Grand Seiko watches are all collectible, but Snowflake or diamond dust dials especially so. Model reference 9943-8020 or QGB060
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in July 1978.
CONDITION
Grand Seiko watches were the finest watches the craftsmen at Seiko’s Suwa workshops could produce. First made in 1960, they were eventually killed off by technology that Seiko pioneered – Quartz. Then Seiko had a rethink, and thought what if we could make quartz movements to just as high a standard as mechanical watches, but far more accurate? The results were christened Grand Quartz, and the progression of the watches can be seen on Seiko’s own website here. Of course the cases and components were still finished to the highest of standards, and the Zaratsu polishing technique employed on Grand Seiko watches takes months to master (it is actually named after the brand of imported European polishing machines Seiko use!).
This must be one of the very best available in the World right now. There is a very small mark on the edge of the case below the crown, but that is the only thing we can fault. The case is pin sharp, to the point the photos look like computer renders. You have the signed crown, with the twin crystal logo. The battery hatch has not tool marks – which is unheard of. The dial is perfect, and we have taken a couple of photos with the 43x microscope to show the textured dial – but also see how the hour markers are polished to perfection. The rehaut is mirror polished, so the hour markers reflect in this. Mechanically it is perfect too. The only negative (for us anyway) is the bracelet is too short for us to wear. It is solid link construction, model XBB-240L, and if anyone has some links we would be interested in buying them. We have shown the watch on different coloured straps to demonstrate the versatility of the design, and we can include a leather strap if you know the bracelet will not be long enough for you. Some people will think this is too expensive for a quartz Seiko, and others will recognise the condition and importance of this watch. New in 1978 this was ¥100,000, which was about £275 at the time (when you could buy a new Omega f300 for £79.95), and adjusted for inflation that is nearly £1,600 today. Given that a new Grand Seiko start at £2,350 and head up to £87,000, this looks a bargain.
You can research more about Grand Seiko watches of this period here.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 36.7 mm
Width without crown 35.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 41.3 mm
Case Thickness 8.8 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 170 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.