Grand Seiko watch 5645-7010 Hi-Beat Vintage 1971

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Grand Seiko 5645-7010
Movement : 5645 HI-Beat
Age : July 1971
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In fantastic pre-owned condition, with light wear from use 
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks 
• Sunburst dial has a tiny blemish in the centre
• Date only model
• Hour hand has slightest paint loss
• Fully serviced Hi-Beat movement
  
• Upgraded metal quickset gear
• GS signed crown
  
• Paired with an unworn grey leather strap
  
• Gold medallion is in wonderful condition

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The last Grand Seiko

As the last of the Vintage Grand Seiko series, the range of the 56GS series is second only to the 61GS concerning the diversity of watches produced. Whilst utilizing only three different movements and no “special” or “VFA” examples in this series, 35 different models were produced from 1970 until 1974. One can find them in the catalogues 1971-1975.

The 56GS used the no-date 5641A, the 5645A date and the day-date 5646A, making this the only series with all three complications. To make all the variations, for the first time automation was introduced into the production line, and the beat of the movement was set to 28,800bph which had great impact and reliability increased. Some people even consider 28,800 bph to be the best rate for a watch movement with its balance of maintenance, reliability and precision. As these movements were a work horse for Seiko at this time, it is easier to get parts for the 56GS even now, 40 years after its production, making it the most serviceable of all the Grand Seiko models produced in the past. Of course, a somewhat less finely tuned calibre 56 movement was also used in the King Seiko 56 series and the Lord-Matics 5606.

While there is a large variety of case designs, unlike the 61GS series, there is consistency in design and associated numbering of the cases used across the different movements.

Adhering strongly to the “Grammar of Design” rules, the -7010 and -7011 watches are almost certainly the most solid vintage Grand Seiko's that you see on the market today. It is believed that the difference between the two cases is simply a move from marking the cases as being “waterproof”, to “water resistant”, but this remains to be confirmed. It is not consistent however with the 5646 models seen, where both -7010 and -7011 references are marked as being “Water Resistant”.

OUR THOUGHTS

The 56 Grand Seiko is a worthy addition to any collection—reliable, affordable, and effortlessly elegant. Its robust 56 movement is renowned for durability, and even after more than half a century, it remains perfectly suited for daily wear. This particular 5645 is a rare sight in the UK, making it a piece that’s bound to catch the eye of fellow watch enthusiasts.