Reference index to the Friday newsletters
Introduction
Last week a collector got in contact with me about a 44GS that they had bought, but had concerns about whether or not the dial had been reprinted. Unfortunately, it turned out that it had been.
This got me thinking that it might be useful to have a resource that makes it simpler for people to check out the references (both good and bad) that have been featured in the Friday newsletters. Then, if someone sees a watch for sale somewhere that they want to check out, they can cross-reference it against watches that I’ve discussed here.
This newsletter is structured first by vintage Grand Seiko series (57GS, 44GS, etc), then by model reference number (or a more generalized grouping of references). I then will provide links to every newsletter that featured that reference - in chronological order - split out by the “good guys” and the “bad guys”. Where a specific detail of a reference is discussed, I will mention this under the link.
This means that some references will get a lot of links, but that just goes to show how common some of these dodgy ones are. Where a reference has never been featured, it will not be mentioned in the list, so don’t treat the list below as a comprehensive list of all vintage Grand Seikos ever released. For that, consult the series of articles on the Seiko catalogues.
One important thing to note is that Yahoo Japan only maintain a 6 month archive - the links in any newsletter more than 6 months old at the time you click through will be dead. Also, the earlier newsletters were published before Yahoo Japan blocked connections from Europe, and so in those there are direct links that will throw up an error.
However, the photos in the newsletter should in most cases be sufficient to identify either the pros or cons of the watch in question, and of course the accompanying text will often provide additional insight.
Going forward, I will endeavour to keep this article up to date as I publish the newsletter every week, but occasionally there will be a delay.
There was a lot of work involved in putting this newsletter together, and whilst I have decided to make it available to all subscribers, those with free subscriptions will not be able to access the vast majority of the newsletter archives. However, starting from earlier this month, those with free subs get to see the latest newsletter one week after it has been published, so in time there will be more and more references that they can check out.
One thing you will notice if you start clicking through the links is that the newsletter content has evolved over time. In the earliest newsletters, I only dealt with the bad listings, and I also detailed the specific coloured redials. At around the turn of the year 2021-2022, I stopped listing every coloured redial; introduced the recommended listings; watches available at dealers; and later started the “It’s not a vintage Grand Seiko, but I like it” section (all those are listed at the end of this newsletter).
Please note this is absolutely not intended to be a newsletter to read and click all the way through! Rather, treat it as research material to dip into when you are considering purchasing a specific reference. Check out the “good guys” to compare the quality of what you are looking at compared to others that have sold, and the “bad guys” to make sure you’re not buying something with a problem.
The first Grand Seiko
Print logo dial
Good guys
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
Includes detailed explanation of dating of components for the print logo dial.
Never let a tragedy go to waste
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Just a dial - they’re getting better
Same dial as above makes a reappearance
Carved logo dial
Good guys
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
The world as we know it is coming undone
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
This never happened to the other fellow
includes early inner box, detailed discussion
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
I didn’t know you could fly a plane
Linen dial unicorn. Quite the essay on it! See you at the finish line.
Bad guys
Dial is good, but a fake medallion
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
A reprinted black dialed first that I actually wish I’d bought!
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
The world as we know it is coming undone
two examples - one with a reprinted dial, one in the wrong case
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Lies travel faster than the truth
The triggers are anger and fear
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
black dial again
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Wrong case
Carved logo dial - transitional
Good guys
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Bad guys
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
In a photo rotated 90 degrees, it’s a lot harder to spot the redial
Raised logo dial
Good guys
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
Including an example with box and papers
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
Remember boys, no points for second place.
with papers, but a bit of a risk
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
with box, papers, swing tags
The world as we know it is coming undone
incredible patina
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
Lies travel faster than the truth
The triggers are anger and fear
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
at Phillips
This never happened to the other fellow
comparison of the two different medallions, and dial codes
This never happened to the other fellow
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Congratulations to whoever it was that outbid me on the “project” watch
And a second example that has been reconditioned at the mothership
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
also a separate listing for the box
Needs a new crystal and a good clean!
I don’t want to do this anymore
Just a shame about the spot near the SD logo
Nice clean example
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Poor listing with just 3 photos. Bit of a risk - hope it turned out OK for the buyer!
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Small stain on dial
One of the better ones to turn up this year. Small scratch on dial though.
Inner box, papers, tags, buckle.
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Just the inner box
Possibly the worst “redone” dial you’ll ever come across. Worth checking out for the lols.
