Grand Seiko - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Grand Seiko
    Year: Circa 1971
    Reference No: 6185-8021
    Movement No: 007’408
    Case No: 130’011
    Model Name: Grand Seiko V.F.A
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 6185, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Seiko pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Founded in 1960 with the explicit aim of challenging the dominance of Swiss watchmaking, Grand Seiko has consistently strived to create technically advanced and exquisitely crafted timepieces.

    Just six years after its establishment, in 1966, Grand Seiko introduced its own certification, known as the "Grand Seiko Standard". With a daily deviation of -3/+5 seconds, it surpassed the accuracy of Swiss chronometer testing, which allowed for a range of -1/+10 seconds per day. Building on this achievement, Grand Seiko went a step further and launched the VFA (Very Finely Adjusted) collection in 1969.

    Crafted under highly rigorous conditions and regulated to a remarkable precision of -2/+2 seconds per day, these watches were exceptionally accurate for their time. They even came with a guarantee of accuracy within a minute per month for the first two years of ownership, an achievement that remains impressive even by today's standards. These VFA timepieces are incredibly rare due to their short three-year production run, and many of them were lost over the years.

    In addition to its remarkable movement, the ref. 6185-8021 is celebrated for its stunning design. With a silver dial and a geometric case, the ref. 6185-8021 is a masterpiece of monochromatic aesthetics. Another noteworthy detail on the dial is the discreet "Suwa Seikosha" logo, positioned below the VFA signature. This logo represents one of two facilities established by the parent Seiko group, fostering healthy competition with the "Daini Seikosha" facility in the belief that it would lead to improved timepieces.

    However, the most distinctive design element of this particular timepiece is its three-dimensional hour markers, which stand tall on the dial. As light moves across the display, these markers cast captivating shadows, creating a visually captivating and unique effect on the wrist.

Σ1053

Ref. 6185-8021
A very precise and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and date

Circa 1971
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$56,000 - 78,000 
€6,700-9,300
$7,200-10,000

Sold for HK$69,850

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024