Grand Seiko First raised logo with original papers, December 1962

Maker: Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko
Reference: J14070, the first Grand Seiko, raised logo
Year: December 1962
Material: 14k gold filled
Case serial: D211083
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Movement serial: 122318
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: N/A
Caliber: 3180
Service History: September 2022
Bracelet/Strap: gold tan epsom strap by Jones in Tokyo with vintage Seiko buckle (not original to the watch)
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: Original Grand Seiko signed papers with matching movement serial number and Grand Seiko standards movement records.

The Grand Seiko “First”, or “3180” as it is often referred to (due to its caliber reference) was introduced to the Japanese market in1960 as the penultimate, top of the line, luxury wrist watch by Seiko. The most obvious feature that people concentrate when looking for a GS1st is the way that the “Grand Seiko” logo is created on the dial. There are three main variants – printed, carved, and raised. This example is the raised logo variant which was in production from mid-1961 all the way through to the end of production in 1963. The watch we have on offer here has a case back dated December 1962 accompanied by its original papers with matching movement serial number.

This 3180 GS first raised logo is in excellent condition. What makes this GS1st extremely special is that is is accompanied by its original Grand Seiko papers which is a very rare thing to see even in Japan. In the last five years or so of trading and dealing vintage Seiko watches, this is only the second time we've seen a GS1st with its original papers with a matching movement serial code. The watch itself is in great honest condition and everything looks to be original to the watch as can be evidenced by the consistency of the movement code, caseback number, and dial serial number. The gold filled case shows aging with some nicks and scratches, which is not uncommon for a watch of this age.  The bevel's on the case are still clearly visible. The dial is in honest condition and shows aging and some developement of minor spots which is common for GS1st's and adds a nice character to the watch. There are no blemishes or discoloration on the dial. The indexes are made of 14k solid gold as indicated by the sun shaped “special dial” logo above the six o’clock. The original handset is in great condition and shows some aging as it should for a watch of this age. The crown is the correct "S" signed crown for a raised GS1st. This GS1st was serviced by our watchmaker in September 2022. It comes with a high quality grained epsom calf leather strap from the talented Jones in Tokyo.

The watch will come with a 3 month movement warranty from us.

Ships from Japan