Seiko Quartz Watch QR 3862-5010 — Blue Dial Case Cushion (1974)
Only 1 available
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties payable by the buyer outside the EU
Authenticity guaranteed for life
Serviced movement & 1-year guarantee
International shipping
Photo taken on a 16.5 cm wrist
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A first-generation Seiko quartz, sold in 1974 at the price of a Grand Seiko
This Seiko watch belongs to the Series 38, the first family of quartz calibres that Seiko mass-produced from 1971 onward, in the wake of the 1969 Astron. At the time, quartz was not an inexpensive technology: a watch from this series cost several times the price of a Grand Seiko chronometer, and this reference 3862-5010 appeared in the 1974 catalogue at the same price as an automatic Grand Seiko Hi-Beat. Its finishing and dial are of that standard.
The designation QR, printed on the dial, was borne by only two calibres in the series, the 3862 and the 3863. The calibre 3862 in this watch shares its base with that of the Seiko Superior, one of the most sought-after quartz watches of the decade, without the latter’s thermal compensation. It displays the hours, minutes, central seconds, and a quickset date. It has been checked and fitted with a new battery.
The steel cushion case, measuring 34.3mm by 41.5mm Lug-to-lug, is built with polished flat surfaces, in the spirit of 1970s Seiko design: crisp edges, surfaces that reflect the light as a single block. Its 11.5mm thickness is characteristic of the quartz module of the period. An oval opening is cut into it around the dial.
The sunburst blue dial shifts from light blue to deep blue depending on the angle of the light. It features bold, well-drawn white Arabic numerals, the Seiko Quartz QR signature at twelve o’clock, the quartz emblem at six o’clock, and a date window at three o’clock. The white baton hands and seconds hand stand out clearly against it. This watch is fitted on a taupe grained leather strap with a later Buckle steel pin buckle, both added later.
Three points to note
- First-generation quartz — Series 38, calibre 3862, produced in 1974 at the price of a Grand Seiko.
- Sunburst blue dial with Arabic numerals — 1970s design in its original condition.
- Dated April 1974 — original serial number, unpolished steel cushion case.
Why choose a 1970s Seiko quartz?
Buying a vintage Seiko quartz watch from this generation means buying an object that has nothing to do with the quartz that became commonplace ten years later. These calibres were assembled with the same care as the house’s high-end mechanical movements, housed in cases of equal quality, and sold at prices that reflected it. They are now sought after by collectors of Seiko for this reason.
This watch holds a distinct place among men’s and women’s vintage watches: its 34.3mm by 41.5mm cushion case Lug-to-lug is a medium format, suitable for both.
Like all our vintage quartz watches, this one has been opened and checked by our watchmakers: inspection of the movement, examination of the dial, hands, and case. Every vintage watch we offer comes with an Atelier Victor invoice serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee, and lifetime authenticity guarantee.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Quartz QR, series 38
- Reference: 3862-5010
- Serial number: 4423••
- Year: 1974 (April)
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Seiko quartz, calibre 3862
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
- Case: Steel, steel caseback, cushion shape with polished flat surfaces
- Dimensions: 34.3mm (37mm including the crown)
- Lug to lug: 41.5mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Fluted steel, original
- Dial: Sunburst blue, white Arabic numerals, quartz emblem, date window, original
- Hands: White baton hands, central seconds hand, original
- Crystal: Plexi (condition 8/10)
- Strap: Taupe grained leather, not original
- Buckle: Steel pin buckle, not original
Condition and guarantee
- Overall condition: Good state of preservation. Intact sunburst blue dial, numerals and hands without alteration, crisp date window. The unpolished steel case shows scratches and signs of wear on its flat surfaces and bezel, visible in our photographs; its edges remain intact. The Crystal plexi shows light marks.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanical condition: Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What does QR mean on the dial?
It is the designation that Seiko gave to two calibres in its Series 38, the 3862 with date and the 3863 with day and date. Series 38, launched in 1971, was the first quartz family that Seiko produced on a large scale after the 1969 Astron, at a time when quartz was cutting-edge technology sold at a higher price than the brand's mechanical watches. The QR models stand apart from the other watches in the series through more colourful dials and bolder cases.
How accurate is this watch?
Seiko stated for this calibre an accuracy of twenty seconds per month — a figure that may seem modest compared with a modern quartz watch, but which in 1974 surpassed any mechanical watch, including chronometers. The movement has been checked and is guaranteed for one year. Occasional time-setting should be expected, not daily adjustment.
Why is this watch so thick for a quartz watch?
Because the quartz modules of 1974 had nothing of the slimness of those from the 1980s: the circuit, the stepper motor and the battery occupied a volume comparable to that of an automatic movement. The 11.5mm thickness of this watch is typical of its generation, and its flat-sided cushion case was designed to be worn with confidence rather than concealed.
Is the Crystal original?
It is an original-shaped plexi Crystal, rated 8/10: it shows light signs of wear that we chose to leave rather than replace. The plexi can easily be polished by a watchmaker if one wishes to refresh it, and it can be replaced without difficulty on the day it becomes necessary.
What wrist size is this watch suited to?
With a 34.3mm case and 41.5mm Lug-to-lug, it is a medium format, ideally worn on an average wrist, where the cushion case asserts its presence without overreaching and where its flat surfaces catch the light. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on personal taste and the desired look, this piece can be worn equally well by a man or a woman, on all kinds of wrists. The measurement is only a guide, never a rule.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, inspected, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that you can make your choice with complete peace of mind.
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