Grand Seiko 4420-9000 late Daini dial 1968 February

Maker: Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko 4420-9000 (late Daini lightning symbol dial)
Year: February 1968
Case Material: stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 37mm thickness 9mm
Case date: February 1968
Caliber: 4420B, 27 jewels
Service history:  December 2022. Currently running at +6.1 seconds/day.
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: Jones in Tokyo taupe epsom grained calf strap
Box/Papers: none

The 44GS series evolved from the King Seiko model produced by the Daini Seikosha Kameido factory in Tokyo, Japan. Only on sale for two years, it was introduced in late 1967. The 44GS is significant for introducing what is now called the Grand Seiko “Grammar of Design” (aka G.O.D) case design by Seiko’s first in house designer Taro Tanaka. The very first examples of the 44GS, offered in stainless steel cases with the model number 4420-9000, had a dial  with the text “Diashock” printed beneath “Grand Seiko”. This was soon changed with the “Diashock” text removed and replaced with the logo of a lightning bolt that is the logo of the Daini Seikosha Kameido factory. The low beat 4420B caliber is considered by many Seiko enthusiasts to be one of the greatest manual wind movements ever made by Seiko. The iconic Daini balance bridge with the clean finished plates make this movement a beauty to observe.

Overall, this piece is in excellent vintage condition. The case and bezel has some light surface scratches as can be expected from a watch of this age. However, the case has not been over polished and it still retains sharp edges with a beautiful Tanaka grammar of design case profile. The original silver dial is in clean condition with only a slight visible blemish on the lower right edge of the dial (visible in the image). The crystal is clean overall with light scratches throughout. The handset and crown are all original is in good condition. The movement has been serviced in December 2022 and is running at +6.1 seconds / day. The caseback is well preserved and the original gold medallion is in nice crisp shape. The watch comes with a clear case back so that the owner can preserve the gold medallion case back and enjoy the glorious Daini 44 lowbeat movement. 

Ships from Japan