1967 Grand Seiko 44GS Diashock 38mm 'Oversized' 4420-9000

Here we have a definitive 1967 Grand Seiko 44GS Diashock 38mm 'Oversized' model 4420-9000 made from 1967 until 1969 at the Daini factory. Featuring a polished 38mm stainless steel round case, which sits comfortably on your wrist, thanks to the exceptionally wide, sharp, flat-ended lugs. Its geometric, broad flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 43mm and a case thickness of 10.5mm. This bold case serves as the ultimate embodiment of Daini Seikosha's "Grammar of Design" principles. On the right side, there is the signed, low-profile knurled crown. The flat, polished bezel holds a domed crystal above a striking minimalist silver dial. An outer minute track surrounds the applied, heavily faceted baton indices marking the hours, with a prominent double index at 12 o'clock. Elegant, multi-faceted razor-edged hands are complemented by a tapered seconds hand. At noon, we have the applied ‘SEIKO’ text, and at 6 o’clock, a printed ‘Grand Seiko’ and the Daini lightning bolt factory logo, completing this historic, sophisticated timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down solid case back is engraved with the watch details, surrounding the characteristic Grand Seiko gold medallion at its centre. Inside sits the legendary Daini factory-made, manually wound Grand Seiko Cal. 4420, 27 jewels, beating at a traditional 18,000 beats per hour. It comes paired with a well-suited 18mm leather strap and GS signed pin buckle.

This watch is sold as ‘Watch Only’. The watch comes fresh from service with our watchmakers. The watch is from Circa. November 1967, and is sold in worn vintage condition, including a strong gold medallion back, as you can see. It comes paired with a well-suited 18mm leather strap and a GS-signed pin buckle. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The 44GS is one of those watches that every Grand Seiko enthusiast should experience at least once. Not only do these references come up for sale far less often than many other vintage Grand Seikos, but they also represent one of the most important chapters in the brand's history. This was the watch that introduced the famous "Grammar of Design", the design philosophy that still defines Grand Seiko today. Those broad polished surfaces, razor-sharp edges, and incredible way the case catches the light can all be traced back to this reference. Put a modern Grand Seiko next to a 44GS and the family resemblance is unmistakable. For me, that's what makes this watch so special. You're not just buying a beautiful vintage timepiece, you're owning the blueprint for the Grand Seiko we all know and love today. If this is still available, snap it up while you still can!

Reference : 4420-9000
Movement : Manually Wound Grand Seiko Cal. 4420
Age : Circa. November 1967
Year : 1967
Case Size : 38mm
Case Thickness : 10.5mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The ref:3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. In 1962, Taro Tanaka developed a set of design guidelines known as the "Grammar of Design," which aimed to create a cohesive look for Seiko watches. These guidelines encompassed nine key principles that distinguished the watches. Some of these principles involve Zaratsu polishing that makes the watch surfaces shine beautifully and reflect light in interesting ways. There’s also an emphasis on using unique shapes for the watch cases, ensuring that every part is perfectly shaped, and adding features like sharp, clean edges and well-designed hands and markers that catch the eye. Today, Tanaka's principles still apply to the modern Grand Seiko philosophy. 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 a chronometer on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorisation 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.