1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
Ref: 5722-9991

1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
1967 Grand Seiko Oversized 36.5mm Ref. 5722-9991
Regular price
Sold
Sale price
£995.00
Unit price
per 

Specification

Reference : 5722-9991
Movement : Manually Wound Seiko Cal. 5722
Age : 1961/1970
Specific Age : Circa. September 1967
Case Size : 36.5mm
Case Thickness : 11mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs :
 19mm
Condition :
 Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :
 None
Case Material :
 Stainless Steel
Warranty :
 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as “Watch Only”. The watch is from Circa. September 1967, and is sold in fair vintage condition, as you can see. The dial with the facet-edged batons is in a fair condition with the outer edge showing signs of age and wear. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.


The Watch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The reference 3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer-rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested so therefore they could not be chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do, they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using "Chronometer" on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorization Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions.  In 1985 Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation In 2017 Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand.

Here we have a 1967 Grand Seiko Oversized Ref. 5722-9991 with a 36.5mm stainless steel case. The case gently curves over your wrist with a lug to lug length of 43mm and a thickness of 11mm for a comfortable fit. Chamfered edges with crisp lines are still evident along the lug edges. On the right side is a signed crown. The bezel is slightly recessed into the case with the crystal sitting proud of the dial. The sunburst silver dial has applied facet-edged batons marking the hours that catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock a framed date window. Elegant dauphine hands with polished edges are complemented by a long center second hand. At 12 o’clock an applied “Seiko”, at 6 o’clock an applied “GS” with Grand Seiko Diashock printed in black text. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the Grand Seiko gold medallion embossed in the center. Inside a Manually Wound Seiko Cal. 5722, 35 jewels. The watch comes on a 19mm leather strap.


Personal Note

Vintage Grand Seiko is becoming more and more of a hot commodity in the vintage world and finding great examples is becoming more and more difficult! This one isn't perfect, but it sure has the core of a great Grand Seiko and if a collector wished to make it look perfect with a dial refinish and a crisp polish, it certainly would be doable! Or leaving it as is to have a charming vintage Grand Seiko, it's a win/win!