How Seiko Revolutionized the Watch Industry with the Quartz Movement
Few watches have left a legacy as enduring as the Seiko Quartz-Astron 35SQ. As the world's first "quartz clock" wristwatch, the Astron shattered long-held standards of mechanical precision and ushered in a new era of timekeeping.
Its groundbreaking design and unprecedented accuracy not only transformed the watch industry forever but also earned it a place on the List of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Milestones as a key advance in electrical engineering.
History
In the world of horology, there are moments that change everything. One of those moments came in 1969, when a Japanese watchmaker quietly reshaped the course of time itself. Seiko’s launch of the Quartz Astron wasn’t just a new release—it was the beginning of a revolution.
With this pioneering breakthrough, Seiko challenged centuries of tradition, introducing an era where timekeeping became more precise, more accessible, and, perhaps most remarkably, more technologically advanced. This is the story of how Seiko’s quartz movement redefined the art and science of the wristwatch.
The World Before Quartz: Mechanical Mastery
For generations, the heartbeat of a watch was mechanical—driven by a balance wheel and hairspring, regulated by an escapement, and entirely dependent on meticulous human craftsmanship. The finest watches of the mid-20th century were achievements of micro-mechanical engineering, but even the most elite chronometers had limitations.
Accuracy drifted by several seconds a day. Watches were vulnerable to shock, temperature, and wear. And maintenance was part of ownership.
Watchmakers had long dreamed of something more stable, more precise. It was Seiko who found the answer.
1969: The Debut of the Quartz Astron
The unveiling of the Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ on Christmas Day 1969 marked a turning point in watchmaking history. As the first commercially available quartz wristwatch, the Astron introduced a timekeeping mechanism never before seen in consumer watches.
What made it revolutionary?
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Incredible Accuracy: Deviating just five seconds per month.
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Battery-Powered Convenience: No winding required—just quiet, consistent time.
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Electronic Innovation: The use of a vibrating quartz crystal in a compact wristwatch form.
It was limited in production, premium in price, and yet profoundly disruptive. The world would never look at watches the same way again.
Inside the Quartz Mechanism: Why It Works
A quartz watch relies on the piezoelectric properties of synthetic quartz. When electricity passes through the crystal, it vibrates at an ultra-stable frequency—typically 32,768 times per second.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Quartz Oscillator: Vibrates with precision when powered.
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Divider Circuit: Reduces the frequency to one pulse per second.
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Stepping Motor: Converts the pulse into mechanical motion.
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Gear Train: Drives the hands with exceptional regularity.
The beauty lies in the simplicity and unwavering precision. Unlike mechanical movements, a quartz-regulated watch doesn’t fluctuate due to temperature or gravity—making it one of the most consistent timekeeping systems ever invented.
Seiko’s Technological Edge
Seiko didn’t just make a quartz watch—they made the best version of it. Their innovations included:
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Miniaturized Circuits: Powerful enough to function in a wristwatch.
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Energy Efficiency: Batteries could last a year or more.
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Thermal Compensation: Accuracy remained stable in varying environments.
Their success wasn’t accidental—it was the result of years of engineering, vision, and watchmaking mastery. And it established Seiko not just as a brand, but as a pioneer of modern horology.
The Quartz Crisis—or Renaissance?
While Seiko’s quartz advancement earned admiration, it also ushered in one of the most turbulent eras in watchmaking history: the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and 1980s.
As Swiss manufacturers struggled to adapt, many historic brands shuttered or merged. Meanwhile, Seiko continued innovating, offering affordable precision and reshaping public expectations of what a watch could and should do.
To this day, that legacy continues—in everything from digital watches and smartwatches to atomic timekeeping and GPS-synchronized models.
The Lasting Legacy of Seiko Quartz
Among collectors and horology enthusiasts, early Seiko quartz watches are highly prized. The original Astron is a museum-worthy timepiece. But more than that, Seiko continues to elevate quartz to new artistic heights with their:
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Grand Seiko 9F Series – Offering accuracy within ±10 seconds per year.
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Astron GPS Solar Models – Powered by light, connected to satellites.
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Limited-Edition Reissues – Nodding to the heritage of the original 1969 model.
Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or just someone who values beautiful, reliable timekeeping, Seiko’s quartz watches remain a pinnacle of technology and design.
Why Choose Seiko at Espling Jewelers?
At Espling Jewelers, we take pride in offering timepieces that reflect the best in craftsmanship, legacy, and performance—and Seiko stands at the forefront.
Whether you're looking for:
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Precision quartz watches for everyday excellence
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Grand Seiko models for heirloom-quality refinement
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GPS solar watches for cutting-edge tech and global connectivity
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Our team is here to guide you to the perfect timepiece.
Explore our Seiko collection today.
Visit us in-store to experience the innovation firsthand.