[psychobooe]

I recently came across a really nice looking Seiko Grand Quartz 9943 at the Hard Off (Japanese thrift store) in Hachioji. After doing some research about the 994X movement, I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on this sweet vintage Seiko. However, I have some misgivings. My main concern is that the face numbers don't match the case back numbers. The face says 9943-8040 and the case back says 9943-8030. Please forgive the poor picture of the case back, but it says 8030.
My question is, could this be correct from the factory, or does this watch have a mismatched face/case back? Furthermore, should this be enough to deter my purchase?
As always, thank you so much for your time and knowledge.

 

[7s26b]

I'm not up on GS's, but most all Seiko dial numbers don't match the case back numbers. Because many cases have multiple dial colour/finish combo's- so the numbers won't match.

 

[sewingman]

What he said....:clap:........go for it.......Bob.

 

[funkster]

Hi there - I have almost the same watch and I would say 'pull the trigger' without any doubt:

Mine is pretty much NOS and has an -8030 dial with an -8020 caseback code - the two do not always match.
Get it on your wrist and enjoy one of the best quality quartz watches Seiko have ever made!

 

[Grammarofdesign]

Yes I have the EXACT watch (see avatar). Same as yours, with different numbers on dial and case back, just like every Seiko I have ever seen.

Dial 9943-8040 T
Back 9943-8030

One is the dial code, the other is the Reference number.

Accuracy back in 1978 was to be 10 Seconds PER YEAR. I've never checked mine, but its very accurate.

The textured dial will mesmerize you and Do Not Wait - buy it before some else jumps on it ! Good luck !

 

[tsteph12]

That's a beautiful watch. Have wondered what the difference is between Grand and King Quartz Seikos.

 

[psychobooe]

Do you know the lug size? I think it's 20mm, but I'm not sure.
Thanks

 

[Grammarofdesign]

Do you know the lug size? I think it's 20mm, but I'm not sure.
Thanks

Definitely 19 mm.

 

[JohnWN]

Classic SEIKO Quartz :great:

 

[psychobooe]

I pulled the trigger!
The only problem is that the band is a little too small, and it didn't come with any extra links. Getting another bracelet is obviously an option, but I actually like the original one. Is there any chance of finding some extra links or even another original bracelet?

 

[sewingman]

Hi, well done, you could to keep you going, ........Bob.

 

[psychobooe]

Yeah, I think the easiest option is a different clasp that extends the band. The issue is that it's only 15 or 16mm I think. I'm not sure what options are out there at that size. Also, how do I go about changing the clasp? Do I need a jeweler to do it? I think so because of the riveted end.

 

[Grammarofdesign]

Congrats ! Glad you took the dive.

I found that no bracelets properly allowed the dial to stand out, so I went black leather. Classy Seiko from an SARB series.

For bracelets, the straight ends make it easy to find replacement alternatives, OEM Seiko and AM, at decent prices, too.

 

[jeronimo]

Hello!

I have got the same watch (9943)! Very nice watch but I wish I could check this inside (to see the general condition of it). Does anyone has even opened the caseback (not the battery hatch). Does it need to be snap ?

Thanks

 

[Grammarofdesign]

Welcome to SCWF. Great place, stick around and participate !

This case back is a screw-on. It is very different from most. There is only one notch into which a special tool is used. The idea is to keep knuckleheads like me out of their 9943's which feature no amateur adjustments. It works in my case.

See photo below, notch is inside red circle. Yours will have a similar notch but it could be located anywhere depending on the where it landed when tight.

I also show an internet photo I once grabbed showing the internals. For me that's been good enough.

 

[Jason1970M]

Yeah, I think the easiest option is a different clasp that extends the band. The issue is that it's only 15 or 16mm I think. I'm not sure what options are out there at that size. Also, how do I go about changing the clasp? Do I need a jeweler to do it? I think so because of the riveted end.

In that photo above your post, its not actually a new clasp but a sprung 'extender' that attaches to the original clasp, like in this eBay listing, they work very well.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10mm-12mm...hash=item58d12c03d1:m:mK2FC3LwByWmtMmqV269xMw

 

[jeronimo]

This case back is a screw-on. It is very different from most. There is only one notch into which a special tool is used. The idea is to keep knuckleheads like me out of their 9943's which feature no amateur adjustments. It works in my case.

Thank you for your reply! I had noticed the little notch too but I did not know it needed a special tool.
In my case, I wish I could check the inside out because I am worried that the inside could be dirty (or an old battery leak). The watch was pretty dirty when I got it. Also something strange happened when I changed the battery for the first time (I received the watch not working - the japanese owner claimed he could not check its operation because he had not a spare battery, so I could have bought a broken watch also). When I put a brand new battery nothing work for a long time (15min-20min) then suddently while I was cleaning the house gently, it started ticking. I want to bring it for maintenance before messing up with the trimmer myself. I wonder if they will be able to open such a caseback too ?
I noticed a recess at 120 degree from the notch. Do you have it also ? Probably for that special tool also I suppose... (See pictures below). What do you think ?

PS : I had an extra pic of my 9943 without its bracelet (for cleaning I removed it), it is the same as the first post of this thread. A very nice bracelet indeed (I have a King seiko and the difference of quality is obvious) however I feel this watch would be nicer on a strap... The other watch is the SBGA125 (blizzard).

 

[John_D]

Thank you for your reply! I had noticed the little notch too but I did not know it needed a special tool.
In my case, I wish I could check the inside out because I am worried that the inside could be dirty (or an old battery leak). The watch was pretty dirty when I got it. Also something strange happened when I changed the battery for the first time (I received the watch not working - the japanese owner claimed he could not check its operation because he had not a spare battery, so I could have bought a broken watch also). When I put a brand new battery nothing work for a long time (15min-20min) then suddently while I was cleaning the house gently, it started ticking. I want to bring it for maintenance before messing up with the trimmer myself. I wonder if they will be able to open such a caseback too ?
I noticed a recess at 120 degree from the notch. Do you have it also ? Probably for that special tool also I suppose... (See pictures below). What do you think ?

PS : I had an extra pic of my 9943 without its bracelet (for cleaning I removed it), it is the same as the first post of this thread. A very nice bracelet indeed (I have a King seiko and the difference of quality is obvious) however I feel this watch would be nicer on a strap... The other watch is the SBGA125 (blizzard).

From the pictures above, yours would appear to be a clip on back :undecided:, the notch in that case being an orientation mark which has to be lined up with a small 'punch' mark in the case body, viewed through the notch................

 

[Grammarofdesign]

Wow. I stand corrected. I feel foolish actually.


Thanks !

 

[jeronimo]

Hi "Grammarofdesign",

Sorry my mother tongue is not english... do you mean you have the recess also on your 9943 ? Position also opposite to the crown ?
After a bit of thinking it seems obvious it is a snap on caseback because otherwise when screwing the caseback battery hach opening would not match the location of the battery underneath. The notch must be the reference when putting the caseback back on.

I will try opening it sometime soon and post pictures.

Thanks to all of you.