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That's really rather lovely Tony.
Great PR as well, I'd like to try the caliber myself one day.
But, are you sure it's real crocodile, the strap
Daddel.
I had one of these - a GS SBGR061 - (and wore it when I got married) about three years ago. It's a lovely watch, with an impeccable standard of finish typical of the Grand Seiko marque... can't actually recall why I sold it, but then that applies to many of the watches I've sold! The history of the "Grand" element of Seiko is interesting, and one that I became quite familiar with when I first owned a vintage 61GS from all the way back to 1968. This is taken directly from Seiko's website, but it encapsulates everything pretty well...
"Seiko won every accuracy competition in Japan in the 1950's and then sought new challenges on the international stage. Seiko's application to join the Neuchatel Observatory Contest in 1960's was graciously accepted , but the first results were a disaster! Seiko finished no better than 144th. However, the results improved rapidly and, by 1968, Seiko achieved first place in the mechanical watch category of Geneva Observatory Contest. The rapid development of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking expertise made possible the creation of the Grand Seiko standard and the determination to create the best, functional watch in the world.
Grand Seiko became a truly attractive commercial proposition when, in 1968, automatic winding was added to the already renowned accuracy of the first Grand Seiko creations. In 1968, a 10-beat automatic model 61GS was made, immediately followed by a 10-beat hand winding model 45GS and a10-beat women's model 19GS. In 1969, specially adjusted models of 61GS V.F.A. and 45GS V.F.A. were created, delivering one- minute per month accuracy, which remains the gold standard in the mechanical watch industry."
Impressive, eh?
Anyway, I picked this up over the weekend, and I have to say that I'm very happy with it; it really is a kind of all-purpose, classic style and i'll be able to wear it both formally and casually without any problems. Should you be interested the spec is below, with details on the Seiko website here:
Drive system - Mechanical Automatic (Hand winding capability)
Caliber No. - 9S65
Case - Stainless steel
Case back - -through case back with sapphire crystal
Glass - High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Band - Crocodile
Buckle - Stainless steel with three-fold clasp with push button release
Accuracy - 5 ~ -3 seconds/ day
Water resistance - 3 bar
Magnetic resistance - than 4800 A/m (60 gauss)*
Weight - 84g
Case thickness - 13.1mm
Case diameter - 39.5mm
Jewels – 35
The movement is impeccable, although I have to say that the finish in terms of decoration is fairly utilitarian. That aside, it contains 35 jewels, regulated at six positions and three temperatures; this compares favourably with COSC, which I believe requires testing in 5 positions and two temperatures (Seiko's additional temperature is one that is intended to match the conditions on the wrist). The daily variation is between -3 to +5 seconds per day (yes, even better than COSC, which of course permits a variation of between -4 to +6 seconds). The 9S65 beats 28,800 times per hour and provides a very good power reserve of 72 hours.
And finally, the obligatory photos...
That's really rather lovely Tony.
Great PR as well, I'd like to try the caliber myself one day.
But, are you sure it's real crocodile, the strap
Daddel.
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
As I said in the Seiko thread, this is pure class. It's one of those watches where (and I speak for myself only here obviously) all the elements come together perfectly to create something very special.
Love it love it love it.
David
Fabulous. Looks great.
Love the dial colour, and the seconds hand is very striking!
Last edited by mostly_lurking; 19th January 2015 at 15:14.
Yes, love that - Simple elegance, great craftsmanship and that gorgeous cream dial!
I remember seeing pictures of your watch (the first time you had this) when I joined TZ-UK and it was then that I actually first heard of GS. Your pics made me yearn to own a GS one day and happily I now do.
So thanks for the intro to GS and the lovely pics. Hope you do get a set done with this one too as I'd look forward to seeing them.
The GS off-white/cream is rather special. It 'changes' in color depending on light conditions.Originally Posted by mostly_lurking
Absolutely lovely.
The cream dial and the slender blue second hand compliment each other beautifully.
Very nice, clean design. Just lovely :)
It's just a matter of time...
If I ever find myself in a position to buy a GS, that'll be the one! Absolutely beautiful!
But, are you sure it's real crocodile, the strap
Daddel.
Congrats Tony-thats the one I like simple and the dial colour cream/ivory? looks great-enjoy
Absolute stunner Tony!! I would really love one of these at some point!!
Enjoy!
Chris
Excellent movement and looks good Tony, well.......... what I can see of it in that murk....... ;-)
F.T.F.A.
Absolutely stunning watch..
Electric is off at the minute.Beautiful dial with blue hands. Way more casual dressy than others you have. Perfect size.
PS: I'm surprised you haven't written more with some more pix.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Fantastic watch, hope to have one one day exactly as yours.
At some point I will try a GS. Looks fantastic Tony !
Congratulations Tony
Without a shadow of doubt, this is my utmost favourite Seiko GS.
What a stunning combination of off cream dial, highly polished hands and a blue second hand.
One day the GS SBGR061will be added to my small collection.
Absolutely gorgeous.
I've never owned one, but did try a few on at the CW Sellors Christmas show at Chatsworth. The GS rep was there and he was happy showing me the range, though my girlfriend was somewhat less intrigued. And this one was my favourite...
I was also once approached in Selfridges at the GS counter by a chap with the titanium diver on a leather strap. The staff knew him and he almost over-enthusiastically extolled the virtues of the brand!
Ant
+1 ^
If I ever purchased a GS, this would be the one for me.
Glad you are enjoying it Tony - don't let this one go!
Do let the moonphase go in the future Ryan :) - (personally think Tony was a bit bonkers :) )
Your past pictures turned me mad.
So I bought it and pictured it too:
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...-Seiko-SBGR061
You replied to me that it was sitting between 2 chairs, not that casual and not really dressy because too thick.
I sold it too. I regret this fantastic dial and gorgeous hands but not the case and crystal.
Well, it's probably the closest watch to my ideal dress watch until today.
Nice to see you got one back :)
I know, I'm such a git
Seriously, though, I think my mistake was wanting it to be one thing or another, when in fact it's a bit of both.
By the way, your photos are fantastic. You'd better get another one...
I think while Grand Seiko is probably amongst the very best in terms of watches faces (dial, hands) and have great movments, they are still looking themselves for the cases.
But that's my very personal tastes ;)
What a stunning watch and pictures. So pure and well executed. Enjoy it!
A total stunner IMO
Very nice and congrats.
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