Bad guys
Multiple vintage Grand Seikos with poorly redone dials
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
Several examples
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Lies travel faster than the truth
The triggers are anger and fear
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
This never happened to the other fellow
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Someone has redrawn over the original print
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
This dial reprint is turning up a lot these days. Includes an explanation of how to spot it.
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Same dial, same seller. Gotta feel sorry for the collector who paid 392K for this one.
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Black dial
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Same seller as the recent carved logo that was presented on its side, same reprint.
Dial probably retouched, rather than reprinted
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Possibly the worst “redone” dial you’ll ever come across. Worth checking out for the lols.
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
If anyone can explain to me why someone would pay 229,000 Yen for this, I’m all ears.
AD dial
Good guys
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
The triggers are anger and fear
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Watch dates from October 1961, so either dial and movement recased, or a service dial
Bad guys
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Stainless steel
Good guys
The world as we know it is coming undone
Bad guys
Multiple vintage Grand Seikos with poorly redone dials
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
Modern reprint but with a clearly aged dial. Odd.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
Remember boys, no points for second place.
plus some additional notes on the first Grand Seiko in stainless steel
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
This never happened to the other fellow
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Someone ended up paying over a million Yen for a fake watch.
Regular First dial and movement in a 1967 Lord Marvel case.
Platinum
Good guys
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
auction withdrawn
57GS Series
43999 SD dial
Good guys
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
It’s been a long wait, but a good one finally turns up
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
No movement shots, but everything else checks out. Just needs a new crystal. Super looking example.
Poor quality listing. Auction was canceled.
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
Includes commentary on production date range of the SD dialed 43999
Watch auctions to watch out for
Includes commentary on correct movement and crown for SD dialed 43999, and a very early 43999 SD dial case. Also three incorrect 43999’s listed this week that could fix one another!
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
One example in a case that is too late, and one with a faked dial
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
With box and papers, and some serious problems
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
This never happened to the other fellow
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
The usual suspect
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
And here he is again
I don’t want to do this anymore
And again…
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
And again…
Looks like a set, isn’t a set. Fake dial, wrong date for an SD, wrong crown, fake caseback protection sticker…
When do I start going downhill?
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
The dodgy set from “Hope is not a strategy” resurfaces
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Redone dial, December 1964 production. A deliberate misrepresentation.
And another one from the regular contributor. Note - going forward I will not be detailing everything he lists, just one per week (which will be summarized in this newsletter).
I didn’t know you could fly a plane
43999 AD dial
Good guys
How the original crown can age
With box and two certificates - detailed analysis
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
This never happened to the other fellow
with papers, discussion on the different certificates
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Featuring one “regular” one, and one transitional
Bad guys
Watch auctions to watch out for
AD dial in a case that is too early
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
AD dial in a case that is too early
Two example with the wrong crown, and discussion on that subject
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
August 1963 production with an AD dial, and the wrong crown
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Another August 1963 with an AD dial and the wrong crown
5722-9990
Good guys
This never happened to the other fellow
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
at Phillips
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
Including a discussion regarding the transitional 57GS variants
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Just the inner box
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Another inner box
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Aaaand another inner box
When do I start going downhill?
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Boxes galore!
Bad guys
Watch auctions to watch out for
Includes detailed comparison of a correct print to the reprinted example
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
Includes some thoughts on “correct” 57GS variants
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
The world as we know it is coming undone
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Lies travel faster than the truth
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
You like a close shave, don’t you?
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Wrong crown, too early for a Diashock dial
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Just the inner box, but with a red tray from the later 61/56/45GS box.
5722-9991
Good guys
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I don’t want to do this anymore
So many bad examples of these, it’s about time I highlighted a good one
Bad guys
Multiple vintage Grand Seikos with poorly redone dials
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
Another round of auctions to be wary of
Just look at the “K” in Seiko
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
The triggers are anger and fear
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
I don’t want to do this anymore
5722-9970
Good guys
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
The elusive box!
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
1965 with a 43999 AD dial
Bad guys
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
57GS Cap Gold
Good guys
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
57GS 18K
Good guys
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
44GS Series
4420-9000 early dial
Good guys
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Three in a week!
This never happened to the other fellow
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Bad guys
includes a photo of a genuine dial to compare to the reprinted one
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Odd considering this is from the same seller that has the two good later dials. Includes a detailed shot of a genuine dial, and how to identify this reprint.
