The 1970s was a breeding ground for technological innovation, advancement and disruption.

In the world of watches, a newcomer was ready to shake things up — the digital watch. The very first digital watch debuted in 1972, and albeit time-only, this piece was nothing like the world had seen. It laid the groundwork for various iterations until in 1977, the first calculator watch was introduced — a Pulsar model 901 which was limited to just 100 pieces and retailed at an astounding $3,950. That price equates to north of $20,000, today!

Bonkers.

However, like with all products, once Japanese manufactures such as Seiko and Casio caught on and added their meticulously-detailed approach to the calculator watch, they virtually set the stage for what became the hottest item on wrist in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The C153 was Seiko’s first calculator watch and is arguably the best of them all. Unlike most calculator watches of the era, these pieces were so well-engineered that most are still in functioning condition today. Powered by a Seiko quartz movement, the C153 featured a highly legible LCD screen, raised keyboard and a solid stainless steel case.

This piece, a Reference C153-5011, features a 35mm stainless steel case accompanied by a comfortable, multi-link stainless steel bracelet with locking clasp. The LCD digital display comes equipped with a backlight and features a time, date and seconds display in ‘home’ mode. With a push of a button, an 8-digit calculator display pops featuring an array of functions including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc. by way of a raised keyboard on the dial face. Essentially, this was the smart watch before the smart watch.

In great overall condition, this piece is accompanied by its original instruction manual and stylus. While many of its contemporaries used lesser case materials such as rubber and plastic, this vintage Seiko C153-5011 offers a robust build quality that has managed to stay in fantastic shape for over 50 years, and more than likely for another 50!

There’s nothing wrong with a quartz watch. The experienced collector will honestly tell you that there is always a “quartz” phase.

We admit, we’re currently into Quartz. But rest assured, it’s not a Crisis.