Grand Seiko 6146-8000 Cap Gold First Model 10 Beat Automatic Overhauled Manufactured in 1969

This is an early-model 61 Grand Seiko from 1969 with a cap gold finish.

The 61 Grand Seiko, released in 1968, was Japan's first 10-beat automatic watch.
It features a next-generation automatic winding mechanism that successfully adapted Seiko's unique ratchet-type 'Magic Lever' to support 36,000 vibrations per hour.
It boasts high practicality with a hacking function (second-hand stop function), quick-set date function, and manual winding.
The rotor surface has a 'ripple' finish, and other parts are also meticulously polished, exuding a sense of dignity.

The ratchet-type 'Magic Lever' is a mechanism that winds the mainspring by the lateral movement of a lever (pawl) as the rotor rotates.
It offers higher winding efficiency compared to mechanisms that use gears for winding.
Since it has fewer components, it also boasts high durability, making it an excellent mechanism that many manufacturers have begun to incorporate in recent years.

The case features a cap gold (CAP GOLD) finish.
Because the gold layer is thicker than plating, it has the advantage of making it easier to maintain the gold layer in a beautiful condition.

This particular unit is an early model of the 61 Grand Seiko.
Early models had a short manufacturing period of only six months, making them rare models with few remaining.
There are differences in the dial design and the "GRAND SEIKO" engraving on the automatic winding rotor.

Differences in dial design between early and late models of 61GS
Early models do not have "AUTOMATIC" printed and have "GRAND SEIKO" at the 6 o'clock position. Late models have "AUTOMATIC" at the 12 o'clock position and "HI-BEAT" and "36000" at the 6 o'clock position.

How to operate

Manual winding: Crown in normal position, rotate upwards

Time setting: Crown pulled out two clicks, rotate downwards

The second hand stops when the crown is pulled out two clicks.

Quick date set: Crown pulled out one click, rotate upwards

Operating the quick set when the watch is indicating '9 PM to 2 AM' will cause damage.
It is recommended to set the time to around 6 AM before performing the quick set.

Quick day set: Crown pulled out two clicks, move hands back and forth between '10:30 PM and 1:15 AM' during time setting.

1) Move the hands until 12 AM (24:00).
　　If the day has started to change, it's 12 AM. If not, it's 12 PM.

2) Move the hands to 1:15 AM to display the next day. Then, return the hands to 10:30 PM.
　　This prepares the watch to display the next day's calendar. (When reversing the hands, it will show something like FRI→FRI)

3) Advance the hands to 1:15 AM.
　　Confirm that the day has advanced by one day.

Repeat this process to quick-set the day one by one.
Please operate slowly to reduce stress on the movement.

Condition

This watch has been overhauled and the exterior polished by us.
 

The strap has been replaced with a new (genuine) one, ensuring comfortable use.
 

The crown is original and bears the GS mark.
Crown operations are smooth.

Due to its age, it is not water-resistant.
Please avoid wearing it on rainy days or hot days.
Also, be careful of impacts and magnetic fields.