Manufacturer: Grand Seiko Year: 1967 Reference No: 4420-9000 Movement No: 072'975 Case No: 7'600'509 Model Name: 44GS Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal 4420-B Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Seiko pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Grand Seiko Certificate and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The 44GS was created in 1967, seven years after the introduction of the first Grand Seiko. It was designed to express a uniquely Japanese idea of beauty that was true to the ideals of Grand Seiko.
Grand Seiko was launched with the philosophy of creating a watch that would be a benchmark in terms of precision, durability and beauty. However, no other model had as much impact on future Grand Seiko designs as the 44GS. The first model produced by Daini Seikosha, it is the model that defined the design language of all future subsequent Grand Seiko models. As such it is not only a milestone but a founding element.
The 37mm case is quite complex with its succession of flat and rounded surfaces, sharp angles and elegant curves. The 44GS was produced for only 2 short years and came in two variants: stainless steel and capped gold. The steel model came with two different dials, an early version featuring ‘Diashock’ printed on the dial like the present example and a later version with Daini Seikosha logo instead.
The present 44GS is not only in an incredibly attractive condition but its collectability is further enhanced by the fact that it comes full set with its original paperwork, box and outer packaging.