This was the top of the range twin quartz Grand Seiko in 1979, before you hit the Superior models.  Model reference 9943-8020 or QGB804.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in February 1979.

CONDITION

This watch cost ¥150,000 when new, which was the equivalent then of £366.  To put that into some context, you could buy an Omega Constellation from the High Street in the UK at that time for £79.99.  Using the Bank of England’s inflation calculator this watch is would have a price of £1,865 today.  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!).  The 9943 movement in this watch was designed to be accurate to just +/- 10 seconds a year.

While this watch is working perfectly, including both quick set for the date and day (in either English or Kanji), there are a couple of cosmetic imperfections.  The most noticeable is the black dot on the non crown side of the case.  This feels flat, and we do not know what has caused it.  The other main issue is the original bracelet is slightly off colour near the signed clasp.  Otherwise it is all in good shape, and that gold dial shimmer as it should.  The design of the bracelet means it is full length, and can be adjusted without the need for special tools.  Very useful.  These high quality watches are now quite sought after, with prices rising as availability decreases.

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  36.9 mm

Width without crown  35.8 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  40.8 mm

Case Thickness  8.8 mm

Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 220 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.

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