Wrong crown.
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Cracked bezel, stained dial, wrong crown
4420-9000 late dial
Good guys
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Two of them!
And he turns up another!
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Great example at Loupe This
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Two examples
Another three - lots of these surfacing of late
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Good dial, poor case
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Where is he finding all these?!
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Bad guys
Includes photo of a legitimate dial to compare to the reprinted one
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
Includes close-up of the main print on a legitimate dial to compare to the reprinted one
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Someone ended up paying 200K for a reprinted dial
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
And someone paid 231K for this one with a reprinted dial.
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
The usual suspect
4420-9990
Good guys
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
62GS Series
6245-9000/9001 (all variants)
Good guys
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
Bad guys
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
6246-9000/9001 (all variants)
Good guys
-9010 dial on a cap gold 6246-9001
-9010 dial on a cap gold 6246-9001
Never let a tragedy go to waste
-9010 dial on a cap gold 6246-9001
The triggers are anger and fear
-9010 dial on a cap gold 6246-9001
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
This never happened to the other fellow
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
Bad guys
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
61GS Series
6145/6-8000 (all variants)
Good guys
Note - since writing this one up, I have seen more examples of the bracelet without the end-links stamped, and am now of the view that this was probably correct.
Set with swing tags
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Lies travel faster than the truth
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
You like a close shave, don’t you?
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
18K gold cased
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
I see you handle you’re weapon well
watch, also service cases for both 6145- and 6146-8000
Dial has issues, case isn’t the best, but it came with its original certificate.
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
A particularly intriguing (if poor quality) example of the later dial 6146-8000 in cap gold with a “Toyota Thailand 1969” inscription on the caseback. A perfect curiosity for a Grand Seiko collector living in Thailand!
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
18K gold cased 6145-8000 on open auction. Auction was canceled.
Watch not the best, but complete with correct inner box and matching numbers certificate.
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Cross-hair dial, not the best of cases.
But later there’s a much better one!
A super condition late dial 6146-8000
Gorgeously patinated dial on a 6145-8000
6145-8000 service case, with an interesting inside caseback
Boxes galore!
Bad guys
Multiple vintage Grand Seikos with poorly redone dials
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
Another round of auctions to be wary of
All quiet on the Eastern front
including a very well done dial reprint, and a genuine one to compare with
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
The world as we know it is coming undone
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
I see you handle you’re weapon well
An obvious redial of the standard later dial
Redial of the cross dial
Arabesque dial from the -8010 in an -8000 case. Dial is likely legitimate.
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Redone early GS dial
Dial and handset from an -8020
I didn’t know you could fly a plane
With fake Arabesque dial
And a fake early dial
6146-8010
Good guys
with pyramid faceted crystal
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
with pyramid faceted crystal
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Not the best example, but at least it’s legit!
Pyramid faceted crystal
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
Includes comparison of 6146-8000 and 6146-8010 cases
Includes a photo of a genuine dial to compare to the reprinted one.
All quiet on the Eastern front
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
Hello, and welcome to Staying Awake
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Genuine case, and an Idemitsu to boot, but it is most definitely a redone dial.
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
The dial is from the Arabesque, but everything else is from the 6156-8010 Special.
6145/6-8020
Good guys
Remember boys, no points for second place.
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
Bad guys
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
6145/6-8030
Bad guys
6146-8040
Good guys
same watch relisted
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Great example. Closed for over 900,000 Yen.
6145/6-8050
Good guys
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
white dial, potentially reproduction caseback medallion
Another white dial, with bracelet. Case has had some strong polishing though.
Bad guys
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
A bizarre Frankenstein
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
The incorrect faceted crystal
I don’t want to do this anymore
Aftermarket crystal, reconditioned case
Fake 6156-8000 dial in a 6146-8050 case
When do I start going downhill?
The above watch turns up again
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
and again…
6155-8000
Good guys
You like a close shave, don’t you?
Just the bracelet XAB271 (also good for the 6156-8000)
Bad guys
Watch auctions to watch out for
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
includes a photo of a correct dial to compare with the reprinted one
I speak only with Elizabeth Keen
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
The triggers are anger and fear
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
6156-8000/8001/8030
Good guys
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
Remember boys, no points for second place.
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
on bracelet
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
When do I start going downhill?
