Vintage Grand Seiko Wristwatch 5722-9991 Self-dater 1967 Serviced

SPECIFICATION Reference: Grand Seiko 5722-9991 Movement: 5722 Age: April 1967 Case Size: 36.5mm Case Thickness: 10mm Lug to Lug: 43mm Lugs: 19mm Condition: Used Seiko watch Box & Papers: No Case Material: Stainless steel Warranty: 12-Months Warranty POINTS TO MENTION In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks Silver sunburst dial Fully serviced movement Seiko signed crown Paired with an unworn brown strap Gold medallion is in fantastic condition. THE GRAND SEIKO SELF-DATER The first-ever Grand Seiko model, which is known as the “First”, debuted in 1960. These 36.5mm watches were made with either gold-filled or solid platinum cases and had thin lugs that extended from the top and bottom of the case, in 1960, they became the first Japanese officially certified chronometer watches and used a movement that would largely carry over to into the GS 43999. These are legendary watches, and modern renditions can be found as part of today’s Elegance line within the Grand Seiko catalogue under the model name “First. Significant changes came in 1963, though, with the new Grand Seiko 57GS Self-Dater. The relatively anonymous design of the “First” made way for a more unique case that would quietly set the tone for future GS releases. The somewhat spindly lugs were replaced by chunkier units that flowed organically from the mid-case. Platinum became steel, and gold-filled joined solid gold. The dagger hands remained but were paired with thicker applied indices and logo. The notable addition to the 43999/5722 was a date window, hence the name “Self-Dater.” Its the first-ever Grand Seiko to sport such a feature. Still, we must remember that at this time, Seiko was highly interested in besting the Swiss. Therefore, the brand wasn’t content with simply adding a date function. This watch, 60 years ago, had a very modern and rare (for the time) quick-set mechanism. The Grand Seiko calibre 430, later renamed 5722B, is a manual winding mechanical movement, that runs at 19800bph, has 35 jewels and a power reserve of 45 hours approx. Interestingly, “Chronometer” was on the dial under the Seiko logo through 1966. After this point, the Swiss chronometer rules took effect, and it disappeared. While the watch was a certified chronometer, a Gothic “Grand Seiko” font stood above 6 o’clock. This too was replaced with an applied “GS” logo, “Grand Seiko,” and “Diashock” in 1967 and 1968. PERSONAL NOTE The Grand Seiko 5722 Self-Dater is an important chapter in the brand’s history due to its date function. It, along with the King Seiko 4420-9990 and Seiko Liner 46999 made up the “big three” chronometer-certified watches from the brand before the rules changed. It’s a mighty watch and being freshly serviced, can easily step for daily duty.