Within the world of vintage Seiko, Grand Seiko – distinguished by the “GS” on dial/crown and gold medallion on its caseback, as seen on this crisp full-serviced & starburst-dialed 1972 Grand Seiko 5646-8000 automatic here – inhabits the top of the food chain, simple as that. Grand Seiko demonstrates well what's so incredible about Japanese craftsmanship, namely, supreme attention to detail and refinement.
Grand Seiko – with 51 different models – were simply the most painstakingly designed and exquisite watches made by Seiko, produced by both the Dani and Suwa factories, including the 56GS line here.
The 56GS series, often referred to as “Ultra Thin,” included 18 variations - and transitioned from manual wind to automatic beginning in the 1970s. That said, precision level suffered as a result, but reliability level increased with its balance of maintenance, reliability, and precision.
The Grand Seiko 56GS series is the final Grand Seiko model Seiko made before production ceased in 1976, a self-inflicted fatality of the Quartz Crisis (which was brought on by the Seiko invention of the quartz watch in 1969). Produced from mid/late 1970 through circa early 1976, based upon the serial number, this is an earlier model produced in mid-1972. The GS 5645 is regarded as one of the best combinations of reliability, precision, and maintenance within the original GS lineup.
Of note, its relatively uncomplicated to get parts for the 56GS, despite over half a century of time passing since its production - a slightly less fine-tuned calibre 56 movement was also used in King Seiko and Lordmatics. Make no mistake, Grand Seiko marked - and still continues to mark - the very best Seiko has to offer, easily on par with the vast majority of what Switzerland has to offer by way of competition.
This Grand Seiko comes on a suede leather strap, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
Hi-Beat 1972 Grand Seiko 5646-8000 Automatic Dress Watch
DIAL: Brilliant silver starburst Grand Seiko-signed dial, with applied hour indices; no blemishes or dial edge patina present. Matching hour, minute, and second hands, and both day and date functions work as designed.
CASE: Grammar of Design stainless-steel case measures 37mm x 40mm; gold Grand Seiko eblem on caseback is in overall good condition, with limited wear - these are frequently quite worn to the point of absence from the wearer's sweat over the decades.
CRYSTAL: Original crystal, in good condition.
BAND: This Grand Seiko comes on a brown suede leather strap; it also comes with a red, black , and grey nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Grand Seiko hi-beat 5645A automatic movement; the 25 jewel movement beats at 28,800 bph and was produced by Seiko's Suwa factory in July 1972. We have performed a full service on this Grand Seiko.
CROWN: Correct “GS”-signed Grand Seiko crown.