Grand Seiko 5641-5000 "snowflake" dial in 18k gold July 1971

Maker: Seiko

Model: Grand Seiko 5641-5000

Year: July 1971

Case Material: 18k solid gold

Case Dimensions: 32 width x 40mm lug to lug, thickness 10.1mm

Case serial: 170203

Caliber automatic 5645A

Dial: gold champagne, snow flake texture

Service history: February 2021. Running at -9.8 second/day.

Lug Width: 18mm

Bracelet/Strap: Seiko calf leather with generic Seiko buckle (pictured)

Box/Papers: none

The 5641-5000 is a rare reference in the 56 Grand Seiko series which ran from 1970-1974. The 5000 case variants were made of 18k solid gold featuring a beautiful 'hammered' tonneau shaped case. The 5000 cases were powered by either the 5641 (no date) or 5645 (date) automatic hi-beat movements made at the Suwa Seikosha in Nagano, Japan. Inside the gold case we are greeted with a champagne gold colored snowflake textured dial. If this dial looks familiar, it is no coincidence, this dial was the inspiration for the current modern Grand Seiko SBGA211 "Snowflake" which is a favorite amongst watch collectors around the world. This snowflake texture is said to have been inspired by a combination of the traditional "washi" or Japanese paper as well as the powder snow of Nagano where Suwa Seikosha was located.

Overall, this all original Grand Seiko 5641-5000 is in fantastic condition. The case has likely had just miminal polishing if any at all in the past with the hammered finish still very pronounced. All the engravings and hallmarks on the gold case back look very crisp too, further providing support that this case might have never been polished. The original champagne gold snowflake dial is in near flawless condition with no visible blemishes or discoloration. The crystal has minor scratches but nothing major that's visible to the naked eye. The thin black/gold hour and minute hands are original and in excellent condition. The original gold crown is also in great shape. The movement was serviced by the previous owner in February 2021 and is currently running at -9.8 seconds / day. The watch comes with a brand new calf brown leather strap from Seiko with a gold plated Seiko buckle.

Ships from Japan