Vintage Watch | Seiko VFA Quartz 3823-7000

Seiko VFA Quartz 3823-7000 Blue Dial – The Pinnacle of Early Quartz Precision

A Revolution in Timekeeping

The Seiko 3823-7000 isn’t just a watch—it’s a milestone in horological history. Launched in 1971, this model represents the moment when quartz technology moved from a futuristic concept to a commercial reality, changing not just Seiko, but the entire global watch industry.

The Quartz Revolution: Seiko’s Masterstroke

By the late 1960s, the Swiss mechanical watch industry still reigned supreme, but change was brewing in Japan. After Seiko’s debut of the world’s first quartz wristwatch—the Astron—in 1969, the race for precision was on. Early quartz models like the 35A and 3502 were engineering marvels but produced in small numbers and at high cost.

The real turning point came with the launch of the 3800 series. The 3823A movement, introduced in the autumn of 1971, was a showcase of Japanese innovation:

• 7-jewel, temperature-compensated quartz movement
• Individually adjusted in 6 positions
• Anti-magnetic shielding and anti-reflective Hardlex glass
• Hand-applied metal dial markers
  All these details reflected Seiko’s determination to offer the world’s most accurate and reliable wristwatch, at a price that made high precision available beyond an elite few.

V.F.A. – Very Fine Accuracy

Within a year of launch, Seiko pushed things even further. The V.F.A. (Very Fine Accuracy) designation was reserved for the very best. VFA watches like this 3823-7000 were individually regulated to a phenomenal standard—no more than ±5 seconds per month. In the early 1970s, that was accuracy on a level previously unimaginable for a wristwatch.

The Rare Blue Dial

While most 3823-7000s feature a classic silver or white dial, this example’s deep blue sunburst dial marks it as a true rarity. The metallic blue finish plays beautifully with the light, shifting from navy to electric blue depending on the angle—making this piece as visually striking as it is historically important.

Why the Seiko 3823-7000 Matters

• First Generation Mass-Produced Quartz: Where the Astron was a proof of concept, the 3823 series was the real start of accessible quartz luxury.
• VFA Quality: Regulated to the highest standards, with meticulous hand assembly and testing.
• Quartz Crisis Icon: This watch is a tangible artifact of the “quartz revolution”—the seismic shift that humbled the Swiss industry and made Seiko a household name worldwide.
• Design & Craftsmanship: Cased in classic 1970s steel with sharp facets, a minimalist dial, and original applied indices, the 3823-7000 has a timeless look that wears well even today.
• Collectible Rarity: Blue dials were produced in far smaller numbers than silver ones, making this an especially desirable find for collectors.

Specifications

Maker: Seiko

Model: 3823-7000 VFA Quartz

Era: 1973 Jul

Case Diameter: 37 mm

Case Condition: Mint condition with a minor usage mark on the mirror finished area of the case. The case shape give a futuristic feeling to the watch and showcase how the people from the 70s imagine the future.

Dial Condition: Rare Blue dial with applied metal indices. The condition is epic!

Movement: Seiko 3823A, 7 jewels, temperature compensated, ±5 sec/month, just serviced and changed new battery

Straps: With a lug size of 16mm, I have made a tailor made a suede leather strap specifically for this watch to match with its feeling.

In Summary

With the Seiko 3823-7000 VFA Quartz, you’re not just wearing a watch—you’re wearing the result of a revolution. This is a timepiece that changed the direction of the entire industry, delivering accuracy and craftsmanship that still impresses today. The rare blue dial only adds to its allure, making this a must-have for serious Seiko collectors and anyone who appreciates true milestones in design and technology.