KIH
[Purist]
12054
Grand Seiko Salon + Incredible Vintage Pieces
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???
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".
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...
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.....
)
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,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2016-07-15 05:44:29
Grand Seiko Salon + Incredible Vintage Pieces
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"...
Very rare timepieces you had the chance to see in real and took pictures for all of us.
Thank you to give us the opportunity to discover such timepieces. Best wishes Alkiro
Thank you Ken.
Your posts and reports are always top notch and very educational and interesting. Many thanks again and please continue to show us the treasures in Japan!
Aladdin's treasure trove
This is quite a spectacular selection that\'s available! I suppose the event inside (of which you were not allowed to take pictures) was equally impressive?
Event are for fans...
.. there were activities such as demonstration of watchmaking, fan's participation trial on assembling the balance wheel module, putting index on the dial, etc..... having your photograph with your GS on the wrist, kids' watch school, and such. Very crowd...