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An absolutely stunning, original and complete example of this historic and sought after Seikomatic that was in effect the first automatic Grand Seiko in all but name. Seikomatic Chronometers were introduced in mid 1965 with a new higher beat rate of 19800bph in preparation for their transformation into Grand Seikos in July 1966 which coincided with Seiko’s decision to create a new Grand Seiko standard in time-keeping, having been thwarted in their attempts to have their Chronometer grade watches recognized as such by the Swiss institutions.* A nice aspect of these watches is that they were marked Chronometer on the dial, have a the lion medallion and the automatic winding rotor is also marked Chronometer. On the later GS version the word chronometer was dropped from the dial/rotor the lion was replaced with the GS medallion. Even with the short production run this was an early example with movement serial number 001429 and case-back 5N00514
These watches combine exquisite 'Grammar of Design' styling with a fabulous movement and gorgeous dial. The photos speak for themselves but it's getting extremely hard to find examples in this kind of condition. The case and case back are in great condition, never machine polished and the lion medallion is sharp and well defined. Freshly serviced by our watchmaker and running at Chronometer grade accuracy. Glass and case-back gasket were replaced at service (originals will be provided with the watch).
Movement: Original SEIKO Cal. 6245A - Serial Number 001429 in beautiful condition, screw heads pristine, no previous service marks. Fully serviced October 2020, test worn for 24 hours & keeping chronometer grade time during inspection. Please see photos of watch on timegraher for readings. Accuracy shown cannot be guaranteed but +/- 10 s/d is our benchmark for serviced watches. Day/date turn over at midnight & quickset works as it should. Not guaranteed water resistant.
Dial: Beautiful silver sunburst, as near mint as you can get. Raised applied SEIKO logo and wedge shaped polished indices. Marked Chronometer below logo, SEIKOMATIC DDIASHOCJ 35 Jewels above 6 and Japan 6245 -9000TAD below 6 o'clock
Glass: Replace at service with NOS Seiko 330T07ANS (original will be provided with watch)
Hands: Original, sword shape, near mint.
Case: Original, unpolished stainless steel, some very minor age related wear but no noticeable dings whasoever. Beautiful case back, very well defined markings and iconic lion medallion
Crown: Well fitted at 4 o'clock. Quickset working smoothly but as with all vintage watches it is very important not to use the feature between 8pm and 4am as it will stress the mechanism
Jewels: 35
Beat Rate: 19,800bph
Diameter: Approx. 36.5mm
Lug width: 19mm
Band: Aftermarket genuine black leather
Year and location of manufacture - November 1965 - Serial No. 5N00514 - Suwa Factory
* The story of Seiko and the Observatory competitions in Switzerland
By the late 1950's the Swiss were in a league of their own as other watch making countries such as Germany, France, Britain and the US began to fall behind in terms of quality and accuracy. Seiko saw this as an opportunity to prove their worth as makers of world class chronometer grade movements and in 1964 began participating in the annual competition for accuracy hosted by the Neuchâtel Observatory in Switzerland - The aesthetic side of SEIKO’S mechanical watches were shaped and influenced by Taro Tanaka's now famous 'Grammar of Design' introduced in the late 1950's and still widely copied in quality watches of all makes to this day - Seiko’s results for the first year were disappointing but by the 1967 competition Seiko had won second and third places. For reasons unknown, Neuchâtel cancelled it's competition and the interest shifted to Geneva. A year later, Seiko demonstrated the best accuracy ever recorded, dominating the observatory competition for mechanical movements. Within four years Seiko had taken the world’s No.1 spot, sending shock waves through the watch making establishment. The results seem to have disturbed the Swiss watch making giants greatly and are still not widely recognised today. By 1968 both competitions had been cancelled for good...makes you wonder right? In my opinion SEIKO watches from this era are still underrated, unappreciated and undervalued, representing fantastic value for those looking for excellence in quality of workmanship, accuracy and finish. Please feel free to ask any questions and thanks for looking.