Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Who made the world's first quartz watch?

1 Answer
Who made the world's first quartz watch?
The world's first quartz watch was the Seiko Astron 35SQ. It debuted in 1969. After its release, other watchmakers introduced economically priced quartz watches to meet the growing demand for the timepieces. By the mid-1970s, the watchmaking industry found itself in the midst of the Quartz Crisis. During this period, many luxury watchmakers struggled financially due to reduced interest in traditional mechanical watches. Find a variety of vintage Seiko watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
Shop for Seiko Watches on 1stDibs
Seiko Prospex LX GMT Spring Drive SNR033 44.8mm Blue Black Titanium Box Papers
By Seiko
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: SNR033 Serial: 040*** Year: 2022 Model: Seiko Prospex LX Collection GMT Case Material: Titanium Band: Titanium Bezel: Blue & Black Dial: Blue Crys...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Titanium

Seiko Five Day Date Auto, Gold Plated Bezel, Steel Case, Gold Tone Dial, 1989.
By Seiko
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Seiko Five Day Date automatic is a relatively rare Five, with gold plated bezel, steel case and gold tone dial, very much an 80s watch! We date production to 1989 given t...
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Vintage Seiko Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Automatic Watch Ref 6146-8000
By Seiko
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage Seiko Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Automatic Watch exemplifies the precision-focused craftsmanship that established Grand Seiko as one of Japan’s most respected luxury watch...
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Black Knight" Seiko 5 Sports ref SKZ217K, Limited Edition (3000), Titanium....
By Seiko
Located in Canterbury, England
Our "Black Knight" Seiko 5 Sports reference SKZ217K1 is a limited edition of 3000 pieces, featuring a 44mm (exc crown guards) 48mm (inc crown guards) titanium black DLC case with tit...
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Titanium

British Military Chronograph Gen 2 7T27‑7A20 – 38mm – RAF Style – Quartz
By Seiko
Located in London, GB
Seiko British Military Chronograph Gen 2 7T27‑7A20 – 38mm – RAF Style – Quartz This Seiko Generation 2 British Military‑style chronograph is presented in very good condition and fin...
Category

1990s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Seiko Chronograph ref 6139-8001 Japan Automatic 17 jewels c1969 Mens' Watch
By Seiko
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This elegant & rarely seen Seiko Chronograph ref 6139-8001 c1969 watch is proud to have ALL ORIGINAL PARTS Despite being over 50 years old, the t...
Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Shop All