Seiko 'Pepsi' Quartz Diver

Everyone knows and loves the "SKX" series of mechanical Seiko dive watches from the 1990s/early 2000s. But did you know that a series of quartz-powered divers actually preceded them — and that their movement was based largely on the architecture of the mechanical Calibre 6309?

Yep. Meet the Ref. 7548-700B, a watch born way back in 1978 and produced through the mid-1980s. Measuring 42mm in stainless steel with a 4 o'clock screw-down crown, an acrylic crystal, and a lovely, faded red and blue 'Pepsi' dive bezel insert, you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for an automatic watch. But look closely at the navy dial, and you'll notice the word "Quartz" proudly displayed in white beneath the "Seiko" wordmark.

Featuring luminous round and triangular hour plots, an outer open minute track in white, a day-date display at 3 o'clock, and a luminous 'arrow' handset with 'lollipop' seconds hand, it's powered by a well constructed quartz calibre that rivals its mechanical cousins in consideration and design: Boasting largely full-metal construction, it simply swaps a out a traditional mainspring for battery-powered circuitboard.

Paired to an aftermarket stainless steel multi-link bracelet from Uncle Seiko with a signed fold-over clasp, this handsomely patinated tool watch from the early 1980s is ready for another several decades' worth of hard use.

Finally: a quartz watch you'd be proud to wear to a mechanical meetup!

For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.

Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.