Grand Seiko watch 6246-9001 Automatic Vintage 1968

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Grand Seiko 6246-9001
Movement : 6246 39 Jewels
Age : July 1968
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Gold medallion is in great condition 
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

THE FIRST AUTOMATIC GRAND SEIKO 62GS

The Grand Seiko 62GS is a bit of an interesting case because it actually started life as the  Seikomatic 6245/6246-9000/01. Those watches debuted in 1965 and featured a chronometer rating, something Seiko had bestowed on several of its watches since 1960. Shortly after the debut of the Seikomatic, though, the official Swiss chronometer agency declared that watches had to be tested in-country to qualify. Undeterred, Seiko decided to play a game of one-upmanship by creating its Grand Seiko Standard. The 6245/6246 models then fell under the Grand Seiko line. Consider the move as a bit of an early version of METAS, if you will, because the Grand Seiko Standard required an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day versus the Swiss requirement of +10/-1 seconds.

THE WATCH

The 62GS was the first-ever automatic Grand Seiko. Which was the highest-priced steel model in the lineup at the time. Automatic watches were advanced and the watch contained a quickset date and/or day. The 35-jewel 6245 and 39-jewel 6246 also used Seiko’s Magic Lever automatic winding system and Seiko made it clear that this was a “set it and forget it” opportunity. Thus, the crown was minuscule and almost hidden at four o’clock.

The 62GS was produced for just a couple years, first hitting the market in 1966 and staying in production through 1968. Two different case backs were used, depending on the year of production: a lion medallion or a Grand Seiko medallion. Combined with the two different movements. 6245 (date only) and 6246 (day/date).

Across all references, the dial remains the same: applied “Seiko Automatic” branding at 12 o’clock, with the applied GS logo at 6 o’clock, sitting above the a printed Grand Seiko and Diashock. The branding, with “Seiko” prominently above Grand Seiko, illustrates how Grand Seiko was still an emerging branding concept for the Seiko company, as much an indication of its technical accuracy as an actual consumer brand. The Swiss had gotten annoyed at Seiko for using the word “Chronometer” in its branding a few years prior, so Seiko went ahead and called itself Grand Seiko instead, developing an internal “Grand Seiko” accuracy standard that was more rigorous than the Swiss’ standard. 

OUR THOUGHTS 

Expertly crafted with precision and expertise, this Grand Seiko 6246-9001 Automatic watch exudes timeless elegance. Impeccably designed, it promises exceptional accuracy and reliability. This would be the focal point to any collection.  Purchasing from us ensures that you receive an authentic, meticulously inspected watch in the best possible condition. Trust us to provide not just a watch, but a piece of horological history.