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
I don’t want to do this anymore
one of the strangest “sets” I’ve ever seen put together, but buy three lots from this week’s bad guys and you can sort almost every problem out!
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Redone dial, and how to spot them even when the images are very low resolution.
6156-8010
Good guys
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I see you handle you’re weapon well
From a seller who slowly reduces his minimum bid price. At publication time, this one was listed for 153,780 Yen. It’s still available as I update this newsletter, and now just 139,800 Yen. Someone really should snap it up!
Bad guys
Includes a photo of a genuine dial to compare to the reprinted one
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
I included a detail shot of the dial from a legitimate one. Can you spot the differences?
6156-8020
Good guys
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Super example, and a great price for the winning bidder
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Probably the best example I’ve ever seen, and complete with inner and outer (with Grand Seiko Special printed on the side) boxes.
6156-8040
Good guys
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
The best example of this reference to turn up for years. Gutted that I got outbid! Congratulations to whoever got it for 360K.
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Another nice example, but no bracelet, but…
A separate auction listed the correct bracelet!
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Remember a few weeks ago where I said the best example in years turned up? Well this one trumps it. Superb example, complete with price ticket. Ended up selling for 421K.
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Not quite as good as some of the recent listings
Bad guys
A bizarre Frankenstein
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Redone dial (copied from a 56GS!)
Same watch relisted
6185-8010
Bad guys
Bond! What do you think you’re doing?
wrong dial
same watch again
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
back for a third week - this time it sold
6185-8020 (long hands)
Good guys
Change that ringtone. Get some Guns N' Roses or something.
in 6185-8021 case
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
Bad guys
6185-8021
Good guys
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
in an -8020 case. Long discussion on the subject
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
in an -8020 case.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Auction was canceled
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Above watch relisted
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Above watch relisted again! This time the auction wasn’t canceled.
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Might be useful for parts! Missing crystal and second hand, stained dial, poor case… Auction got canceled.
6186-8000
Good guys
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
at Phillips
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Blue dial. Very scratched up!
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
The same watch from “You know as well as I do…”, looking very different under different lighting. Minimum bid of 1.25M, someone took it.
45GS Series
4520/2-7000 (all variants)
Good guys
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
This never happened to the other fellow
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Including correct inner box and buckle
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Oddly patinated dial - someone got a bargain here!
More traditionally patinated dial, and a great price for the winning bidder
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Gently patinated dial.
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Deeply patinated dial.
Bad guys
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
be careful with price tickets!
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
Not a Wako limited edition
The world as we know it is coming undone
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Bizarre frankenstein
When do I start going downhill?
4520/2-7010
Good guys
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
When do I start going downhill?
Examples of both dials (36000 and non-36000) in the same week. Not the best of condition, but worth including for the educational value!
Bad guys
4520/2-8000 (all variants)
Good guys
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
One never really knows one’s own true intentions
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
Remember boys, no points for second place.
The world as we know it is coming undone
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
This never happened to the other fellow
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
with box and papers, and a second one with papers
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Cap gold examples of both 4520- and 4522-
and a service case for the cap gold 4522-
steel 4520-. The one everyone is after
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Super example of the cap gold -8000 with box and papers
Too late for the newsletter, but a 1969 Toshiba Commemorative complete with original inner box, matching numbers certificate, and Seiko guarantee papers. A ridiculous bargain at just 151,000 for the lucky winner!
When do I start going downhill?
Box, certificate, retailer guarantee. Oddly the certificate is the wrong case number, but the retailer guarantee matches the watch.
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Looks to be an untouched, heavily tarnised, case. I bought it. Will share in a couple of weeks.
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
on Yahoo and at Phillips
I see you handle you’re weapon well
4520/2-8010
Good guys
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
“Hey - I found something in the hall closet the other day.”
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Never let a tragedy go to waste
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
I see you handle you’re weapon well
watch, and a separately listed buckle
Terrible listing, but comes complete with the 18K buckle
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Complete with certificate (generic) and inner (Hi-Beat 36000) and outer boxes. And the original buckle. Case a little soft, but went for almost 600K regradless.
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Original caseback protection sticker
Bad guys
Reprinted dial but with a fabulous 3rd party bracelet
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Dial reprinted - dial code text on the wrong side of the indicies.
I don’t want to do this anymore
Nothing dodgy, just poor condition
4580-7010
Bad guys
Case and movement only with no dial, wrong handset and wrong crown. Movement possibly originated in a 4580-7020 Seiko Astronomical Observatory Chronometer and has been recased.
