Seiko King Quartz 妙晶 – Myōshō 4823-8130 (1977)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko King Quartz is a masterclass in 1970s Japanese watchmaking, offering a blend of high-precision technology and stunning "Grammar of Design" aesthetics. What makes this particular timepiece truly standout is its mesmerizing textured dial, often referred to by collectors as a "Snowflake" or frosted finish, which pre-dates and rivals the famous textures found on modern Grand Seiko models. It represents a time when quartz technology was a luxury, and Seiko reserved their finest finishing and case construction for the King Quartz line. Brand: Seiko Model: King Quartz Reference Number: 4823-8130 Serial Number: 760387 Movement: Quartz Caliber 4823 Dial: Silver Frosted Texture Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1977 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch appears incredibly well-preserved with sharp case lines and a flawless dial presentation. Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, featuring a spectacular vertically frosted "Snowflake" texture that plays beautifully with the light. The surface is adorned with tall, applied stick indices featuring black inlays that match the dauphine hands, ensuring exceptional legibility against the complex background. The applied "Seiko" and "King Quartz" logos are raised and polished, while the single quartz crystal symbol at the six o'clock position signifies the high-grade nature of the movement. A framed day-date window sits at three o'clock, balancing the symmetrical layout. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case construction is robust and architectural, showcasing the sharp angles and flat planes characteristic of Seiko's premium design philosophy from this era. The top surfaces feature a vertical brushed finish that transitions seamlessly into high-polished sides, creating a dynamic visual contrast. The crystal is clean and clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the textured dial. The crown is original and correctly signed with the quartz symbol. The caseback features the convenient battery hatch design, a hallmark of early high-end Seiko quartz cases. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Caliber 4823 quartz movement. In the 1970s, this movement was a marvel of engineering, offering superior accuracy compared to mechanical counterparts. It is currently running within vintage tolerances and offers reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap with an alligator grain pattern. The dark tone of the leather provides a perfect formal contrast to the bright steel case and silver dial, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This piece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible staining or aging to the texture. The case retains its original sharp geometry, showing only very minor handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades. The case edges remain crisp, suggesting the watch has not been over-polished. Dimensions With a diameter of 36 mm, the watch offers a classic and versatile fit on the wrist. The angular lug design gives it a slightly stronger presence than the dimensions might suggest, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This King Quartz is a fantastic example of why vintage Seiko has such a dedicated following. The 4823-8130 reference is particularly desirable due to its textured dial, which offers a level of finishing typically found on watches at a much higher price point. It is a sophisticated, reliable, and historically significant timepiece that looks as modern today as it did in 1977. History Produced in June 1977, this King Quartz was born during the height of the "Quartz Revolution." During this period, Seiko's King Quartz and Grand Quartz lines were positioned as luxury flagship products, often costing more than mechanical Grand Seikos of the same era. These watches were designed to showcase Seiko's dominance in quartz technology and case finishing, leaving a legacy of quality that collectors cherish today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKQ-0001