Seiko Quartz V.F.A. 3823-7000 – February 1973 – Full Set – Very Fine Adjusted – High Accuracy Quartz Icon

This exceptional Seiko Quartz V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) is an early top-of-the-line model from the first generation of high-precision quartz watches – technically and historically one of the most significant chapters in watchmaking history.

The dating is clearly derived from the serial number 34xxxx:
→ "3" = 1973
→ "4" = April
→ Production therefore April 1973

Historical Classification – The Pinnacle of the Quartz Revolution

After the introduction of the Seiko Astron 35SQ, Seiko rapidly developed its quartz technology.

The V.F.A. line was created as early as the beginning of the 1970s:

• "Very Fine Adjusted" = highest adjustment level
• hand-selected and finely regulated movements
• Goal: maximum accuracy in daily use

These models were technologically above Grand Seiko and King Seiko, because:

• mechanical precision was replaced by electronic reference here
• but a high degree of finishing and regulation was still carried out

What "V.F.A." specifically means

The V.F.A. models were not ordinary quartz watches:

• elaborately temperature-compensated or selected
• individually regulated
• guaranteed accuracy significantly above standard quartz

Typical for caliber 3823:

• approx. ±5 seconds/month (sometimes better)
• significantly more precise than standard quartz of the time
• in practice often closer to modern HAQ watches than to simple vintage quartz

This places this watch in the category:

→ early High Accuracy Quartz (HAQ)

Technology – Caliber 3823

• Seiko Caliber 3823
• high-precision quartz movement from the early 1970s
• Day-Date display (English/Japanese)
• robust construction with serviceability

Special feature:
These movements were not only industrially manufactured, but qualitatively selected and regulated – an approach that largely disappeared in this form later.

Design – Early 70s "Tonneau Cushion" Shape

• classic cushion/tonneau case
• satin finish with soft transitions
• integrated design language typical for 1972–1975

Dial:

• silver sunburst/matte finish
• applied indices with polished facets
• clear, functional typography
• characteristic V.F.A. signature

Overall impression:

→ technical, modern, but at the same time very elegant
→ significantly higher quality than standard Seiko Quartz

Condition

• very good overall condition
• dial clean and without aging
• case with light, honest signs of wear
• crystal clear with minimal traces
• fresh battery
• technically flawless

Particularly noteworthy:

• Original documents (booklet) available – rare
• harmonious aftermarket bracelet from Maruman (Japan)

Bracelet

• high-quality Maruman steel bracelet (Japan)
• period-correct look
• very good fit to the case

Wearability

With:

• 37 mm diameter
• 46.1 mm lug-to-lug
• 11.8 mm height

the watch wears:

• modern and fully suitable for everyday use
• clearly unisex / men's watch
• very balanced on the wrist

Weight: 80 g

Technical Data

• Reference: 3823-7000
• Serial number: 342980
• Production date: April 1973
• Movement: Seiko 3823 Quartz V.F.A.
• Accuracy: approx. ±5 seconds/month
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Day-Date
• Case: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Dimensions: 37 mm × 46.1 mm
• Height: 11.8 mm
• Lug width: 16 mm
• Weight: 80 g
• Bracelet: Maruman steel bracelet

Collector's Classification

This watch is remarkable in several respects:

1. early V.F.A. – technical top model of the quartz era
2. significantly rarer than standard Seiko Quartz
3. combination of precision + 70s design
4. with original documents – collector relevant
5. a true link between:
   • mechanical high precision (Grand Seiko)
   • modern quartz technology

In short:

→ one of the most interesting Seiko watches of the early 1970s ever

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.