Introduction One of the perennial challenges in collecting vintage Grand Seiko has always been establishing what the correct buckles are for each of the references. The primary sources of information as to which references were in the range at any one time are of course the Seiko catalogues from the era, and I have written an extensive series of
Great read. Do you think the buckle for a 43999 was different from the one on the 57GS? I am thinking (hoping) an SS version of the one from the first GS.
Hi Stefan - no evidence either way (I’ve never seen a 43999 set, though I do have an AD from 1/64 with box and papers, but it had no strap or buckle). Wouldn’t “feel” right to me if it was like the one from the first GS. Hopefully one day something will turn up!
Typically around $100 or so. They don’t come up often, and it’s pretty clear that almost nobody is aware of the difference. Or maybe people just don’t care :)
Thanks for reply, it is by luck I trust. And I have another question that you mention in a auction seller(K42xxxxx) seem always sell the aftermarket buckle, I just bought one from him before I join your member, therefore I can’t avoid, mine buckle really not the one shown in the picture, but I can’t realise it is original or aftermarket because the quality I think it is very good. Do you have any advise? Many thanks
Looking forward to securing my first GS.
Likely to be a 57 GS from circa 1966 and now have a clear direction on the buckle that I shall need to accompany it.
One also gets an idea from the photos of the straps that are correct for the models.
Seems that at the time straps featured one thick leather securing hoop rather than the two thinner ones popular today.
A lot of work has clearly been put in, but a great reference that enhances appreciation of the brand as a whole.
Again Thank You!
Great read. Do you think the buckle for a 43999 was different from the one on the 57GS? I am thinking (hoping) an SS version of the one from the first GS.
Hi Stefan - no evidence either way (I’ve never seen a 43999 set, though I do have an AD from 1/64 with box and papers, but it had no strap or buckle). Wouldn’t “feel” right to me if it was like the one from the first GS. Hopefully one day something will turn up!
Hi, can I ask how much the original VFA’s buckle you spend for? It is interesting, because the front of the buckle is same as the most normal one.
Typically around $100 or so. They don’t come up often, and it’s pretty clear that almost nobody is aware of the difference. Or maybe people just don’t care :)
Thanks for reply, it is by luck I trust. And I have another question that you mention in a auction seller(K42xxxxx) seem always sell the aftermarket buckle, I just bought one from him before I join your member, therefore I can’t avoid, mine buckle really not the one shown in the picture, but I can’t realise it is original or aftermarket because the quality I think it is very good. Do you have any advise? Many thanks