Seiko Type II Quartz Ref. 0903-8120 – Green Dial – November 1976 - newly serviced

An early quartz Seiko from a time when the manufacturer was still showcasing the new technology with design confidence: a shimmering green dial, linen texture, calendar window at 9 o'clock – and the crown at 3 o'clock.

The case back bears the embossments SEIKO, WATER RESIST-G, ST.STEEL, the reference 0903-8120, and the serial number 6N2990.

The Type II Line

From the mid-1970s onwards, Seiko organized its quartz range into type families. Type II represented the everyday mid-range: solid stainless steel cases, day-date display, robust movements – below the prestigious King Quartz and Grand Quartz lines, but significantly above the simple entry-level models.

What makes this series interesting for collectors today is its design boldness. While the European market remained reserved in the late 1970s, Seiko mass-produced watches with color gradients, textured dials, and asymmetrical cases. This particular example combines several of these features.

The caliber 0903 belongs to the quartz generation of those years and drives the hour, minute, central second, and a day-date display.

Design

The dial transitions from a dark, mossy green at the edge to a light, yellowish shimmering green in the center. Overlaid is a fine linen texture that refracts light and gives the surface a textile feel – together creating a color that changes with every movement of the hand.

The gold-colored stick indices and matching hands provide a warm contrast to the cool green. The arrangement is unusual: The framed double window for day and date is at 9 o'clock, and accordingly, the crown is also on the left side of the case. This means the watch is worn on the left wrist without the crown pressing into the back of the hand – a solution that Seiko experimented with multiple times during this period and which immediately stands out today.

The stainless steel case features a faceted bezel and measures approximately 36.2 millimeters without the crown. The watch comes with a like-new steel bracelet with a Milanese-style link structure.

Dating

The serial number 6N2990 dates the watch to November 1976 according to the usual Seiko system. The first digit indicates the year, the following letter the month. This corresponds to the known production period of the caliber 0903.

Condition and Service

The watch comes from a Japanese watch specialist store and was inspected and serviced by a Japanese watchmaker before sale.

The dial is in excellent condition: The color gradient is even, the linen texture is complete, there are no stains or discolorations. The indices are firmly set, the hands are undamaged, and the day and date are cleanly displayed in the window.

The crystal is clear and shows no scratches that impair readability. The case shows age-appropriate signs of wear and polishing. The case back is clearly marked: In addition to superficial scratches, there are several strong, engraved lines in the area of the central medallion – presumably workshop markings from previous battery changes. All embossments, including the reference and serial number, remain fully legible. The steel bracelet is like-new and shows no significant signs of wear.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Data

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Type II Quartz
• Reference: 0903-8120
• Serial number: 6N2990
• Date of manufacture: November 1976
• Movement: Seiko Caliber 0903, Quartz
• Functions: Hour, minute, central second, day, date
• Case: Stainless steel with faceted bezel, crown left
• Diameter without crown: approx. 36.2 mm
• Height: 12 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 41.4 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight including strap: 86 g
• Dial: green with color gradient and linen texture
• Strap: like-new steel bracelet (not original)
• Origin: Japan
• Service: serviced in Japan before sale

For whom?

For collectors of early Seiko quartz watches who are looking for the design-bold phase of the late 1970s. And for anyone who wants a green dial that doesn't come from the current color trend, but from a time when green was still a risk.

Warranty (used)

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

Note on water resistance

The original "Water Resist" designation refers to the watch's condition when new. Due to its age, no current water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.