Interesting early Seiko Quartz

For the past months, I gradually developed a keen interest in discontinued Seiko quartz movements. These new old stock quartz watches are totally unattractive in the eyes of the modern customer so they are sometimes not displayed in the showcases of watch shops. With much effort, I managed to uncover these early electronic gems and bring them home!

I begin to appreciate the earlier quartz movements mainly due to their accuracy and construction. More often than not, the second hand is always spot on the indices (something we always hope our quartz watches can achieve). The movements are generally more durable and consist of mainly metallic parts. In some models, there are even jewels which are unheard of in most quartz watches.

The 8M series quartz consist of countdown function, either for a fixed duration or a user-defined duration by simply turning the crown. The minute hand looks like a second hand and taking a quick glance, one may mistakenly think that there is no minute hand on the watch! In some models, there is also a chronograph function for stopwatch timekeeping (split timining allowed).

SEIKO Quartz Chronograph Sports Timer (NOS)
Caliber 8M32-8030

The Sports Timer allows the user to set countdown timing under "TIMER" mode. This is useful in a soccer game, for example, where you can count down to half time of 45mins (see the soccer man logo at 45?). If the user wishes to repeat the same countdown timing, he can select "RE TM". The user can also countdown prior to the start of the chrono using the "TM>CHRO" function. "CHRO" is the normal stopwatch function. By turning the crown back to "TIME", the hands magically returns to the original time! Amazing! A very cool little gadget showing the advancement of Seiko quartz technology during that time.

SEIKO Quartz Yacht Timer (NOS)
Caliber 8M35-6010 Four Jewels

The Yacht Timer was meant for sea regatta events where sea races are being competed. The countdown timer here is preset at 5-mins, 10-mins and 15-mins countdown. The most beautiful feature of this watch is the compass dial, giving the watch a very sea-expedition flavor! The strap shown is the actual Seiko factory shark skin leather suitable for wet conditions as on a boat with seawater splashing in.



SEIKO Quartz Yacht Timer Sports 150
Caliber 8M35-800A Four Jewels

Similar to the Yacht Timer above is this sporty counterpart in plastic bi-directional bezel and flat rubber strap. This version of the Yacht Timer is water resistant to 150m and is slightly bigger in dimensions than the dressier version.



All three are truly a piece of Seiko history I am proud to have in my watch collection!

Recent "Acquisitions" though not mine

Recently, I bought these two watches. Unfortunately, they were neither for my own use nor for my collection.

The first is a JDM (Japan Domestic Model) Seiko. This is a Seiko Kinetic 200m Scuba Diver 5M63. I ordered it from Chino Watch Japan as a gift for a friend. It is made of Titanium and has a beautiful grey-dusted effect dial. My friend intended to use her for sporting activities and Titanium's light-weight and hypoallergenic nature makes her a suitable watch on a sweaty wrist!

Next up is a Seiko 7A38 Quartz Chronograph. This watch needs no introduction as she is Seiko's first quartz analog movement. An overseas 7A38 collector has requested a hunt for this watch and I managed to source one for him at a price beneficial to both of us.

Even after approx. 20 years, the gold plating dazzles in daylight, evident of Seiko's early fine quality of her timepieces. This 7A38 is a fully Made In Japan example. These days, modern Seikos use Japan movements but the watches are assembled in Asia. Truly a collector's item!

Take a look at the full metal quartz components. This is a 15-jewel quartz movement. Quartz watches nowadays have zero jewel count and consist of 90% plastic parts. Indeed a testimony of the finest early Seiko Quartz!

Seiko's Revolutionary Automatic Generating System

SEIKO Quartz AGS (NOS)

Caliber 7M22-8A40 Six Jewels

Roman numerals "A.G.S" signed dial

Over the public holiday, I was combing the usual watch-hunting locations and chanced upon this mint Seiko AGS new old stock. What a stroke of good luck! I thought the price will be out of my reach and it turns out to be half of what I had expected to pay!

This is a NOS set less the original box, what a pity! The cute female store assistant gave me an old Seiko box instead. The hang tag that shows the price back in 1990 is faded and crumpled. This Seiko still comes with a valid 1year Thong Sia warranty (note the old version warranty booklet)!

Seiko marketed the early Kinetic models in their domestic market under the line "AGS" which is the short form for "Automatic Generating System". It is interesting to note that from the front, this watch seems like a normal run-of-the-mill quartz. Upon closer inspection, the clear caseback reveals a marriage of the mechanical rotor wheel and the capacitor to convert the kinetic movement of the wearer's wrist to stored energy in the capacitor. This is the energy that powers the quartz crystal. An innovative piece of engineering by the early Seiko designers, giving soul to the quartz movement!

You can see the spinning rotor, part of the capacitor (blocked by the rotor) and if you look closer, this is a jeweled quartz movement. 6 jewels full metal movement! You can't find this quality in new quartz watches these days as many have incorporated plastic parts in their construction.

Even the clasp is stamped "Japan", a clear portrait of early Japanese pride in their domestic market products!

Will I be wearing this baby? You bet I will! The second hand hits the indices perfectly for all 60 seconds and I would like to test her accuracy and power reserve. But first thing first - Let me search for a 19mm leather strap in my tool box!