Latest addition to the collection

[learningtofly]

Now this one I'm really excited about... it's a 1968 Grand Seiko 61GS Hi-Beat. Serviced a year ago, it just needs a light polish and it'll be absolutely perfect.

Beside myself with joy :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/392823630-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/392823711.jpg

[Java]

That's a lovely watch. Really like that :)

[learningtofly]

That's a lovely watch. Really like that :)

Thanks Tim. Ironically, I'd set my heart both on a Grand Seiko and something vintage; I hadn't counted on the two coming in one package though :)

[Java]

You're very lucky that is a superb watch in every way. A true classic.

[harb]

Lovely watch, Tony - the line created by Seiko to show that they could do what the Swiss could, or even better.

For those that don't know about the Grand Seiko line, click here (http://www32.ocn.ne.jp/~kseiya/gs/history-e.html#57)for a history of the Grand Seiko line.
And here (http://www.ninanet.net/watches/others15/Mediums/mseiko5722.html)and here (http://www.ninanet.net/watches/others03/Mediums/mgseiko.html)for more information, reading and great pics.

I have a soft spot for Seiko - it was the first watch I remember my Dad wearing and on which I learnt to tell the time. I also remember wearing my Dad's and had to wear it over two wrist sweatbands so that it would fit - it still didn't but that didn't stop me! I've never owned a Seiko, though.

And...whilst I can appreciate the craft of the GS, I wouldn't have one in the same way that I wouldn't have a Lexus.

I know, I know...that's just the way it is.

[Java]

And...whilst I can appreciate the craft of the GS, I wouldn't have one in the same way that I wouldn't have a Lexus.

I know, I know...that's just the way it is.

I would have a Seiko. But I also would not have a Lexus.

Whereas I appreciate that some of them are OK.

I first drove one, when everyone else had great4 speed autos and they still had the most horrendous 3 speed auto. From then on, I thought, anyone who could do that, and expect to be taken seriously, ever......

Now everyone, who is anyone, and some who are not, has 6 and even 7 speed autos.

Back to the plot. Gonna buy a Seiko one of these days, I probably won't wear it, but I would like to own it.

[learningtofly]

Lovely watch, Tony - the line created by Seiko to show that they could do what the Swiss could, or even better.

For those that don't know about the Grand Seiko line, click here (http://www32.ocn.ne.jp/~kseiya/gs/history-e.html#57)for a history of the Grand Seiko line.
And here (http://www.ninanet.net/watches/others15/Mediums/mseiko5722.html)and here (http://www.ninanet.net/watches/others03/Mediums/mgseiko.html)for more information, reading and great pics.

I have a soft spot for Seiko - it was the first watch I remember my Dad wearing and on which I learnt to tell the time. I also remember wearing my Dad's and had to wear it over two wrist sweatbands so that it would fit - it still didn't but that didn't stop me! I've never owned a Seiko, though.

And...whilst I can appreciate the craft of the GS, I wouldn't have one in the same way that I wouldn't have a Lexus.

I know, I know...that's just the way it is.
Thanks for posting those links, harb (the first, of course, being from the same Seiya-San who's now one of the premier exporter of domestic market models out of Japan).

For those who are interested, Jura Watches (3 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1S 3EP) have just been appointed as the sole agent for the sale of Grand Seiko watches in the UK. This is one of the first steps - following the opening of a boutique store in Paris - in Seiko's recently publicised strategy to move away from the budget/mass produced market for which they're better known and to instead align themselves with the (perceived) luxury brands in Europe.

Bearing in mind that the quality of materials, engineering and the movement itself is better than most of those against which they're pitching themselves, and that the entire end-to-end process is carried out in-house, they've got to have a good chance of succeeding. Plus, of course, they're Japanese!

Should be an interesting one to follow.

[yonkyu]

That is a beauty!

I'm still wanting a Marine Master and one day I will scratch that itch.

Seiko is a good brand, even the low rent offerings are high value, but their top stuff is under rated and not recognized in general, which makes it very appealing to me.

I own 3 Seiko's at this time, a Black Monster - on the wrist today, a military offering on a Seiko super oyster bracelet glass bead blasted to match the watch and a 6105-8119 that's been totally rebuilt and relumed with a sapphire aftermarket crystal and triple lock crown.

[learningtofly]

That is a beauty!

I'm still wanting a Marine Master and one day I will scratch that itch.

Seiko is a good brand, even the low rent offerings are high value, but their top stuff is under rated and not recognized in general, which makes it very appealing to me.

I own 3 Seiko's at this time, a Black Monster - on the wrist today, a military offering on a Seiko super oyster bracelet glass bead blasted to match the watch and a 6105-8119 that's been totally rebuilt and relumed with a sapphire aftermarket crystal and triple lock crown.
Thanks! And I can only advise you to go for the MM when you get an opportunity. Mine hasn't been off my wrist for a week, and you can really only appreciate the when you've got one in your grasp.

[learningtofly]

Well, this beautiful watch arrived this morning. I hurtled downstairs to catch the postman and couldn't resist taking a few quick shots before taking my son to football training. I think I'm in love...

Now, a question. I have the option of getting a sympathetic (and light) polish carried out - there are a fair few scratches as one would expect of a 43-year old watch. So, would you or wouldn't you?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs10.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs7.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/gs6.jpg

[harb]

Good-looking watch, Tony.
I'd have it polished.

[Java]

So would I.

Such a cool movement.


For the Hi beat haters ;

You can't count a tenth if you don't beat it :)

10 beats per second is awsomeness

[learningtofly]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0718.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0726.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0719.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0723.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0725.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_0720.jpg

[harb]

Looks great on the wrist, Tony - and lovely pictures, as usual!

[Carmelo]

i thought you had a Seiko black monster?....or have i got that wrong

[learningtofly]

Well, I've just got this beauty back after the lightest and most sympathetic of case refinishes... still lovely sharp lines, but no more hairline scratches or blemishes to the acrylic crystal. I'm really, really, pleased with it.

43 years old? You'd never know it!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1114.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1115.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1116.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1118.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1119.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1122.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/LightestTouch/Grand%20Seiko%2061GS/IMG_1123.jpg

[Java]

Fabulous watch. Love those fast movements :)

[NickIslander]

Superb! I'm feeling the NEED for one of those... :)