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Seiko Grand Quartz 4843-5100 - Mint! (Sold)

€355.00

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Manufacture Seiko
Model Grand Quartz
Reference 4843-5100
Movement 7 jewels Quartz at 5 spm (rated), battery: SR43SW ~386
Serial No. 74XXXX
Case Solid Gold Plated (SGP), Tanaka design 35x42x11mm
Crystal Hardlex, ser.# SA0W46GN00
Dial Gold Corrugated
Bracelet Leather
Lugs 20mm!
Production 1977-04
Condition Excellent
Service New battery, new battery hatch gasket
Box No
Papers No

The 4843 is a very solidly made quartz. The production run of the 48 base caliber spanned just four years so they are becoming highly collectible! The 4843-5100 however, even more so as it was produced for two years only... 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 1978 Seiko introduced the twin quartz 9943, ending all of the 48xx caliber that year. The 48GQ -of the year before however remained a more robust watch than its 9943 descendants - it is after all a Tanaka design. Therefore it already has a huge presence, apart from its very modern dimensions.

Describing this watch reminds one that due to its relative thickness, its thermo compensation is still excellent after all these years. The dial work of course is impeccable, truly a high end watch. You noticed the black lacquered hands? It gives this watch something extra..... great legibility and some "punch". And that punch is also implemented in the mechanics of this watch, it has that special Seiko gimmick of the "jumping seconds hand". This means that it will jump ahead 10 seconds when you pull the crown to adjust the time. It makes time setting so much easier!

The Grand Quartz at hand is fully original, is not polished and runs to specs.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!