Grand Seiko 6145-8000 Hi-Beat (April 1969)

A classic from the Suwa factory – 36,000 A/h automatic movement with original crown

This Grand Seiko, reference 6145-8000, dates from April 1969 (serial number 942899) and is among the technically and aesthetically outstanding models of the late 1960s. It was produced in the legendary Suwa factory (Suwa Seikosha) – the very factory where the most precise Japanese automatic movements of their time were created.

The Hi-Beat caliber 6145A beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and stands for exceptional accuracy. This generation of movement was a direct predecessor of today's Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 series and is considered one of the milestones of Japanese watchmaking.

Technical data

• Brand: Grand Seiko (グランドセイコー)
• Reference: 6145-8000
• Caliber: 6145A Hi-Beat, 36,000 A/h, automatic, date with quickset
• Production period: April 1969 (serial number 94xxxx)
• Origin: Suwa Seikosha, Japan
• Case: Stainless steel, screw-down case back with gold Grand Seiko plaque
• Case diameter: approx. 37 mm
• Height: 11.5 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 42 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Strap: new, high-quality black leather strap with alligator embossing (Centfill)
• Weight: approx. 58 g (including strap)
• Dial: silver-colored, applied indices, original Seiko logo
• Crown: Original crown with GS logo
• Glass: tempered mineral glass
• Waterproof rating (originally): Water Proof (no longer tested)
• Condition:
  • The factory is running perfectly.
  • Dial with age-appropriate patina
  • Case with slight signs of wear, unpolished
  • Original baseplate well preserved

Special features

• High-frequency automatic movement (36,000 A/h) for excellent precision
• Classic, minimalist Grand Seiko design from the Suwa era
• Original GS crown and baseplate preserved
• Newly fitted quality leather strap
• A collector's item from the transitional period between Grammar of Design (Tanaka era) and modern Hi-Beat references.

Historical background

At the end of the 1960s, Grand Seiko was at the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking. With the calibers 6145 and 6146 , Seiko achieved international chronometer standards and positioned itself as a serious competitor to the leading Swiss brands.

The 6145A movement was a further development of the 61GS chronometer caliber and combined high frequency with automatic date adjustment and robust construction. This generation marked the end of the purely mechanical Grand Seiko era before the start of the quartz revolution in 1969/70.

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Notice
As this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.