01 Dealer’s notes
1976 SEIKO TYPE II QUARTZ — SILVER VERTICAL BRUSHED DIAL
Produced in April 1976, this Seiko Type II Ref. 4623-8010 represents an early chapter in Seiko's quartz revolution. Introduced during the first year of the Type II collection, this Japanese domestic market model captures a period when quartz technology was still a remarkable achievement in precision watchmaking. Its distinctly 1970s design pairs an angular stainless steel case with an elegant silver dial, creating a watch that feels both unmistakably vintage and surprisingly contemporary.
The dial features a delicate vertical brushed texture that catches the light and gives the silver surface a subtle sense of depth. Applied baton hour markers surround the dial, complemented by contrasting dark hands and a framed day-date window at three o'clock. Beneath the hands sits the distinctive hexagonal Type II emblem, followed by the collection's signature and the small lightning bolt associated with Daini Seikosha, the division responsible for producing the movement. The bilingual English and Kanji day display adds another layer of character, reflecting the watch's Japanese-market origins.
Powering the watch is Seiko's caliber 4623, an early two-jewel quartz movement developed by Daini Seikosha. Engineered for precision and reliability, the movement was originally rated to approximately ±20 seconds per month, an impressive standard of accuracy for the era. Its day-date functionality brings everyday practicality to a watch that also serves as a reminder of how rapidly Seiko was advancing electronic timekeeping during the 1970s.
The stainless steel case is equally characteristic of its time, with broad polished surfaces, sharply defined shoulders, and a sculptural tonneau silhouette. A geometric stainless steel bracelet continues the architectural design, giving the watch a cohesive, almost integrated appearance on the wrist. Together, the restrained silver dial, striking case geometry, and early quartz engineering make this Type II a particularly appealing expression of Seiko's 1970s design philosophy.
Three points to note.
April 1976 production: A first-year example of Seiko's Type II collection, featuring the unmistakable styling of the early quartz era.
Vertical brushed silver dial: Fine linear texture, applied markers, the Type II emblem, and a bilingual English/Kanji day-date display.
Daini Seikosha caliber 4623: A two-jewel Japanese quartz movement originally rated to ±20 seconds per month.
