61Grand Seiko~6145-8000

61GS has one of the best hi-beat automatic mechanism ever produced by Seiko. 6145 (Date) and 6146 (Day date) were developed base on 61Seikomatic 5 movement. The 25 jewels self-winding movement is beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour and is adjusted to 5 positions. This movement can also be hand wound.

This 6145-8000 was produced in 1969 at Suwa Seikosha Co. It achieved SEIKO internal GS standard approval. There is GS mark at the watch crown. At the back case, a shinning gold GS medalion, not the earlier Grand Seiko lion.

61GS were the result of the technology acquired by Seiko engineers after attending the Astronomical Observatory Concours. 6145A movement was later modified to give rise to 6155A (date); 6156A (day date) which were classified as GS Special Standard Official Approval. The best 61GS was the VFA (Very Fine Adjusted) model. The VFA (6185A) was specially made GS that was manufactured and adjusted by superior engineers with selected parts. It expanded the ability of 61GS to the limit.

Cosmo King 14K Rim Blue dial

This is a dual tones (gold plated and stainless steel) Titoni Cosmo King. It is different from other cosmo kings because it has a 14K gold rim. This Cosmo King is somewhat rare and unique because of its original blue dial. This dial is in excellent condition as with the watch. The crown, the buckle are all original except the bracelet... This is somewhat a classic to me....

Cosmo King~the last Monarch

Why the last Monarch??? This is the last batch of Titoni Cosmo King with the look of Rolex oyster. Since the era of Felca, Titoni Cosmo King has been sticking to this oyster look with few minor modifications. After 1995, Titoni ditched this design completely and give new model a total face lift.

This batch of Cosmo King used the 25 jewels ETA 2834-2 (day-date) and 2824 movement (day). It comes with scratch proof sapphire crystal and the gold is 10 micron gold plated. It also has the Rolex screw down crown feature. During late 1990's this watch is retailing somewhere between RM700-1,000. I really think is value for money and I still prefer this old looking Cosmo King.

This is the full gold model.....

62 Grand Seiko; 6246-9001

My dearest 62Grand Seiko Day and Date

Grand Seiko Diashock Automatic Caliber 6246-9001: This is one of the rarest Grand Seiko. A total number of 19,800 pieces were produced at that time. It is highly sought after in Japan and according to a reliable source, it can fetch as high as 200,000 Yen (about US$ 2000) for one in mint condition. Another variant of this watch is Caliber 6245 which only carries date function. (Abstract from: Dr. Wayne Lee)

This 6246 was produced on 1966 at Suwa Seikosha and was the second "GS" automatic model. 6246 was originally sold as a Seikomatic Chronometer but because of Chronometer appeal, the name was changed to 62Grand Seiko. Therefore, 6246A movement has Seiko internal GS standard official approval.

6246A movement has 39 jewels and has slow amplitude of 19800 beats per hour. Compared to other GSs, there were differences in the position of crown and case design. Because only a few were produced, so it is difficult to find one in good working condition today. Glad that I have both 6245 and 6246 in my collection now.

Titoni Race King ~ Vintage Chronograph

Titoni Race King Valjoux 7734

Finally a Race King in my hands..... Not that I am wearing it... simply touching and observing it, is enough to give me great satisfaction. I bought this through an ebay auction. After a much anticipated wait, the watch arrived 4 days later from Thailand. It is a stunning piece of art. The case, the dial, the movement is of original. The bracelet is also original Titoni, but I cannot confirm whether it is initially mean for this watch.

Influenced by the retro design of the 1970s, Titoni creates a man's watch with a stopwatch function and speedometer (Ref. 3000RK). Certain features of the watch's design recall the first robots produced in Japan in the 1950's. The looks of the "Race King" emphasise its technically complex inner workings in an authentic manner.

The dial of the race king employed a so-called styling in which it was a matter of either concealing or emphasizing the characteristic mechanical features of an article. Through the T-shaped arrangement of the dial suggestive of a sports car steering wheel, to evoke a sense of speed. (Abstract from Titoni of Switzerland 90th Anniversary: Passages of Time).

This Titoni Race King is powered by a 17 jewels Inclaboc Valjoux 7734 movement. It is a hand winding complicated watch with 5 hands. The chronograph 45 minutes register is at 3 o'clock position; 9 o'clock is the subsidiary second hand. Date at 6 o'clock is with red coloured numerals, adding contrast to the dial.

Despite the age of this watch; it is still a very fine sportive watch by today standard. It is truly a Titoni classic, a must have for all titoni collectors.

First King Seiko

King Seiko K5155~Birth of a King

This is the earliest version of King Seiko (1st-model) produced in 1963 by Daini Seikosha Co, Japan. This was in conjunction or as internal rivalry with the production of 1st model Grand Seiko in the early 1960's by Suwa Seikosha Co.

The latter version of 1st-model has metal emblem in upper side of the dial and narrower indexes. This watch was acquired from South Korea. Inside this King Seiko K5155 is a manual winding mechanism with 25 jewels. The watch is make of stainless steel and is with original dial and original crown.

At the back is an engraved shield with a royal crown in the middle, symbolizing the majestic of King Seiko in the Japanese watch making industry. Personal opinion; how come it does somewhat look like a symbol of Switzerland and Rolex logo???

Apart from Seiko GS and KS

I will try to introduce a few of high quality vintage japanese watches. These watches are of good craftmanship and value... somemore they do not come with the heavy price tag as a GS or KS. They are classic in their own right....

Seiko Weekdater 6218-8971

Japanese made 35 jewels automatic. Circa 1960's or early 70's. Highly likely before the era of Grands and Kings. This model is particularly rare and to get one in such a tiptop condition is quite difficult. I kind of suspecious whether 6218 is a similar movement used in 62'Grand Seiko (6246)?????