Grand Seiko - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

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  • 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.

173

Ref. 61GS V.F.A
A very rare and well preserved high precision stainless steel wristwatch with day and date

1972
37mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF7,000 - 10,000 
€6,300-9,100
$7,600-10,900

Sold for CHF44,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021