4580-7020
Bad guys
Can’t wait until Friday for this one
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
This never happened to the other fellow
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
19GS Series
1964-0010/0020 (all variants)
Good girls
Remember boys, no points for second place.
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Bad girls
Multiple vintage Grand Seikos with poorly redone dials
56GS Series
5641/5-5000
Good guys
Never let a tragedy go to waste
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Always check the dial periphery
Not the best condition, closed for 209,000 Yen.
This one is though (although missing original 18K buckle), closed for 411,000 Yen.
5645/6-5010
Good guys
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
Super example of the blue dial 5646 listed at a starting price of 200K. No-one took it, but read on…
… because it was relisted the following week and closed for 204K!
Is it a good guy or a bad guy? Hard to decide!
5641/5/6-7000
Good guys
Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
It’s grotesque - I’ll give you $20,000 for it.
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
Toshiba commemorative 1973
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
I don’t feature these often because they’re arguably the least collectible of all vintage Grand Seiko references, but this was a nice one so deserved some exposure!
Bad guys
Another round of auctions to be wary of
5641/5/6-7000
Good guys
I see you handle you’re weapon well
5646-7000 on bracelet with box and a 5641-7000 Toshiba commemorative
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
5646-7000 on an XAB271 bracelet and with a 36000 box
Bad Guys
I don’t want to do this anymore
Wrong bracelet (but it’s correct for the odd 6155-8000 listing)
5641/5/6-7005
Good guys
The triggers are anger and fear
on superb third party bracelet
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
the above watch re-listed
Bad guys
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
I see you handle you’re weapon well
relisting of the watch featured in “Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?”
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Case ruined by polishing
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Another one with a ruined case
5645/6-7010/1 (all variants)
Good guys
All quiet on the Eastern front
One of the nicest patinated dials I’ve ever seen on one of these
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
You break the rules and become the hero. I do it and I become the enemy.
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
People are easy if they can be motivated with money
Lies travel faster than the truth
The triggers are anger and fear
Everything I’ve learned about people, I’ve learned from Thomas
If there was only bad people doing bad things, it'd be easy to get rid of them.
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
It looks like a watch, but it’s really a laser. It keeps perfect time.
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
I see you handle you’re weapon well
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
Silver dial, and a listing for the XQB070 bracelet
Beautiful lemon patina dial. Will I manage to get this one? Or will I be outbid as usual (I was outbid)?!
Stunning CG 5645 with original strap, buckle and price ticket. I got outbid again! Congrats to whoever got this - superb value even at 182K
Beautifully patinated dial on a 5645. I should have chased it harder!
I don’t want to do this anymore
Finally I get around to recommending a SS one of these that doesn’t have a patinated dial!
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Deep yellow patinated dial. Finally I won one of these!
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Inner and outer boxes for a 56GS on a bracelet
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Super clean 5646-7010
But that one wasn’t as good as this one. Boxes, papers, buckle on original strap, caseback protection sticker. As good as you could hope to ever find.
Inner and outer boxes
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Boxes galore!
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
I don’t know what’s happened to this blue dialed 5646-7010, but I like it!
XQB011 bracelet
Inner and outer boxes (two sets)
I didn’t know you could fly a plane
Dead stock, including original buckle, price ticket and strap, and caseback sticker
Bad guys
Welcome paid subscribers, and thank you!
Another round of auctions to be wary of
No, faceted crystals on these does not mean it was a Wako limited edition
The world as we know it is coming undone
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
Again, no. It’s not a Wako limited edition.
Not sure how anyone can claim “dead stock” on a watch with a replaced (and incorrect) crystal. Remarkably someone paid 342K for this.
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Another “Wako” limited edition that isn’t.
5646-7020
Good guys
You’ll smell him soon enough. He really likes that cologne.
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
Rather scratched though
Bad guys
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
how to identify the correct faceted crystal
5646-7030
Good guys
I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.
I don't need anything that fancy. Just t-shirt and jeans.
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
I don’t want to do this anymore
Last week a dodgy one, this week a great one.
Bad guys
Remember boys, no points for second place.
Redone dial, wrong price ticket, wrong box, wrong buckle. Careful with this seller…
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
At first glance it could be the XQB240 bracelet, but wrong endlinks. Almost certainly a non-GS bracelet that has been fitted with a GS clasp.
