1967 Seiko Grand Seiko Diashock 36.5mm 5722-9991
Ref: 5722-9991

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 vintage condition with the outer edge showing signs of age and wear. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

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, and on the right side is a signed crown. The bezel is slightly recessed into the case with the crystal sitting proud of the dia, the sunburst silver dial has applied facet-edged batons marking the hours that catch the light as you rotate your wrist, and at 3 o’clock a framed date window. Elegant dauphine hands with polished edges are complemented by a long centre second hand, at 12 o’clock an applied “Seiko”, and 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 centre, inside a manually wound Seiko Cal. 5722, 35 jewels. The watch comes with a 19mm leather strap.

Personal Note

The Brand

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 the "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.