For sale is a rare vintage Seiko quartz 3003 “Snowflake” (3863-7049) wristwatch. Circa November of 1973. It was during this time that Seiko craftsman were doing some really interesting things with the design of watch dials,
and this is one of the most stunning Seiko dials seen, vintage or modern. These rarely hit the market, As, besides the absolute uniqueness of its Meteorite dial, the 3863 driving force of its caliber mechanical drive…together, they make for a very sought after addition to anyone’s collection or to one’s start of one.
Here are the details:
Case size: 36mm x 42mm. It wears larger than the size implies due to the extended lugs and it attracts a lot of attention on the wrist. The Case has crisp lines. And as you pivot the piece around in your hand, and simply stare at the engineering and aesthetic magic employed, you’ll see just why on visual terms, she’s a beauty beyond most in her era!
Dial: That dial. It’s clear why it’s named “snowflake”. This one is reminds me exactly of a white meteorite or the surface of a frozen lost planet. The SEIKO logo is raised. The day and date window is wrapped with a raised metal accent as are the indices. And that gives the dial a ton of depth and of 3-D incorporation. The Dial and hands both appear to be original and perfect with no blemishes that I can see.
Movement: The watch is keeping incredible time for its age. I read that this quartz movement was originally rated to 20sec/month accuracy but this one is performing much better than factory specs. I’ve timed this one to roughly -0.2sec/day which is about 6sec/month! Really incredible for a watch that’s nearly 51 years old! The battery was replaced a month ago. With that said, her past service history is really unknown. The hacking, time and date setting functions all work properly. As with all vintage pieces, I would not submerge this watch in any in depth water until you’ve had it serviced.
Crystal: Appears to be original domed mineral / hardlex crystal with very minor swirling and a nice golden patina when viewed from the side.
Bracelet: Lug width is 18mm. There is at this time an expansion bracelet being utilized on this wristwatch. The Original link bracelet from Seiko are available on various platforms online.
As previously mentioned, this Snowflake edition watch from Seiko rarely comes up for offer! Especially Not in this condition and running form. This watch is in wonderful condition as it was collected and stored by a watch aficionado from Newport Rhode Island. Here’s your chance to add an A lister watch to yours.
Why even from an unwound and still status, it starts right up on first movement. Physically, outside of the non original bracelet, she’s all there in top form. Just an incredible timepiece. The price is $325, thank you