Vintage Seiko SQ Watch — 8223-5120 TV Case Kanji JDM (1981)

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Seiko Quartz SQ — A bilingual JDM piece with authentic Japanese charm

This vintage Seiko watch, produced around 1981, is a JDM piece (Japanese Domestic Market) — that is, originally sold on the Japanese market for a Japanese clientele. The detail that immediately reveals it: the day window at 3 o’clock with a dual display, alternating between Japanese kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese) and English. A typically JDM feature, sought after by enthusiasts of authentic Seiko pieces imported from Japan.

The silver sunburst dial plays with the light thanks to its radiant central finish. The black applied baton indices provide a crisp, elegant reading. The SEIKO QUARTZ signature at 12 o’clock coexists with the “SQ” logo in a hexagon at 6 o’clock — the specific label for Japanese quartz models Seiko from the late 1970s and early 1980s, a guarantee of JDM authenticity.

The steel TV-shaped case (square with very rounded angles, also known in watchmaking as a “cushion” or “TV dial”) is an aesthetic signature of the 1970s-80s. The 7.9mm profile remains slim, and the 31mm format offers a balanced wrist presence. Driven by the Seiko 8223 caliber, a Japanese quartz movement with bilingual day-date display, this piece combines modern precision with period authenticity.

Mounted on a cognac grained leather strap with white stitching, this Seiko JDM is aimed at enthusiasts of distinctive Japanese pieces — cushion design, sunburst dial, and kanji calendar. Perfectly balanced Unisex format. Selected piece, authenticated and serviced by Atelier Victor. Fast, secure international shipping.

Three points to note about this piece

• Seiko Quartz SQ JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) with bilingual kanji-English day window: a hallmark of authenticity for a piece imported directly from Japan.
• Case steel TV-shaped case (cushion case) with a design typical of the 1970s-80s, silver sunburst dial with applied baton indices.
• Seiko 8223 Japanese quartz caliber with day-date — the precision and reliability of true vintage Japanese watchmaking.

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Technical specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Seiko Quartz SQ — bilingual kanji JDM TV dial
• Reference: 8223-5120
• Estimated year: 1981
• Origin: Japan (JDM — Japanese Domestic Market)
• Gender: Men’s and women’s watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Japanese quartz, Seiko 8223 caliber
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, bilingual day (English / Japanese kanji)
• Case: Steel (steel back), TV shape (cushion)
• Dimensions: 31mm (32mm with crown)
• Lug to lug: 37mm
• Thickness: 7.9mm (Crystal included)
• Lug width : 17mm
• Crown : Steel, original
• Dial : Sunburst silvered, black applied baton indices, original Seiko Quartz and SQ logo signatures, original
• Hands : Black baton, original
• Crystal : Mineral, very good condition
• Bracelet : Cognac grained leather with white stitching, non-original
• Buckle : Steel buckle, non-original

Condition and warranty

• Overall condition : Very good state of preservation. Impeccable original sunburst silvered dial, steel case in good condition, Crystal mineral crystal in very good condition. Fully functional bilingual day-date display.
• Water resistance : Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity : Lifetime guarantee
• Movement : Checked quartz movement, one-year warranty
• Included : Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
• Not included : Original box and papers

Frequently asked questions

• What is a JDM watch?
  JDM stands for "Japanese Domestic Market" — it refers to a watch originally produced and sold on the Japanese market, for Japanese customers. These pieces are often recognized by details specific to the local market: kanji day window, Japanese inscriptions, or exclusive references not exported. They are sought after by collectors for their authenticity and original character.
• What is the "SQ" logo of Seiko?
  The "SQ" logo inside a hexagon, present at 6 o'clock on the dial, stands for "Seiko Quartz". It is the specific label affixed by Seiko to its high-end quartz models produced in the 1970s and 1980s — a mark of quality and an authenticity marker for enthusiasts.
• What is a bilingual kanji dial?
  The day window of this Seiko alternates between two languages: Japanese kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese) and English. A typical feature of Seiko watches produced for the Japanese domestic market. The displayed language is adjusted via the crown.
• What is a TV-shaped watch?
  A TV-shaped watch ("TV dial" or "cushion case" in English, i.e. cushion case) refers to a square case with very rounded corners, whose silhouette evokes a vintage cathode-ray television screen. Highly popular in the 1970s and early 1980s, this design is now appreciated for its fully embraced vintage character.
• What is caliber Seiko 8223?
  Caliber 8223 is a Japanese Seiko quartz movement from the 1970s-80s, with bilingual day-date. Reliable and precise, it equipped many Seiko Quartz and SQ dress watches intended for the Japanese domestic market.
• What is the international delivery time?
  Dispatch within 48 hours, worldwide delivery in 3 to 5 days via DHL Express, insurance included.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, inspected, and photographed by us. 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.

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