Seiko King Quartz 4822-8110 – April 1977 – Roman numerals, cream dial – original bracelet

King Quartz is the name under which Seiko transitioned the King Seiko tradition into the quartz era. Anyone who wants to know how seriously Seiko took quartz in the late 1970s will find the answer here - a watch built to the same standard as the top mechanical models before it, from the case finishing to the bracelet.

The King Quartz Line

Seiko structured its quartz program in the 1970s according to the same principle as it had previously structured its mechanical program: above the broad base were the upscale lines, with Grand Quartz at the top. The King Quartz was positioned below that - and, in name and manufacturing philosophy, harked back to the King Seiko from the Daini factory.

In practice, this meant: solid cases with cleanly finished alternating surfaces, high-quality link bracelets, dials with applied elements - and movements that were significantly superior to what was being widely sold at the same time. This particular example uses the 4822 caliber and displays the date in addition to the time.

The case back bears the engraving SEIKO · WATER RESIST-G · ST. STEEL · JAPAN · 4822-8110 as well as the serial number 743928, which dates the watch to April 1977.

Design and Character

The dial is the real surprise of this watch. Instead of the usual baton indices found on quartz models, it features printed Roman numerals in a slender, tall form – a design one would expect more from a classic dress watch than from a late-seventies quartz watch. The date window is unusually placed at 6 o'clock instead of 3, which maintains the dial's symmetry.

The base tone has warmed and darkened over the decades and today shimmers between ivory and champagne. Together with the slender, dark hands, this creates a distinctly more classic look than its year of manufacture would suggest.

The stainless steel case measures 35 mm without the crown, with a lug-to-lug of 41.6 mm and a height of 9.8 mm – compact and flat enough for a cuff. The original Seiko link bracelet with its wide, polished links brings the watch to 74 grams and gives it the rich feel appropriate to the line.

Condition

Case and original steel bracelet in good vintage condition. The dial shows the described toning that has developed over the years; it is shown unretouched in the product photos. 

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: King Quartz
• Reference: 4822-8110
• Caliber: Seiko 4822
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Date
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Diameter without crown: 35 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 41.6 mm
• Height: 9.8 mm
• Lug Width: 18 mm
• Weight including band: 74 g
• Serial Number: 743928
• Date: April 1977
• Band: Original Seiko steel bracelet
• Origin: Japan

For Whom?

For collectors systematically building Seiko's upscale quartz lines and understanding King Quartz as a link to King Seiko. For buyers seeking a classically designed watch with Roman numerals, without the maintenance effort of a vintage automatic movement. And for anyone who wants to wear a vintage watch on its original steel bracelet.

Warranty (Used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Note

As this is a used watch, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.