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Grand Seiko “The First” J14070

Grand Seiko “The First” J14070

£2,200.00 GBP
£2,200.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
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Model: Grand Seiko “The First” J14070

Year: January 1962

Features:

The Gamble. Before there was a design language, before Zaratsu polishing became shorthand, and before “Grand” Seiko meant anything. With hindsight, it’s all too easy to see the J14070 as an inevitable success, but there was no guarantee the ambition would be understood, in or outside of Japan. In reality it was a huge gamble. 

The Ambition. The post-war horological landscape had been dominated by Swiss chronometers, but after producing its first fully in-house watch in 1956, Seiko set its sights on creating Japanese mechanical excellence. Using the “superior grade” standards established by the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres in Geneva, the calibre 3180 was born.

The Quality. Grand Seiko self-certified their chronometers for the first few years, but they would eventually bring them to Geneva. A decision that would contribute to the entire Observatory Standard shutting down. The Grand Seiko Standard would be formalised - and it remains the framework under which Seiko continues to regulate and certify its movements independently to this day.

The Connections. But the modern-day connections don’t end there. The sharply faceted dauphine hands and polished bar indices wouldn’t look out of place on a 2026 Spring Drive - and in a world of full corporate tweaking and tinkering, Grand Seiko’s logo is delightfully untouched.

The Variants. Now that I bring it up, there are three core J14070 variants to choose from. The Printed Logo is the rarest thanks to its short production time. The Carved Logo appeared at roughly the same time as the Printed but had a longer run. The Raised Logo, on offer today, eventually replaced the Carved style and was the logo style of choice until production ended for the model. 

The Legacy. Today, Grand Seiko is more than happy sitting amongst the best Switzerland has to offer, steadily increasing its share of the international watch market. But the J14070 is a beautiful reminder of its humble beginnings - the aim of the Hattori family to put Japan on the horological map. The fact we’re still talking about this reference 66 years later shows they succeeded. 

Specifications:

Condition: In very good condition. Just serviced. Natural signs of aging across the watch, but nothing that could be considered unpleasant. 

Scope: No box or papers

Movement: Calibre 3180 Manual-wind 

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 35.0mm
  • Lug to Lug: 42.7mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.0mm
  • Lug Width: 18mm
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FAQs

Are your watches authentic?

Everything we sell is 100% authentic.

All of our watches are inspected and verified for authenticity - both inside and out. We have over 15 years of sourcing and collecting rare watches in Japan, which is often considered to be one of the best markets for authentic and fully original vintage watches.

Do you ship globally?

We are based in Japan and regularly ship all over the world. We typically use FedEx and it takes:

  • 3-7 business days to reach North America
  • 3-7 business days to reach Europe
  • 3-7 business days to reach Asia and Oceania.

All of our packages are securely shipped, fully insured, and trackable door-to-door.

What condition are your watches?

Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of the watches we typically sell, the condition varies from watch to watch. However, our photos are high resolution and our descriptions are accurate. You can buy with confidence knowing there won't be any nasty surprises.

If the condition of a watch is ever misrepresented, we would offer a full refund.

Are all of your watches serviced?

Most but not all of our watches are serviced. The "Condition" section of each watch will confirm if the watch has been serviced.

All of our watches are tested by an independent watchmaker - if a service is needed, the watch will be serviced. If a service hasn't been conducted, it's because the watch itself is too new to need a service, or there is evidence of a recent service.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment by all major Credit Cards and Wise.com

Do I have to pay customs or taxes?

It depends on so many factors, including but not limited to the cost of the watch, the type of watch you've bought (vintage or new), and the import laws of your country. If you're unsure we recommend checking the import laws that relate to your country before ordering.

Are your watches water resistant?

Our serviced watches are typically tested to their original water resistant specifications, but we would never recommend pushing vintage or neo-vintage watches to their depth limits.

What is your returns policy?

Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of most of our watches, we do not offer returns under normal circumstances. All sales should be considered final.

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