COMMENT
Produced in 1968, this Grand Seiko Ref.6146-8000 features a silver sunburst dial divided by vertical and horizontal crosshairs. Applied baton indexes and straight baton hands are accented with black inserts, improving legibility against the silver surface. A day-date display is positioned at 3 o’clock, while the applied GS emblem and “HI-BEAT 36000” inscription above 6 o’clock clearly identify it as a high-frequency model.
The case shows scratches from use, though the brushed upper surfaces of the lugs and the defined transitions to the case sides remain visible, preserving the original proportions of its multifaceted construction. The polished bezel and case sides display age-appropriate marks but retain their overall form. The silver dial shows slight spotting, while the radial finish, crosshairs, and printed details remain clear. The gold-tone GS medallion on the case back retains its design well, and the original GS-signed crown remains fitted. Fully serviced by our watchmaker.
Inside is the 25-jewel automatic Cal.6146A, Japan’s first self-winding high-beat movement. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, or ten beats per second, it is equipped with manual winding, hacking seconds, and day-date functions. Its higher frequency was designed to reduce the effect of external disturbances on accuracy while providing a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and stable timekeeping. Combining a sharply faceted case, crosshair dial, and ten-beat movement, this example clearly presents the defining characteristics of the early 61GS.
