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Grand Quartz 4843-8050 QNK050 (Sold)

€ 475.00

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About Details and then some
Manufacture Seiko Grand Quartz
Model reference QNK050 4843-8050
Movement Quartz
Caliber 4843
Dial Diamond Dust
Case 36x42x11mm Hardened Steel
Lugs 18mm
Bracelet XBB020 22cm
Crystal serial # Unknown Hardlex
Timegrapher Accuracy: as rated
Jewels 9
Serial # 60xxxx Production: 1976-10
Condition Excellent
Service Laser welding the crack?
Box & Papers No box No papers

The 4843 is a very solidly made quartz - your watchmaker will love it! The production run of the 48 base caliber spanned just four years so they are becoming highly collectible! The 4843-80xx however, even more so... read on.

In the first year of its production in 1975, only the Grand Quartz reigned supreme right next to the Quartz V.F.A, with just three models, 8000/8010/8020. There were no other GQ calibers. The models 8030/8040/8041 were introduced later in 1975 and made for just three years! They came with a thick steel band for the 4843 and with leather only for the 4840 & 4842. That setup never changed for this caliber. Even when the much daintier 48xx-8110 variation was introduced in 1977, ending the 8030/8040/8041 production run in that year.

In 1976 the -8050 series launched, but were quickly retired again after two years - too expensive to produce?

In 1978 Seiko introduced the twin quartz 9943, ending all of the 48xx caliber that year. The 48xx of the year before however remained a thicker and wider flaring watch (38x43x11mm!) and was more robust than its 9943 descendant - it is after all a Tanaka design. Therefore it already has a huge presence, apart from its very modern dimensions. This is also translates into the bracelet mentioned, which was uniquely designed for 1976/77 only. It is a very heavy, very tight bracelet - almost like those of the King Seiko Vanac of the day.

In my experience these single quartzes are among the most accurate vintages; the twin quartzes like the 99 series mentioned have the specs for sure, but after 40 years or so… build quality and robustness gain the upper hand. The early Grand Quartzes truly shine!