[James A]

Turns out the Cal. 61GS series was the result of an interesting period in Seiko history. Largely producing watches for the domestic market , Seiko looked to expand internationally and decided that success at the Swiss Astronomical Observatory trials would aid that goal. Achievement in these trials would bring status and enhance the reputation of Seiko.

A brief account.

In 1964 Seiko entered its best watch movements . Its best place a lowly 144th.
In 1965 best movement was 114th. Seiko placed 6th highest manufacturer.
In 1966 best movement was 9th and Seiko placed 3rd as manufacturer.
In 1967 best movement was 4th and Seiko placed 2nd in manufacturer rankings.

In 1968 the Neuchatel Observatory closed the competition!!!

Seiko was quick to adapt. The feedback from the tests was then passed down onto its best watches and in 1968 the Grand Seiko 61 series was launched.

61GS --1968/01 AUTOMATIC GS which was the result of FEEDBACK of technology from astronomical observatory Concours

Suwa Seikosha Co : 25jewels Automatic

• 6145 A -- GS standard official approval. 36,000bph. 25j DATE
• 6146 A -- GS standard official approval. 36,000bph. 25j DAY/DATE
• 6185 A -- VFA 36,000bph. 25j DATE
• 6155 A -- GS Special standard official approval. 36,000bph. 25j DATE
• 6156 A -- GS Special standard official approval. 36,000bph. 25j DAY/DATE
• 6185 B -- VFA 36,000bph. 25j DATE
• 6186 B -- VFA 36,000bph. 25j DAY/DATE

1 point and a question.

What is interesting to me (given that the world's first Grand Seiko boutique only opened in Beverly Hills in 2017) is just how long Seiko have been intent on expanding Grand Seiko to the world.

Did the Geneva Observatory trials close down because of Seiko or was there another reason?

Sources:

Explaining Seiko?s Legendary History In Swiss Chronometer Trials, With Live Pictures Of Its Landmark Astronomical Observatory Chronometer | SJX Watches

https://www.seiyajapan.com/pages/the-history-of-grand-seiko

 

[obomomomo]

Thanks for posting.

The timing to end the Neuchatel competition in '67 and the Geneva competion in '68 is well known and highly suspicious to say the least. What's more telling is when the competion was revived in 2009, new rules allowing only European made watches to participate seems clearly designed to stop GS in its tracks and not allow them to embarrass the Swiss.

 

[Nokie]

Good info. Thanks for posting.

 

[BarracksSi]

Here's my question (and it's directed to anyone here):

Seiko was quick to adapt. The feedback from the tests was then passed down onto its best watches and in 1968 the Grand Seiko 61 series was launched.

Exactly what kind of feedback was given? Did the trials judges just give them a list of results, like, "Here's how it ran. Have a nice day."? Or did they sit down with the watchmakers and give more detailed advice on how to make improvements?

 

[Gerald_D]

Turns out the Cal. 61GS series was the result of an interesting period in Seiko history. Largely producing watches for the domestic market , Seiko looked to expand internationally and decided that success at the Swiss Astronomical Observatory trials would aid that goal. Achievement in these trials would bring status and enhance the reputation of Seiko.

A brief account.

In 1964 Seiko entered its best watch movements . Its best place a lowly 144th.
In 1965 best movement was 114th. Seiko placed 6th highest manufacturer.
In 1966 best movement was 9th and Seiko placed 3rd as manufacturer.
In 1967 best movement was 4th and Seiko placed 2nd in manufacturer rankings.

And here is the movement that finished 7th in 1967 - the 3rd highest performing Seiko movement ever submitted to the Neuchatel competition, and the 9th highest performing movement from ANY manufacturer over the entire 22 year history of the competition. A total of 3,356 movements passed the tests between 1945 and 1967 to qualify as an observatory chronometer - many more were submitted and failed.

Incidentally, probably the best article on the web regarding Seiko's Neuchatel story can be found on Anthony Kable's site here -

https://www.plus9time.com/seiko-the-neuchtel-chronometer-competition

Kind regards,

Gerald.

 

[HiggsBoson]

Swiss movements, Japanese movements, I don't mind as long as I like the watch. :-!

 

[dayandnight]

Same here. I don't mine Swiss or Japanese movements. Each have their own uniqueness to it.Although,I have been enjoying the GS highbeats a lot lately.

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[James A]

Swiss movements, Japanese movements, I don't mind as long as I like the watch. :-!

Agreed. I was just scratching my head and thinking out loud " Why did the Swiss close down the trials after the success of Seiko?"

 

[Gerald_D]

Agreed. I was just scratching my head and thinking out loud " Why did the Swiss close down the trials after the success of Seiko?"

Your question contains the answer!

 

[mxh6229]

Great information here!

 

[James A]

This is timely - looks at GS the trails and more...

Regards,

 

[Gerald_D]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tickythebull]

Great information. The secret is out.

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[Tickythebull]

GMT

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