Seiko Type II Watch 4318-5000 Cushion — Silvered Tapestry Dial (1977)

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Seiko Type II steel: the vintage quartz watch with textured dial and bilingual day-date

This Seiko watch belongs to the Type II range, whose name is signed on the dial, the line of quartz watches that Seiko launched in the late 1970s at the height of the quartz revolution. Unisex, it can be worn equally well by a man or a woman. Its steel cushion case, square with very rounded corners and solid flanks, embodies the robust, graphic style of the era. It measures 33mm (34mm with the crown) for a Lug-to-lug of 40mm and a thickness of 9.8mm.

The silver-toned dial reveals a superb vertical tapestry-like texture, which catches the light in fine silky lines and gives the piece its full depth. Applied faceted baton hour markers, hollowed with a black insert, rhythm its perimeter beneath the SEIKO QUARTZ and TYPE II signatures. A day-date window sits at 3 o’clock, with the day displayed in two languages, Japanese kanji and English — a charming detail, typical of Seiko intended for the domestic market. The black-insert hands and a fine seconds hand complete the ensemble.

Inside beats the Seiko 4318 caliber, a quartz day-date movement. In practice, maintenance is limited to battery replacement by any watchmaker. The movement of this example has been checked by our watchmaker and the battery replaced before dispatch. It is the choice of precision and simplicity, in the spirit of the Seiko quartz watches that transformed watchmaking during this period.

On the wrist, the piece displays an assertive Japanese vintage character. The cushion case and textured dial are extended by an original integrated mesh bracelet, entirely in steel, with a graphic weave, forming a coherent and robust whole. It is a watch that is both dressy and full of personality, highly representative of late-seventies Seiko style.

Three points to note

• The silver-toned dial with vertical tapestry-like texture is the true refinement of the piece: a surface that changes with the light.
• The window displays the day in two languages, Japanese kanji and English: a charming detail of Seiko pieces for the Japanese market.
• The original integrated mesh bracelet, entirely in steel, elegantly extends the case in a coherent ensemble.

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Technical specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Type II, day-date
• Reference: 4318-5000
• Estimated year: 1977
• Origin: Japan
• Gender: Men’s and women’s watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Japanese quartz, caliber Seiko 4318
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day (kanji and English) and date at 3 o’clock
• Case: Steel (steel caseback), cushion shape
• Dimensions: 33mm (34mm with the crown)
• Lug to lug: 40mm
• Thickness: 9.8mm
• Lug width: 19mm
• Crown: Steel, original
• Dial: Silvered with vertical texture (tapestry), applied baton hour markers with black inlay, Seiko Quartz and Type II signatures, bilingual day-date at 3 o'clock, original
• Hands: Batons with black inlay, fine seconds hand, original
• Crystal: Mineral, in very fine condition
• Bracelet: Steel, integrated link bracelet, adjustable up to 21cm, original
• Buckle: Steel folding clasp, original

Condition and warranty

• Overall condition: Excellent state of preservation. Impeccable silvered textured dial, crisp hour markers and hands, functional day-date window. The steel case and bracelet show only light superficial signs of wear.
• Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
• Mechanical condition: Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
• Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
• Not included: Original box and papers

Frequently asked questions

What is the Seiko Type II range?
The Type II is a line of quartz watches from Seiko, launched at the end of the 1970s, at the heart of the quartz revolution that the Japanese brand had initiated in 1969. The name, signed on the dial, designates a generation of robust dress quartz watches fitted with a day-date display. It is an emblematic piece from the golden age of Seiko quartz.

Why is the day displayed in two languages?
Because this watch was intended for the Japanese market: its day disc displays the day alternately in Japanese kanji characters and in English. This is a characteristic detail of so-called JDM Seiko (Japanese Domestic Market), highly prized by collectors for its authenticity and charm.

What is the dial texture?
The dial features a finish of fine vertical lines, in a tapestry or linen style, which catches the light and reflects it differently depending on the angle. This texture brings depth and discreet refinement to an otherwise very pared-back silvered dial. It is one of the main aesthetic attractions of this piece.

Is this Seiko water-resistant?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original gaskets have aged and the caseback pressure is no longer what it was on the first day. Avoid the shower, swimming pool, and sea. Simple contact with rainwater, however, does not present any difficulty.

For what wrist size is this watch suitable?
With a 33mm cushion case and a bracelet adjustable up to 21cm, this is ideally a versatile format, comfortable on most wrists. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on personal taste and the look sought, it can be worn equally well by a man or by a woman who appreciates vintage-shaped watches. The guideline is only a reference point, never a rule.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, checked, 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 your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.

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