KIH provides an exclusive look into the annual Grand Seiko Salon in Japan, detailing the new membership requirements for attendance. Despite restrictions, he shares a treasure trove of photographs featuring incredible vintage Grand Seiko pieces available for sale at the event, offering a rare glimpse into early models and their distinguishing dial characteristics.
There is annual Grand Seiko salon here in Japan. I have reported the first one here:
It was "invitation from AD" event, but since last year it became "actual Grand Seiko purchaser from certain ADs AFTER xx/xx/xx" event. Basically, SEIKO created "GS Club" and the membership requires purchase at specific ADs after specific dates. So, no matter how many GS you have, you have to buy new one recently, you cannot be a member nor invited to this event now..... This may sound like a complaint (and it is), but I managed to purchase this one recently:
.. and now I got invitation (but it is still first-in-first-served basis!) and I could go this year....
That said, I couldn't take photos of the event - sorry - BUT I could take wonderful bunch of vintage pieces there (SEIKO invited a vintage shop to be a part of the "Salon" - yes, these are available for sale!).
Yes, the merchandise display case is in the Grand Seiko Salon!
This is the first Grand Seiko, early model...
No "S" mark on the crown, but this is the original.
Another Grand Seiko first, probably the latest model.
The dial of the earlier model, with "SD mark below the "Diashock 25 jewels". SD=Special Dial, meaning the the base metal of the dial and index is solid gold.
Dial of the latest model. AD mark=Applique dial, meaning the base metal of the dial is bronze and the index bars are plated gold.
Notice also the font of the "Diashock 25 jewels" is also different.
The early model has "Japan Made" in the center around 6 o'clock.
The latest model has just "Japan" at a bit left of 6 o'clock.
Now, what is this???
Grand Seiko first, all right.....
SS, like mine?
Nooooo! This is the legendary PLATINUM Grand Seiko first! This is my first encounter...........
...and what is this?
This is THE first VFA model, based on 45 caliber. Yes, the first VFA did not have VFA on the dial. And the case is a bit "unique".
And this is yet another legendary "Observatory Chronometer". Movement inside did actually passed the Neuchatel Observatory Chronometer test. Only 73 were sold in 1969.
Please read my article here for the VFA/ Observatory Chronometer challenge story:
The world's very first quartz wrist watch, Astron. With B&P!!!
Unfortunately, it looks to be sold already.....
This one, without box or paper, was also displayed.
...and "normal" vintage GS...
57GS, early one with "Chronometer" inscription - COSC told SEIKO to take it off and so SEIKO did - the start of GS standard, which is stricter than COSC.
57GS, the later model.
62GS
.. and lady's 19GS. If I had.....
)
Wow! My eyes are so happy to see these rare pieces. I am surprised that SEIKO did let these vintage products for sale at its GS Salon event.
Anyway, I hope your eyes enjoy these, too!
Best,
This message has been edited by KIH on 2016-07-15 05:44:29
