Manufacturer: Grand Seiko Year: 1972 Reference No: 61GS V.F.A Movement No: 251'040 Case No: 6186-8000-G further stamped 270299 Calibre: Automatic, cal. 6186B Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The objective for Seiko when launching the Grand Seiko model in 1960 was to create what they considered the “ideal” watch that would be a benchmark in terms of precision, durability and beauty.
At the end of the 60s with the explosion for the demand that Seiko itself had helped promote, Grand Seiko launched the mechanical. V.F.A. line. V.F.A stands for "Very Fine Adjusted" and, as the name implies, its distinguishing characteristic was its high precision. With it, the Grand Seiko team achieved an accuracy that far exceeded that required by any chronometer certification. The GS standard at that time was set at +5 to -3 seconds per day, but V.F.A. achieved an astonishing rate of +/-1 minute per month, a level unprecedented for any mechanical wristwatch.
The 61GS V.F.A like the present example was launched in 1972, its cutting edge movement needed a disruptive case designs and in this field the 61GS V.F.A. does not disappoint. Steep angles and taught lines and futuristic appearance, the dial’s indices even possibly influenced by the monolith featured in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
An interesting feature of the watch is the day function that can be set either in English or Japanese.
The present watch from the very first batch is from 1972, the case back is engraved 2 and 7, 2 standing for 1972 and 7 for the month it was produced: July.
Productions ended for this model in 1975 making it not only a very rare example of the 61GS V.F.A with day and date, its rarity enhanced by its incredible state of preservation.