Sometimes, you just got to go for it

Introduction

Sadly nothing as exciting this week as that remarkable 6185-8000 VFA that - I believe - sold for a new record on Yahoo Japan for not just a vintage Grand Seiko, but for any Seiko whatsoever. The auction even got a write-up in the Robb Report!

This was quite possibly a once-in-a-generation example of this reference, although on occasion, headline grabbing sales like this can bring some other interesting pieces out into the open, so definitely watch this space over the coming weeks and months.

It does feel as if the entire Yahoo Auction community is taking a breather this week, but that’s probably more down to the fact that it is Golden Week in Japan, rather than as a result last week’s escapades, so sadly not too much to write up, but here we go…

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Nick Conklin

Grand Seiko 5641-7000

This 56GS is described as being of “dead stock grade”, which is not too far from the truth. Yes, it’s missing its caseback protection sticker (increasingly becoming all the rage!), but the case looks to be in pretty much untouched condition, and the dial extremely clean. The strap certainly won’t be original, but frankly, unless you’re looking to exhibit a watch in a museum, you don’t really get much benefit from the original straps since they do degrade over the years. The buckle is of the correct design, but as always from photos alone it’s impossible to tell whether or not it’s truly original, or a modern reproduction.

The 5641-7000 is not the most collectible of the 56GS series, but it’s hard to argue that any vintage Grand Seiko in this kind of condition doesn’t deserve a good home, so it’s unsurprising to see the bidding exceeding 100,000 Yen already.

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Grand Seiko 43999 SD dial

The immediately obvious think to point out with this SD dialed 43999 from October 1963 is of course that it has the “wrong” crown. These would originally only come with the coarse knurled crown, with the stainless steel fine knurled one seen here having been fitted at a service at some point in the watch’s lifetime.

The case on this example looks to be in great condition, with the bevels running down the flanks retaining pretty strong lines, but there is a stain under the 1 o’clock index that needs careful consideration before deciding whether or not to get involved in the bidding.

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Grand Seiko 4420-9000 early dial

This is a very tricky one to evaluate due to the angles from which the watch has been photographed. Despite there being no fewer than 7 photos of the watch presented from different angles, in not one of them can we actually see the edge of the case flanks. Whether that is by accident or design is anyone’s guess. There’s no hiding the issues with the caseback medallion though.

The lugs kinda look OK, but take a heavy does of caveat emptor with this one if you do decide to chase it. It could turn out to be a great buy, but it’s a risky one.

Regarding the dial, there is just a slight stain under the applied GS logo, along with a few minor spots to be aware of.

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Grand Seiko 1984-3000

Pick of the bunch this week is probably this 19GS ladies VFA, although it is in a rather sorry state, with the most obvious problem being…

These references are rare enough that I’m sure there will be more than one or two people out there brave enough to take it on as a project, but it’s going to take a lot of work to get it back into a decent condition. I can certainly see a trip to Poland in this watch’s future to rectify this -

It’s a real shame that the only 19GS VFA that I’m aware of to ever turn up with its original certificate is in such poor condition.

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Grand Seiko 4520-8000

Whilst this 45GS looks to be in very good condition, with a clean dial and very sharp case, be warned that it is described as being in “junk” condition, so whether or not it is actually working at all is a mystery. Maybe one for the brave amongst us. If you do go for this and win it, let us know how it turns out!

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Koji Sato

The first Grand Seiko with black dial

No need for any words with this one.

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Redone coloured dial summary

I close with the usual copy/pasted reminder to steer clear of any vintage Grand Seikos with coloured dials similar to the above. This is not a comprehensive photo - there are many references that get this “treatment”, so be careful out there.

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