If I let you know where I’m going, then I won’t be on holiday
Case poorly repolished
5646-7040
Good guys
Never let a tragedy go to waste
Lovely example reached 270K
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Bad Guys
You’re not the man I knew ten years ago
Wrong caseback
5645/6-8000 (all variants)
Good guys
I already told you - I don’t wanna join your super secret boy band
two examples of the stunning 18K case and bracelet
I’m going to tell you a story about a man
grey dial 5646, no bracelet though
XQB040 bracelet
Word in the ether was you’d lost your memory
XQB040 bracelet
Box (actually for any 56GS on a bracelet, but I’ll stick it here)
Bad guys
It’s not a vintage Grand Seiko, but I like it
Seiko 5718-8000 charcoal dial
"Would you put day drinking under experience, or special abilities?"
Grand Seiko SBGW251
Seiko Quartz Astron
Shouldn’t we synchronize our watches?
Seiko 5717-8990 Crown Chronograph
Citizen Chronomaster Chronometer
Grand Seiko SBGR007
I can assure, you my intentions are strictly honourable
Seiko 3823-7040 18k quartz VFA
You may know the right wines, but you're the one on your knees. How does it feel old man?
Casio Casiotron 04-503
Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.
Seiko 0124-0030
Seiko SBS005 “Spacewalk”
This never happened to the other fellow
Seiko Grand Quartz 9940-7010
If at first you don’t succeed… Mr Kidd?
Seiko Grand Quartz 9940-7000
Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook out!
Seiko 9980-8000 Twin quartz Superior
You're that secret agent! That English secret agent! From England!
Seiko Grand Quartz 9940-7010
Seiko Grand Quartz 4843-8110
Seiko Lord Marvel 14056 full set
Give us a kiss, give us a kiss
Seiko 3823-7030 18k quartz VFA
Forgive my curiosity, but, what is that?
Seiko 68-6000 UTD
Seiko 0531-0010
Whoever it was, it must have scared the living daylights out of her.
Seiko 9983-8000 export twin quartz Superior
Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?
Grand Seiko SBGW033
Some day, you'll have to make good on your innuendos
Seiko Motorist
With all due respect, M, sometimes I don't think you have the balls for this job!
Seiko 9983-8000 Twin quartz Superior
Seiko SBAD001 Impact hand wound quartz
If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
Seiko 0138-5020
I see you handle you’re weapon well
Seiko 3820-6000 VFA
I’ve got a little itch… down there. Would you mind?
SBGW044 - the 18K yellow gold recreation of the 44GS
I suppose it’s too late to make a run for it
SBGW044 - last week’s watch gets relisted after the top bid was cancelled, and, no surprises, the auction gets canceled again.
SBGR007 - the only modern era pre-rebrand Grand Seiko to have a carved logo dial. No collection is complete without one of these!
I don’t want to do this anymore
SBGF003 - a very interesting modern GS from 1995. I guess we should be calling these “neo-vintage Grand Seikos” now?
You know as well as I do decisions made in real time are never perfect
Seiko 6215-7000. Someone got an absolute bargain picking this one up - congratulations!
Credor 5932-5020 “Locomotive” (two of them)
Seiko 3883-7000 “Morpho Butterfly” Available (still!) from yours truly.
This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds
Grand Seiko SBGA473 Seibu Ikebukuro/Sogo Chiba limited edition of 73 pieces
I’m part of an agency called the IMF
Seiko 0138-5020 stripe bracelet, mint
Seiko 3883-7000 Morpho Butterfly
Why am I Pluto? It’s not even a planet anymore!
Seikomatic Chronometer 6245-9000, includes rotor discussion that will help you check if a 62GS started life as a Seikomatic.
Citizen Chronometer in stainless steel
Seiko 6159-7001 with boxes, straps (including the orange one)
When do I start going downhill?
Seiko 0614-5000, and it’s running!
A simply glorious Seiko 3820-3000 VFA 18K pocket watch with chrysanthemum styled hand carved case.
Nothing shocks me. I’m a scientist
Grand Seiko SBGS005 (the first platinum GS since the first one)
I didn’t know you could fly a plane
Seiko UTD 6810-0020 complete with inner and outer box, certificate, and cleaning cloth
Love it! Thank you for taking the time and effort to put this together ❤. This is a big help for a novice like me
This is gold! THANK YOU!