One of the top end Grand Seiko models, this automatic with day and date was only surpassed by solid gold models. Model reference 5646-7010.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in November 1970. Whilst we don’t have a 1970 catalogue to reference, the price in 1969 was ¥48,000 for the gold capped version, and over four times that for the 18k gold version. It wasn’t the most expensive Seiko available though in 1970 – the newly launched Seiko Astron with the quartz movement came in at ¥450,000!
CONDITION
Strangely, we are going to start with the buckle! Despite the Grand Seiko being technically excellent, the buckles are usually missing – but not on this watch. The buckles are 15mm wide, which doesn’t suit off the shelf straps, so often the buckle has been lost over the years to make strap changes easier. These buckles are now sought after, and well worth the premium you need to get a strap tailored to it if you can’t find a suitable 18/15 strap. Also original is the signed crown, from which you can either hand wind the movement or set the time, or quickset both the day and date. The day can be in Kanji or English. The 5646A movement has 25 jewels and was originally adjusted to five positions and temperatures – it also carries a serial number, essential if the watch was sent for Chronometer testing, and not usual for Seiko movements. The case is gold capped stainless steel, which was 20% more to buy when new over the steel case. The screw down case back has a near perfect medallion still in place – these can be worn, or missing altogether. The condition is good all round, with just a few allowable marks commensurate with age to show. The leather strap is new, and has been custom made to suit the 15mm buckle width. The watch is signed on the dial, case, movement, crown, and buckle.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 37.9 mm
Width without crown 36.6 mm
Between lugs 18.5 mm
Lug to lug length 41.7 mm
Case Thickness 10.6 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
