Vintage Grand Seiko Sharing Thread

HamDoctor · Aug 13, 2025

impalla62ss
Well this thread inspired me to take on a new project. I have found a 1975 Grand Quartz 4843-7000, which is the predecessor to the Grand Seiko Quartz with +/- 5 seconds per month. This is nicknamed the 'Royal Oak' because of the Decagon Bezel. I found one in Japan with a broken movement and sourced a working movent dial and hands. I'd love to hear your opinions on the case condition, as I am considering having it refinished.

Love the project - this one (and its blue sibling) are among my favorite Grand Quartz models. Getting it running again with a donor movement is a good thing.
I have looked at quite a few of these and the one you are showing looks to be in good condition "as is", cosmetically, that is. Unless there is some damage to the case that is not visible in this photo, I would leave the case in this condition.
Not so sure about the dial, but the damage there isn't too big. It does however make me more sure not to invest more effort into the case, if the case was restored to pristine status and the dial has some damage, it doesn't match.
You will want to replace the crown, though. I'll send you a PM.

ken_hodson · Aug 13, 2025

impalla62ss
Well this thread inspired me to take on a new project. I have found a 1975 Grand Quartz 4843-7000, which is the predecessor to the Grand Seiko Quartz with +/- 5 seconds per month. This is nicknamed the 'Royal Oak' because of the Decagon Bezel. I found one in Japan with a broken movement and sourced a working movent dial and hands. I'd love to hear your opinions on the case condition, as I am considering having it refinished.

Nice project and cool looking watch. From the top photo, the case condition looks ok to me (but hard to tell maybe from just this one photo)? The threshold for refinishing a case is high, as the original finishing, even with scratches and nicks, is almost always preferable. Personally, I'd be switching the movement, maybe replacing the glass, but leaving the case alone.

gatorcpa · Aug 13, 2025

styggpyggeno1
1971 Special

I got it in 2013

Took a buckle and put it on a deployant clasp.

I have the exact same model. Got it here on this forum from a great seller.

I'd like more info on the clasp modification. Looks very nice.
gatorcpa

impalla62ss · Aug 13, 2025

ken_hodson
Nice project and cool looking watch. From the top photo, the case condition looks ok to me (but hard to tell maybe from just this one photo)? The threshold for refinishing a case is high, as the original finishing, even with scratches and nicks, is almost always preferable. Personally, I'd be switching the movement, maybe replacing the glass, but leaving the case alone.

Here is the link to the sold item for more pics. eBay sold listing The pitted look on the case appears to be on purpose after looking at other examples.

SOG53 · Aug 13, 2025

impalla62ss
Here is the link to the sold item for more pics. eBay sold listing The pitted look on the case appears to be on purpose after looking at other examples.

Couple of textured KS cases from same period. I think texture is original and it will clean up nicely

styggpyggeno1 · Aug 14, 2025

gatorcpa
I have the exact same model. Got it here on this forum from a great seller.

I'd like more info on the clasp modification. Looks very nice.
gatorcpa

A picture would be nice to see... ;-)

As it is 12 years ago I do not remember the details but it was a straight forward swap of the buckle parts. I do have the deployant original buckle somewhere. I got both the buckle and the deployant with the watch from a fellow countryman living in Japan (AKA "the Pusher"). He is a major collector and a nice guy. He was the reason I got into the nicer vintage Seiko/Citizen watches and I am forever thankful.

And the watch for today (thank you for pushing me to use it)

gatorcpa · Aug 14, 2025

styggpyggeno1
A picture would be nice to see... ;-)

Here you go!

A little discoloration on the dial, but the price was right.
gatorcpa