{"product_id":"seiko-quartz-vfa-3820-6000-sodalite","title":"Seiko Quartz VFA 3820-6000 Sodalite","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1973, this watch cost more than five Grand Seiko VFAs. Very few survived the decade that followed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Seiko brought quartz to the world with the Astron in 1969, it didn't stop at accuracy. By the early 1970s, the brand's Luxury Collection catalogues were pairing its most advanced quartz movements with solid precious-metal cases and dials cut from natural stone. These were low-production pieces, made for a very small number of clients, and they are rarely seen today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3820-6000 is one of the most striking. Its dial is a solid slab of sodalite, a deep, rich blue stone, set off by crisp white indices. Because every dial is cut from natural stone, no two are alike. The case is solid 18K white gold, with hand-hammered flanks and a dimpled finish on the bezel that catches the light from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInside is the Calibre 3820, marked Quartz V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted). It was one of the first temperature-compensated quartz movements, offering accuracy per month comparable to what a Swiss chronometer was expected to deliver per day. The 38 family went on to become the basis of Seiko's Grand Quartz line and, eventually, the revival of Grand Seiko in 1988.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt came at a price. In 1973 the 3820-6000 retailed at ¥530,000, enough to buy five Grand Seiko VFA 6185s or seventeen Panda 6138s. Then, in the early 1980s, the price of gold rose so sharply that the value of the case approached the watch's retail price, and many pieces like this one were simply melted down. Those that survive are rare, and examples in this condition rarer still.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday's offering is new old stock from June 1973, worn only for this photoshoot. The 18K white gold case is sharp, the sodalite dial and hands are immaculate, and it comes with its original 18K white gold buckle, now fitted to a black lizard strap in the spirit of the original. It was serviced by the Seiko Service Center this year and is ready to wear from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShips from Tokyo, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis 3820-6000 is new old stock and in immaculate condition, with only light storage scratches. The 18K white gold case is sharp, and the hammered finish is intact.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sodalite dial and handset are immaculate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe original straps had deteriorated with age and have been replaced with similar black lizard straps, fitted with the watch's original 18K white gold buckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBRAND: Seiko\u003cbr\u003e\nMODEL: Quartz V.F.A.\u003cbr\u003e\nREFERENCE: 3820-6000\u003cbr\u003e\nDIAL: Original solid sodalite stone dial\u003cbr\u003e\nCASE MATERIAL: Solid 18K white gold, hand-hammered finish\u003cbr\u003e\nCASE DIMENSIONS: 36.5mm wide, 41.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.3mm thick, 18mm lug width\u003cbr\u003e\nCRYSTAL: Mineral Crystal\u003cbr\u003e\nMOVEMENT: Quartz Cal. 3820, V.F.A.\u003cbr\u003e\nManufacturing date: June 1973\u003cbr\u003e\nService History: Serviced by Seiko Service Center (2026)\u003cbr\u003e\nBracelet\/Strap: Black lizard straps with original 18K white gold buckle\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"THE TOKEI CLUB","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635212030127,"sku":null,"price":2100000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0738\/1450\/7695\/files\/3820-6000_11.jpg?v=1791802056","url":"https:\/\/thetokeiclub.jp\/products\/seiko-quartz-vfa-3820-6000-sodalite","provider":"THE TOKEI CLUB","version":"1.0","type":"link"}