For sale is a Seiko vintage high-end quartz watch 3803-7030 from 1972. The caliber 38 was the first reasonably affordable high-end quartz caliber after the legendary Astron, which was a kind of test laboratory for what was technically possible at the time and was incredibly expensive. With these watches, Seiko made a strong mark that got the Swiss watch industry into serious trouble. It was not just about the rate of movement - we are talking about a fairly comfortable 15s / month - which was impossible to achieve with a mechanical watch even with the highest technical effort, but also about a quality of materials and manufacturing that is still deeply impressive today. Everything about these watches, from the dials to the cases with their elaborate cuts and alternating polished and brushed surfaces, to the movements that looked as if they had been milled from a single block, was a declaration of war and a statement that from now on and for at least a decade, quartz was the first choice.
The 7030, with its rare blue dial and case lines reminiscent of certain Grand Seiko models, is one of the most attractive 38s. It has a one-piece case without a base cover and is sealed at the front. Experience has shown that such front-loaders have fewer problems with corrosion, also because they cannot be opened easily.
The watch has been completely overhauled: dismantling and cleaning of the case components in an ultrasonic bath, factory inspection with Moebius synthetic oils, new crown and battery compartment seal. The slightly raised glass with ground bevel is original and has a few small, non-disturbing scratches. The watch is in very good condition, even the frequently scratched battery compartment cover only has superficial marks.
The date change and quick adjustment are crisp and precise.
