Description
An August 1974 vintage Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Special 6156-8040 on its original bracelet, that was recently serviced. This vintage Grand Seiko Special is in excellent condition with only some minor scratches from wear. It is powered by the automatic Cal. 6156 with a 36,000 bph rate and is adjusted to a higher grade than the regular 61GS, making this one 'Special', sitting right under the 61GS VFA (Cal. 6186). A stunning vintage Grand Seiko in great condition, on its original bracelet. This Grand Seiko also comes with Kanji day/date at 3 o'clock. It measures 35 mm in diameter and the bracelet is 5 inches in length. We offer a flat rate for shipping on every order and 30-day free returns. We also offer a 2-month mechanical warranty for every purchase. All prices are in CAD.
Grand Seiko History
In 1960, Seiko released their first Grand Seiko, what would eventually become one of their most successful sub-brands, and in 2017 its own stand-alone brand. The Grand Seiko was made in several iterations, including the first Grand Seiko (from the Suwa Seikosha factory), the 44GS, the 45GS, the 62GS, the 61GS, and the 56GS. The 44 and 62GS were released in 1967, while the 61 and 45GS were released the following year. The 62GS was the first that to have the calendar function with the date window at 3 o'clock and an increased water resistance of 50 meters. Meanwhile the 45GS is renowned for its 36,000 bph manual winding movement - made by Daini Seikosha. Both the 45GS and 61GS were made in VFA or 'Very Fine Adjusted' version, with the 61Gs also being made in a 'Special' version. Finally, the 56GS was released in 1970, it stood out as it was the first vintage Grand Seiko made mostly in the factory, and also had a bph rate of 28,000. It was made to be an everyday watch and was the last Grand Seiko to be released before Grand Seiko's hiatus between 1975 and 1988 - when they brand was relaunched for the modern era.
Seiko History
Seiko was founded as a watch store in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in Tokyo. By the 1890s it was producing both clocks and pocket watches as Seikosha. And in 1913 Seiko produced Japan's first wristwatch, the Seiko Laurel. Seiko had beat out several other Japanese companies, including other Tokyo clock companies like Tokyo Clock Co. and Japan Pocket Watch Manufacturing Co. By the mid-20th century Seiko produced some of its most important wristwatches that set the stage for its future. In the early 1950s Seiko produced the Seiko Super which then became the Marvel. And in 1960 Seiko released the first Grand Seiko. This marked the beginning of not only the Grand Seiko but also the King Seiko and Lord Matic lines to follow.
Then, in 1969, Seiko released the Astron, the watch that would upend the Swiss watchmaking industry. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Seiko continues to produce extraordinary quartz watches, along with many legendary vintage Seiko dive watches. In modern times Seiko continues to innovate, especially through its Grand Seiko brand.
Read more about vintage Grand Seiko here.