Seiko Type II 昇光 (Shōkō) 4336-8000 (1978)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This attractive 1978 Seiko Type II represents the golden era of Seiko's quartz revolution, combining robust engineering with a striking aesthetic. The standout feature is undoubtedly the deep matte blue dial, which offers a rich contrast against the sharp stainless steel case. Designed as a high-quality daily wearer during the late 1970s, the Type II series brought superior quartz accuracy to the market with a design language that remains timeless today. This specific example features a practical day-date complication and the distinct case lines that collectors admire in vintage Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Type II Reference Number: 4336-8000 Serial Number: 817485 Movement: Quartz Caliber 4336 Dial: Matte Blue Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1978 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of wear with visible scratches on the bezel and case surfaces, while the dial remains in excellent preservation. Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating matte blue that is preserved in excellent condition without visible staining or damage. It features sharp, applied silver baton indices and a matching handset that provides excellent legibility. The dial is signed with the applied "Seiko Quartz" logo at the 12 o'clock position and the distinctive "Type II" quartz logo at 6 o'clock. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel with English and Kanji characters. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm and retains its original architectural shape with distinct lugs. The case shows visible surface scratches and scuffs, particularly on the polished bezel and the tops of the lugs, consistent with honest vintage usage. The crystal appears clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the blue dial. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seiko Caliber 4336 quartz movement. This movement was a staple of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings in the late 1970s and is known for its durability. The watch is running within vintage tolerances and offers reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Seiko stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The bracelet features a signed folding clasp and matches the finish of the case. It is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 18.5cm. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. It displays normal signs of age and wear, including visible scratches and marks on the case and bezel. However, the case remains well-defined and has not been over-polished. The dial is the highlight, appearing clean and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. Remarks This Seiko Type II is a charming example of 1970s Japanese design, highlighted by its vibrant blue dial. It serves as a perfect entry point into vintage Seiko collecting or as a reliable, stylish companion for daily wear. History The Seiko Type II series was introduced in the mid-1970s as a high-volume, high-quality line of quartz watches that sat just below the premium King Quartz and Grand Quartz lines. These watches played a significant role in the "Quartz Crisis," offering consumers unprecedented accuracy and reliability at an accessible price point. The 4336 series captures the essence of this era, showcasing the manufacturing prowess of the Suwa Seikosha factory in the late 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SQX-0001