Hello
I just picked up this vintage last week while i was visiting an used shop in town. I actually saw this watch in their website but wasn't really thought of getting it until i see it in fresh. it's a Grand SEIKO Hi-Beat!! 36,000Hz, the condition is good and I have no excuse not to bring this babe home
I tried to take some good pictures like Danny did but unfortunately, my skill is not at his level yet
so, please excuse my lousy pictures and hope you guys enjoy it
The watch was produced in year 1968 to 1969 after some finding online (i did the study after the purchase). Manual winding, 36mm case size (same size compare to Exp1) and around 8mm thick.
The dial is simple, clean and detail. If you notice, the second hand is slim (slimmer then any other watch i have) and it actually can be hided in between the minute hand as you can see below. I think SEIKO did this with purpose (i mean to make the second hand that slim), maybe to reduce the burden on the gear since it's 36K-hz... not sure, i can be wrong :p
It come with a GS signed crown
Honestly, the crown is a bit too small and it's very hard to wind. The winding on this watch is smooth and it takes around 40 times to fully winded. Power reserve around 40 hours.
The date is quick-set-able. For this particular piece, the date change exactly 10 second after midnight
This watch come with a plastic glass. Not very think and it's not dome at all. It's a bit square at the edge as you can see it from the picture. It make it very easy to read time from any angle.
It has a solid case-back with GS signed. I have been told the yellow centeris made of gold but i really not sure. Nothing special at the case-back. Just some model information and series number.
I do not have tools to open the case-back but i did took one picture using my iPhone when i was in that shop.
The movement not really polished and decorated. This movement is hackable.
Opinion:-
1) Clean and good looking dial, very easy to read time.
2) Not sure if it's really operated at 36,000 beat since i have no device to perform any test/check.
3) It has been 3 days since i'm wearing it on Monday. It +0 (or maybe +0.x) in this 3 days.
This is how i test. I first sync the time with my iPhone on Monday morning, i removed the watch from my wrist around 10pm and leaved the watch face down on Monday night while its resting in my drawer. I noticed it lost around 4 to 5 second on Tuesday morning. On Tuesday night, i leaved the watch face up this time. This morning (Wednesday) when i checked, both my iPhone and this watch are telling the exact same time
Even until now (it's almost 5pm).
** updated - 16/6/10, 9:39pm ***
i went to the ARMY shop just now to help one of our member to source out her panerai strap and so happen i saw there is a Timegrapher machine. They are very helpful and willing/allow me put my GS to test on the machine. THANK YOU Julie
i have leave my GS there to run for more then 15 minutes... the amplitude looks not so right but rate is good... i only want to find out if it's 36000 and from the screen, YES!! It's at beat rate 36000
Now, it's proven and I'm HAPPY man
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scott
