The 1969 Seiko Astron 35SQ, First Quartz Watch

 The first quartz watch in the world was the Seiko Astron 35SQ, released on December 25, 1969. This groundbreaking timepiece marked the beginning of the Quartz Revolution (also known as the "Quartz Crisis" in Swiss watchmaking circles) and forever changed the watch industry.


Seiko Astron 35SQ (1969)

 Key Features:

  • Movement: Caliber 35A, quartz oscillator

  • Accuracy: ±5 seconds per month — far superior to mechanical watches at the time

  • Battery life: Approximately 1 year

  • Case: 18k solid gold (very limited production — only 100 pieces were sold)

  • Price at launch: ¥450,000 (more than the cost of a car in Japan in 1969)

Why It Mattered:

  • The Astron used a quartz crystal oscillator instead of a balance wheel, drastically improving accuracy and reducing mechanical complexity.

  • It ushered in the era of mass-produced, highly accurate, affordable watches — eventually dominating the global market.

  • Swiss mechanical watchmakers saw a major decline in demand during the 1970s–80s because of quartz technology (hence the "Quartz Crisis").




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