Manufacturer: Grand Seiko Year: 1973 Reference No: 6186 Case No: 6186 8000 G, 320’304 Model Name: Ref. 6186 “V.F.A.” Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 6186 Bracelet/Strap: Recreation vintage Grand Seiko strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Grand Seiko buckle Dimensions: 37.3mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by modern Grand Seiko Fine Vintage presentation box, paperwork, and recreation Grand Seiko vintage strap.
Catalogue Essay
Precision timekeeping was a corner stone for the Japanese watchmaker, Grand Seiko. In the late 1960s, Grand Seiko developed a series of chronometer-rated wristwatches meeting all of the requirements of the Swiss chronometer rating agency – the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). The height of Grand Seiko’s excellence is best exemplified by their Very Fine Adjusted or “V.F.A.” series released in 1969, which was in a league of its own. These timepieces were further refined for higher precision timekeeping with an outstanding mean daily rate of -2 to +2 seconds per day, along with a guarantee of being accurate to within +/-1 minute per month for the first two years – an astonishing level of accuracy unprecedented for any production mechanical wristwatch.
Vintage Grand Seiko timepieces were produced by one of two factories, the Suwa Seikosha and the Daini Seikosha, and it was believed the parent company encouraged competition between the two producing the finest quality movements. The present Grand Seiko Automatic from 1973 was produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory as is evidenced by the factory logo below the “V.F.A.” designation on the dial. The dial is further denoted with “GRAND SEIKO” at the 12 o’clock, which was adapted only for the “Grand Seiko V.F. A” model. Additionally, the indices are narrower and taller than other models. The earliest iterations featured the date-only caliber 6185, however, in 1972, Grand Seiko introduced the caliber 6816, featuring a day and date complication.
The present reference 6186-8000 is housed in a robust stainless steel case that is a wonderful representation of the craftsmanship and quality found in Grand Seiko wristwatches. The watch has an elegant and modern aesthetic with crisp bevels creating wide facets, giving the watch a substantial presence. The dial is wonderfully rendered with raised hour markers and the days of the week in Japanese highlighted in blue.
Early Grand Seiko mechanical wristwatches are legendary for their precision timekeeping, and this model is an excellent example of the history of Grand Seiko. It is offered in outstanding, unpolished original condition, and is certain to delight all watch connoisseurs.
The present lot is further offered with a one-year warranty provided by Grand Seiko Corp of America.