Today we have received the "Grand Seiko 2nd" in both early and late production models.
The definitive vintage model that established the design language of today's Grand Seiko.
The second model of Grand Seiko, born in late 1963.
Among the many variations of the GS Second, the one on the left is the early model with the "Chronometer" designation, which is highly popular in the series.
The one on the right is the late model, which underwent minor changes starting in late 1966 following the discontinuation of the "Chronometer" designation.
The Grand Seiko 2nd features subtle differences in dials, roughly three types of movements, and consequently, several types of case backs depending on the era; enjoying these individual differences is one of its charms.
This is the early model with the "Chronometer" designation.
For many, this is the definitive GS Second design, showing a significant departure in design and functionality from the GS First.
The GS Second also marked the introduction of stainless steel models.
Previously, although stainless steel samples existed, processing technology had not yet caught up, so the GS First was available only in gold-filled and platinum versions.
Starting with the Grand Seiko Second, stainless steel models and gold-filled models were introduced, and while very rare in circulation, 18K yellow gold models also exist.
Dials from late 1963 to mid-1964 used precious metals for the indices, known as "SD dials," which were later changed to what are called "AD dials."
At that time, "flower characters" (stylized symbols) indicating the material of the indices were printed, but this particular piece does not have those characters printed.
While it doesn't necessarily carry a premium, the clean look of the dial is quite appealing.
And this is the late model, where the "GS" designation was adopted in July 1966 following the discontinuation of the "Chronometer" label.
Its design foreshadows the dawn of the GS brand.
Originally, Seiko did not have any Grand Seiko models that were officially COSC-certified, but they used the "Chronometer" label to indicate that they underwent testing equivalent to chronometer certification and possessed equivalent accuracy. It is said, however, that complaints from Switzerland led to the discontinuation of this label.
Such stories are unthinkable today, but they are a point that captures the spirit of the time.
The late model uses the AD dial and features only one design type.
It is equipped with the Cal. 5722B movement, which was introduced in the latter half of the early model's production, and the precision of its various parts is highly refined.
The case back featured a lion medallion only in the very early production of the late model, but it was later changed to the GS medallion, matching the dial.
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The differences in the medallions and engravings are obvious at a glance.
While the lion is the current symbol of Grand Seiko, the simple "GS" design on the dial and case back (and later on the crown) conveys the feeling of Grand Seiko finally expanding into the global market.
It is a famous story in Seiko history that after the "Chronometer" designation was removed from the dial, the company seriously raised its own standards to achieve testing and precision even stricter than official chronometer certification, thereby significantly improving quality.
In later years, this led to the completion of high-performance mechanical wristwatches known as "Very Fine Adjusted" (V.F.A.), and you cannot talk about that breakthrough without mentioning the existence of this Grand Seiko 2nd.
The GS Second features a more robust case design.
Its thick lugs give a powerful impression that feels close to current case designs, and as with the later 44GS Seiko Style, one realizes that this is the foundation for current Grand Seiko designs.
Current products are born from the research into such designs and functions, and I am moved by the fact that the original timepieces were completed more than half a century ago.
That is the beauty of vintage watches, and it is one of the reasons why so many people around the world have come to love them.
While the GS First, which represents Japanese watch history, is highly sought after, the GS Second—which possesses greater practicality and absolute perfection as a watch—will reveal its depth and charm the more you learn about it.
You shouldn't miss it now while it can still be obtained at a reasonable price.
Please take this opportunity to own a masterpiece of Japanese watchmaking!
