Grand Seiko 44GS Reissue vs. 61GS Vintage

CaliforniaJed · 2013-09-06T22:54:30Z

CaliforniaJed compares his new Grand Seiko 44GS reissue with a vintage 61GS, highlighting design similarities, hi-beat movements, and the addictive nature of Grand Seiko collecting.

CaliforniaJed

WPS member · Seiko forum

16 replies6553 views10 photos

CaliforniaJed shares his excitement about acquiring two significant Grand Seiko watches: a modern reissue of the 44GS and a vintage 61GS. His post highlights the enduring appeal of Grand Seiko's design and craftsmanship across different eras, offering a direct comparison between a contemporary piece and its vintage counterpart.

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I posted recently about succumbing to the new Grand Seiko reissue of the 44GS. The news of the release from Basel caught my attention. In photos, the sexy lines and amazing finish drew me in. Then KIH recently posted about it and its fantastic handwind movement, and I was hooked. A few weeks ago I found one and bought it. I finally had a chance to take a few pictures. I must admit that the case is amazingly reflective, and my amateur photography skills were not up to the challenge.

As thrilled as I am to have gotten the 44GS, I have discovered that that Grand Seiko's are addictive. Our friend, Cazalea, is a walking example of that fact. Well, I have been bitten by the buy as well.

Meet the 61GS (on the right). It arrived today from Japan!

This vintage 61GS is a really neat companion for the new 44GS. It houses the acclaimed hi beat Cal. 6146A movement, which features an automatic 36,000 beat movement and day and date complications. This one, I'm told, is from 1969. The condition is fantastic, and in the few hours I've owned it, accuracy appears to be fantastic as well. (I'll tty to update that later.)

The two cases are very similar, as are the dials. (A note on the 44GS - you can see a deployant buckle on mine. It came with a tang buckle, but I sourced a Grand Seiko deployant for it to go with a high gloss gator strap I had.)

They are amazingly similar, considering they were made 44 years apart.

I feel like I am just getting my feet wet with Grand Seiko. I am fairly giddy to have found this 61GS in the condition it is in. I must thank KIH, who graciously answered many questions about it as I was considering the purchase.

Best,

CaliforniaJed

Key Points from the Discussion

The vintage 61GS, from 1969, features the acclaimed hi-beat Cal. 6146A automatic movement with day and date complications, showcasing impressive accuracy for its age.
The 61GS caliber is recognized as a fantastic automatic hi-beat movement, essentially the same as the one used in the 61GS VFA, making it a significant piece for collectors.
The 6106 automatic movement, an early variant, is noted for its lack of manual winding and a crown mechanism that allows day/date setting by pushing in, rather than pulling out, the crown.
The 44GS style and case, along with its 'baby brother' the King Seiko, continue to attract collectors, with many actively seeking vintage models.
The Grand Seiko line is appreciated for its precision and distinctiveness, offering an alternative to more common luxury watches.
The reflective nature of Grand Seiko cases, particularly the 44GS, makes them challenging to photograph, yet their finish is a major draw.

The Discussion

KIH

Sep 7, 2013

Congrats! A great pair.

Congrats, CaliforniaJed! 61 caliber is fantastic - automatic hi-beat, essentially the same movement as the one chosen for 61GS VFA. Nice comparison and congratulations for putting them both in your collection box! Best, Ken

CaliforniaJed

Sep 7, 2013

Thanks Ken.

As much fun as I had taking the photos of the pair, I'm having more fun wearing them! Best, CaliforniaJed

cazalea

Sep 7, 2013

Well done

The road is slippery and steep (downhill) and the journey begins with but two steps ... Cazalea

CaliforniaJed

Sep 7, 2013

Help, I'm sliding!

That's a nice one, Mike. I'm unfamiliar, though. Tell me about it. Best, CaliforniaJed

cazalea

Sep 7, 2013

It's a NOS piece I got a couple years ago

An early 6106 automatic, no manual-wind (you must shake it) and it came with box and papers. Pull out crown to set time, push-in to switch day date wheels I\'d like to tell you more Not having opened it, I took this photo from a web search. It gives the term " un-decorated" a new emphasis Can\'t say more; I\'m busy having a "PuristS-style" breakfast snack Fresh figs on left-over cheesecake drizzled with honey and cream! Cazalea

Dr No

Sep 7, 2013

Similar to the Seiko cal 6206B . . .

. . . in my Seiko Sea Lion, which shares the same calendar layout of your Weekdater. Other than the gold finish, additional regulator markings, and other minor differences, they probably share the same base movement.