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The record

Ref. 0923-8040

01 Dealer’s notes

1975 Seiko Quartz QZ 0923-8040 — Frosted Silver Dial

Produced in July 1975, this Seiko Quartz QZ 0923-8040 represents an important chapter in Seiko's early quartz history. Introduced during a period when quartz technology was still considered a premium innovation, the QZ collection offered the precision of electronic timekeeping alongside the thoughtful craftsmanship and distinctive design language of Seiko's mechanical watches.

The standout feature of this example is its beautifully textured, frosted silver dial. Its fine, almost crystalline finish catches the light subtly, complemented by polished applied hour markers, slender hands, and the distinctive QZ emblem positioned above six o'clock. A bilingual Japanese Kanji and English day-date display at three o'clock adds a distinctly Japanese character to the watch.

Surrounding the dial is a sharply angular stainless steel case, with broad shoulders, polished surfaces, and an integrated-style steel bracelet that captures the geometric aesthetic of the mid-1970s. The caseback features a convenient external battery hatch, a hallmark of Seiko's early quartz engineering.

Inside beats Seiko's caliber 0923, a Japanese-made quartz movement originally rated to an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.

With its understated textured dial, architectural case design, and early quartz heritage, this QZ is a compelling example of Seiko's approach to watchmaking during one of the industry's most transformative decades.

Three Points to Note

  1. Early Quartz Heritage: Dating to July 1975, this QZ comes from an important transitional period in Seiko's history, when quartz movements were still relatively new and represented the cutting edge of watchmaking technology.

  2. Frosted Silver Dial: The finely textured silver dial offers a subtle, almost crystalline appearance, beautifully complemented by applied hour markers and the distinctive QZ emblem at six o'clock.

  3. Japanese Domestic Market Character: The bilingual Kanji/English day-date display, angular stainless steel case, and integrated-style bracelet give this example a distinctly Japanese mid-1970s aesthetic.

02 Specimen sheet

Brand
Seiko
Reference
0923-8040
Year
1975
Gender
Men
Movement
quartz, caliber 0923
Function
hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
Case
36 mm - stainless steel
Case back
stainless steel
Case excluding crown
36 mm
Case with crown
37 mm
Lug-to-lug
41 mm
Thickness (crystal included)
15 mm
Lug width
18 mm
Dial
silver, frost texture
Strap / bracelet
stainless steel, original
Wrist fit
Fits wrists up to 7.25 in
Buckle
original, signed 'Seiko'
Crown
original
Crystal
acrylic (condition: 10/10)
Water resistance
None — keep dry
Box
no
Paper
no
Includes
watch and bracelet only

03 Condition report

This Seiko QZ is in good vintage condition, showing light scratches throughout the case, bracelet, and clasp consistent with its age and previous wear. There is a small ding on the left side of the case. The case has been polished, while the bracelet has been refinished with brushed outer links and polished center links, giving it a clean, refreshed appearance. The original crystal has been replaced with a brand-new acrylic crystal, which is in pristine condition and free of scratches. The frosted silver dial is also pristine, with its beautiful textured finish, applied hour markers, and original detailing exceptionally well preserved. Please Note: The Seiko 0923 movement features an unusual day-date quickset mechanism in which adjusting the day also causes the date to move backward. This is a characteristic quirk of the caliber's design, rather than a malfunction. For proper operation, we recommend setting the day first, followed by the date. Overall, a well-presented vintage example with some signs of age, refinished exterior surfaces, and a beautifully preserved dial.

Assessed in-house from the watch in hand. Full details on request.

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