Horological Meandering

I mean, three Seikos.

Three of my favorites: Grand Seiko 43999, Seiko SUS SCFF001, Seiko SUS SCFF003.

... very, very rare to see.
Nice trio - wonderful collection!  Thank you for sharing!

Ken

Very few Grand Seikos have "Chronometer" on the dial. As I know, only the first three references do: 3180, 43999, and 5722A. Supposedly, the GS logo on the later models (starting with 5722B) indicates the watch/movement is actually even more accurate than a chronometer. And I love many of them, too. But I just go nuts for a "Chronometer" GS.

... and I have read somewhere that the "Chronometer" print on the dial got controversial and complaint was filed by COSC, and SEIKO soon backed down and took that print away.  That was when SEIKO started or raised the bar of its own "Chronometer" level testing, which is actually MORE than COSC test (one more position and more severe temperature test or something like that, if my memory serves me well) and established "GS standard".

Ken

I also learned that Seiko had to withdraw the word "Chronometer" due to the pressure from Swiss watch industry. That was around 1966. At that time, chronometers were supposed to be certified by BOs (Bureaux Officiels de Controle de la marche des montres) within Switzerland. It's indeed a valid argument. Seiko soon set up its own GS Standard. The first GS that was certified by this standard was 5722B which was essentially 5722A but with GS logo replacing "Chronometer" on the dial and gold lion medallion on the case back.

COSC was formed in 1973; it consolidated all BOs. By then, Seiko already had GS Special and GS VFA, which are even more exacting than GS Standard. And later GS Standard also got elevated along with the introduction of 9S movement.

Regarding "Chronometer" Seikos, besides the three early Grand Seiko models, there are also a few Seikos and King Seikos with "Chronometer" on the dial. What I also found interesting, is that after Seiko stopped using "Chronometer" on GS, Swiss approved Japan Chronometer Association (JCA) was established to officially certify chronometers in Japan, until 1983. But it came too late. We never saw another "Chronometer" Grand Seiko again.

The above is based on my reading over various documents and online posts. I look forward to corrections to any wrong info. Just for the same reason that I am fond of some other brands, what's fascinating about Seiko and Grand Seiko is not only the watches themselves, but also the history and stories behind them.

Mine was just superficial and your are much more complete and I learn much from your post.  Thank you for that!
Looking forward to sharing and exchanging info and history about SEIKO going forward!  My hats off to you.

Best,
Ken

and stunning photos!

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The Chronometer is lovely, but those SUSs are just great.

Seiko's 90's effort to market mechanicals to the youth market.

SUS was initially targeted to the Japanese youth market in mid 90s, and apparently Seiko did a great job.

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I'd take any one of them (or all 3)

Cazalea

I'm into Seikos these days. And I just got one yesterday.

Thanks for sharing.

love the lugs on that Grand Seiko

J

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love the Pilots

 i have a very soft spots for Pilot Style Watches.

 Cheers

And so do the GS!

 

Q? What size has the SUS?

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

is 35mm. On wrist it looks like 34mm. But if you see it in a picture just by itself, you may think it's 38mm. Only when you see it in metal, or in a picture along with other watches like GS 43999 which is 37mm, you can tell it's really a small watch. At least that's what happened to me.

SCFF001 is probably the most famous and sought after SUS. Since it was targeted to Asian market, it makes sense to come with small size. Even though it's small in today's standard, it's well portioned and is very comfortable to wear. It's one of my favorite watches to wear in the summer. Light, robust, precise, water resistant to 100m. Good enough for me. I especially like to wear it with NATO strap. Sweat in a hot summer day? No sweat.  I just wash the watch and the strap with fresh cold water. The next day the strap is dry. Just put the watch on the wrist again.