Grand Seiko 61GS Hi-Beat 36000 | Ref 6146-8000 | Automatic Day-Date | 1968

Grand Seiko 61GS Hi-Beat 36000 | Ref 6146-8000 | Automatic Day-Date | 1968

Description

One of the most important Japanese watches of the twentieth century. The 61GS was Grand Seiko's first automatic, and it runs at 36,000 beats per hour, the Hi-Beat frequency that put Seiko level with the finest Swiss precision watches of its day.

The silver sunburst dial is pure Grand Seiko style: faceted applied batons and hands polished flat so they flash in the light, the applied GS logo, Hi-Beat 36000 and a day-date window at three. The dial code reads 6146-8020T AD.

On the back is the gold Grand Seiko medallion, the reference 6146-8000 and the serial 860254, which dates the watch to June 1968, the first year of the calibre.

Key Features

• Grand Seiko 61GS, the first automatic Grand Seiko
• Hi-Beat 36,000 vph calibre 6146
• Silver sunburst dial with faceted applied batons
• Day-date at 3
• Gold GS medallion caseback
• Serial dates to June 1968

Specifications

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Reference: 6146-8000
• Serial: 860254 (June 1968)
• Case: Stainless steel, gold GS medallion caseback
• Dial: Silver sunburst, applied batons, day-date at 3, 6146-8020T AD
• Movement: Calibre 6146A automatic, 36,000 vph Hi-Beat, 25 jewels
• Strap: Black leather, steel buckle
• Case Dimensions: About 37mm
• Lug to Lug:

Condition Report

• Dial: Sunburst clean and even, applied markers sharp.
• Hands: Polished hands bright.
• Case: Case lines and bevels intact, light scratches consistent with age.
• Caseback: Gold medallion in good order, light scratches on the steel.
• Crystal: Good.
• Movement: Serviced and running properly.
• Strap: Black leather in good order.

Historical Significance

Grand Seiko was founded in 1960 to build the best watch Japan could make. In 1968 Suwa Seikosha introduced the 61GS, the line's first automatic and its first Hi-Beat, at the same time the Seiko design language later called the Grand Seiko Style was taking hold. Early 61GS pieces from 1968 sit at the start of that story, and the model is a pillar of any serious Japanese watch collection.

Offered by ReWrist. Each piece is inspected and photographed in-house. Vintage Luxury, Redefined.