Here we have an eye-catching Seiko Grand Quartz reference which we have been lucky to have had multiple of over the years. We refer to this as the Seiko Grand Quartz ‘Royal Oak’. Dating to August 1975 this is the reference 4843-7000. It has a 36mm stainless steel case with the covered lugs and the textured finish to the top of the case. It has a Decagonal bezel with the polished finish which catches the eye, alongside the case finish. It has a snow-white dial with the grained textured finish. It has the applied baton hour markers with black striping to the centre and matching index style hands. It has the day-date window at 3 O’clock, with the signed crown to the right. The case back is a monocoque design with the battery hatch. It is marked with the reference and serial number. It is presented on a textured Seiko bracelet which creates the integrated styling.
 
The worlds first production quartz watch was released in December 1969. Throughout the 1970s there was a cycle of rapid development to transform this new technology from a science like project, into a high-end, cutting-edge form of haute horology.
 
This model was one of the first Grand Quartz watches, which debuted in 1975. A group of 8 Grand Quartz models were released to the market. Six of the eight introductory models were presented in solid 18k gold cases, costing between 460,000 to 1,350,000 Yen.
The Stainless models were 80,000 Yen. The movement was originally quoted as having a +/- 5 seconds per month variation.
 
The dial is completely original and has a snow-white base tone which is subtle, yet beautifully executed. The dial is finished to an exceptionally high standard. It has a linear grained finish, which makes this reference stand out. There is a chapter ring inside of the bezel piece which has a mirrored finish. There are three-dimensional applied baton hour markers, black painted to the top which matches the hands. The dial has applied polished Seiko logo with Twin Quartz symbol, with date window applied polished surround. All signing is clear in a black tone. The date window is a clean white finish with black signing. It has English and Japanese on the day and date. The hands are original and of Index style with neat silver central second hand. The hour and minute hand have the black painted centre which ties in with the hour markers.
 
The case is well proportioned, measuring 36mm wide, with a total case length of 41mm. This makes it an impactful watch on the wrist given the length of the watch with its covered lugs. It wears comfortably due to the downwards turn to the top and bottom, combining with the flexible bracelet. It also has a relatively slim depth. 
It is formed of Stainless Steel It is a 3-piece case with bezel, centre body and rear of the case having the monocoque movement housing. The bezel is a decagon and is the aspect that stands out and makes this watch so intriguing. Octagons are more widely seen in watch design, but the decagon bezel is nicely balanced with the points to the top and bottom, yet the straight sides to the centre. 
The top of the case has the covered lugs which provide a large canvas for the textured finish. This blends into the bracelet, creating an integrated design. It has a bevelled edge, with the flat polished sides to the case. To the right is the original crown with the Twin-Quartz logo. 
The case back is a solid piece with battery hatch. It is signed Seiko, with the serial number 584087. It is also signed ST. Steel, Japan J. The movement/model reference is 4843-7000.
 
The watch is on a non-original but near correct bracelet with the code QB10A. It is the very similar to the original XOB-310 bracelet it should be on, the finish is just slightly different to the. It has comfortable brick style links.
 
The movement is the Quartz calibre 4843A from Seiko, which is a very accurate and well-built movement. It is keeping time to +5 seconds a month.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition with no visible marks or wear. The date window surround has some corrosion associated with age. The hour markers are good and the signing is clear.
 
Hands:
The hands are original and of Index style. They are black painted and are in good condition with only light marking. The central second hand is also original and is in good condition.
 
Glass:
This is the original Hardlex crystal, which is in good condition.
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is made of Stainless Steel. It has the Twin Quartz logo and is in good condition. 
 
Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in average condition. The bezel has the polished finish which has some wear to the plate. It has light surface scratching. The top of the case has a textured finish which is in good condition. There is some scuffing to the top. The polished sides have scratching, including some deeper scratches on the left-hand side.
 
Caseback:
The case back is in decent condition for the age, with light surface scratching.
The main face has the original brushed finish, which has worn with age. The battery hatch is in good condition with some marking to the slot. The signing is good and clear.
 
Strap:
The bracelet is comfortable, long and is in good condition with the sliding clasp adjustment. It has some light marking associated with age.
 
Movement:
The movement is the Quartz calibre 4843A from Seiko. It is in good condition and is working well. It has not been serviced but has had a new battery fitted. It is keeping time to +5 seconds a month.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 36.2mm
Case width with crown: 37.5mm
Case length: 41mm
Case Depth: 11mm
Lug width: 19mm