A ultra rare example of 6146 Grand Seiko, only produced between 1969 and 1970.
Model: Grand Seiko 6146-8010 "Arabesque"
Year: February 1970
Features:
Arabesque. The watch gets it nickname from the style of artistic decoration that surrounds the GS at the bottom of the dial, known as Arabesque. Not a design choice found on any other Grand Seiko, before or since, making it a great collector’s piece.
Not quite a VFA. The 614X calibre was introduced after the release of the iconic VFA (Very Fine Adjusted; Japan’s answer to the modern-day equivalent of COSC). Regulated to + 5 to -3 seconds per day, they were designed to fill the space between the VFA watches and normal Grand Seikos. Sadly, Seiko decided there wasn’t much demand for something better than a traditional Grand Seiko but only almost as good as a VFA, so they shuttered the 6146 watches after only a year in production. As a result, these Arabesques are exceedingly rare and collectible!
The Crystal. Made from sapphire, which is somewhat normal by todays standards, but was not common for Seiko back in 1971. However, to call it just a sapphire crystal isn’t fair as you might have noticed from the pictures. There were three 6146-8010 crystal shapes, at increasingly more expensive price points; the Flat sapphire, the rare Double Faceted sapphire, and the incredibly rare Pyramid Faceted crystal, as shown on this watch. It is flawless and totally original.
The Case. HSS, or hardened stainless steel, can be found in all of the “specials”, and it gives the watch case a fighting chance against the passage of time. Beautifully finished by Seiko’s “Zaratsu” polishing technique.
The Movement. 36,000 bph. Silky smooth. A true hi-beat even by today’s modern standards, so it goes without saying how remarkable this was in 1970. Serviced in 2024 by a specialist Vintage Grand Seiko company in Tokyo, Japan and currently running at an average of +1 second per day across six positions.
The Bracelet. 6146-8010 originally came on a leather strap. The buckle is the original GS buckle, but leather strap itself is aftermarket, but is true to the original design. I have photographed the watch on both the leather strap, and my favourite vintage Grand Seiko bracelet; the XQB070. Originally supplied with the 5645-8000 Grand Seiko, it is designed to fit any -8000 or -8010 case, like this 6146-8010. The sale of the watch includes both the metal bracelet and leather strap.
The Medallion. Synonymous with vintage Grand Seikos – the 18k gold medallion, still in perfect condition.
Condition: It was serviced in 2024 by a Vintage Grand Seiko Specialist company in Tokyo, Japan. They also lightly, but expertly, polished the case. They are the only company, other than Seiko and Lapinist, I trust to polish vintage cases. You’ll notice all of the edges are still crisp and to the original shape. The polish was very light, so some hairlines and marks remain. The movement itself is currently running at an average of +1 second per day, averaged across six positions. This is well within the original spec of +5 to -3 seconds per day! The only negative part about the condition is the small stain that can be seen at the bottom of the dial. From most angles it isn’t visible. The crystal and medallion are flawless. Overall, this watch is in remarkable condition.
Scope: No box, manual or papers. Comes with the 2024 Service Papers.
Movement: 6146 Hi-Beat, 36,000 bph. 25 Jewels.
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 36mm
- Case Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug Width: 18.0mm
- Metal Bracelet Length: Fits up to ~7 inches
Delivered in a beautiful custom stamped (Provenance Watches) leather travel case. Makes for a perfect gift.
