This Watch

In 1975, in the first year of its two year production, only this Grand Quartz 4843-7000 reigned supreme right next to the Quartz V.F.A. There were no other GQ calibers. The models 8030/8040/8041 were introduced much 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 48xx of the year before however remained a thicker and wider flaring watch (38x43x11mm!) and was more robust than its 9943 descendant. This is also translates into the bracelet mentioned, which was uniquely designed for 1975/76 only. It is a very heavy, very tight bracelet.

This 4843-7000 has a definite "butch" personality to it as evidenced by its measurements of course... It is the definite early "king" of the 48s, as other variations are already smaller with lugs of 18mm instead of 19mm and dimensions of 36x40x10mm.

The Grand Quartz at hand is fully original with an original bracelet, is not polished and runs to spec.

Extra Points 

Describing this watch reminds one of just that. For instance, the thermo-compensation, due to its relative thickness, is still excellent after all these years. The blue linen dial work of course is impeccable, truly a high end watch. You noticed the white striped 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!

 What we think

In our experience these single quartz modules are among the most accurate vintage calibers. the twin quartz like the 99 series mentioned have the technical specification on paper for sure, however after 40+ years , The build quality and robustness gain the upper hand. The early Grand Quartz pieces seem to be standing the test of time.