They have a complete mirrored finish which is expertly polished. The smaller baton hour markers for the minutes are also three-dimensional, also with a polished finish.
The hands are original and of Index style. They are black painted and are in excellent condition. The central second hand is also original and is in excellent condition.
The watch has the original Hardlex crystal, which is in perfect condition, with no marks.
The crown is original and is made of Stainless Steel. It has the Twin Quartz logo.
The case back is signed Seiko, with the serial number 951324. It is also signed Water Resistant-G ST. Steel, Japan A. The movement/model reference is 9943-8000.
The watch is on the model correct bracelet, the XBB-150.
The movement is the Twin Quartz calibre 9943 from Seiko. This was a revolutionary movement in the Quartz revolution, with an unprecedented leap in timekeeping accuracy. Two Quartz oscillators are set alongside each other. One was used to detect the temperature so that variations due to temperature change in the other oscillator could be compensated for.
The movement is in good condition and is working well. It is keeping time to +5 seconds a month.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is completely original and has a silvered snow base tone which is subtle, yet beautifully executed. The dial is finished to an exceptionally high standard. There is a chapter ring inside of the bezel piece which has a mirrored finish. There are three-dimensional applied hour markers, black painted to the top which matches the hands. They are cut out, in a dog leg design with a thick section, with a slight facet, leading to a more traditional baton numeral depth. They have a complete mirrored finish which is expertly polished. The smaller baton hour markers for the minutes are also three-dimensional, also with a polished finish.
The centre of the dial is signed Seiko Grand Quartz, with the Applied polished 3D Seiko logo, and black painted Grand Quartz signing. The lower section of the dial has the applied polished 3D twin quartz logo. At 3 O’clock the day and date window is framed by a polished 3D rectangular frame, which has a facetted finish to meet the window itself. The window is a clean white finish with black signing. It has English and Japanese on the day and date.
Hands:
The hands are original and of Index style. They are black painted and are in excellent condition. The central second hand is also original and is in excellent condition.
Glass:
This is the original Hardlex crystal, which is in perfect condition, with no marks.
Crown:
The crown is original and is made of Stainless Steel. It has the Twin Quartz logo.
Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in very good condition. It is a 3-piece case with bezel, centre body and rear of the monocoque movement housing.
The bezel is in good condition and has a polished finish. The centre piece of the case has a brushed finish to the top which is in great condition. It falls away at each end to integrate into the bracelet. The sides have a polished bevel on the top, falling into a flat polished section, before a larger bevel meeting the rear of the case.
Caseback:
The case back is in very good condition for the age, with light surface scratching.
The main face has a brushed finish which is in very good condition, whilst the side is polished. The battery hatch is in very good condition with no signs of damage or scratching like many examples. It is signed Seiko, with the serial number 951324. It is also signed Water Resistant-G ST. Steel, Japan A. The movement/model reference is 9943-8000.
Strap:
The watch is on the model correct bracelet, the XBB-150. These has a toothed/comb style linkage which is a subtle but beautiful design feature. This also makes the bracelet incredibly comfortable.
Movement:
The movement is in good condition and is working well, having had a new battery fitted. It is keeping time to +5 seconds a month.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 35mm
Case width with crown: 36.5mm
Case length: 41mm
Case length lug to lug: 41mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 19mm