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Post by sweffymo on May 5, 2015 17:06:53 GMT -8
Hey everyone! I just started my first full-time, salaried job after college and I would like to buy myself a watch to celebrate! I'm looking for an early 1970s KS or GS hi-beat. I actually prefer it to not be in 100% perfect condition. I don't want it to be gross, but I do like watches that show that they were around for the "Golden Age." My favorites are the KS 5245/5246, particularly the 5246-6000 Special Chronometer, and most if not all of the GS 36000 movements from the late 60s and early 70s. I know that a lot of you guys like these watches too and many of you have much more experience than I do with these, so I would appreciate some help finding one. My absolute maximum price is $500 TBD so I know that I'm not going to end up with perfection, but I do want something that won't give me headaches and will run well, even if it has a few dings or the dial is a bit old looking. Here are some pictures just to get you all in the mood:   Anyway I am going to start replying a bit with photos of particular watches and I want you guys to let me know if I should steer clear or if I should pounce! Thanks in advance for the help everyone! |
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sdoocms
Is a Permanent Fixture
Carl
Posts: 5,296 
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Post by sdoocms on May 5, 2015 17:27:23 GMT -8
Although these watches are not what trips my trigger, if they did, I would chose the first one pictured. Sweet looking watch!
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Post by sweffymo on May 5, 2015 17:32:19 GMT -8
Suspect #1 mugshots:     Unfortunately no movement shots (probably because of the case design; most people are afraid to take these apart). What do you all think of this? The dial doesn't really bother me as long as it runs well. |
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Post by sundog on May 5, 2015 17:41:57 GMT -8
I prefer the silver...but they are both nice!
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Post by sweffymo on May 5, 2015 17:48:24 GMT -8
I prefer the silver...but they are both nice! They're both silver; the first one just has white balance issues. Here's the same image with the white balance fixed:  |
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Post by sundog on May 5, 2015 17:56:04 GMT -8
I prefer the silver...but they are both nice! They're both silver; the first one just has white balance issues. Here's the same image with the white balance fixed: Really like the KS and GS. Especially for a more formal look. Had issues today with a Citizen fitting under my cuffs...until the mail came.  Which ever one you choose it won't be a wrong decision.  Enjoy it. |
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HiBeat
Global Moderator
SEIKO Iko Iko GDTRWS
Posts: 8,684
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Post by HiBeat on May 5, 2015 18:20:43 GMT -8
Perfect example of why the landscape for these Vintage KS and GS sales on fleabay are full of shisters and con artists. Consider this autcion that ended 5 minutes ago: www.ebay.com/itm/1st-Generation-of-Grand-Seiko-GS-Hi-Beat-36000-from-1969-/291446939019?_trkparms=gh1g%3DI291446939019.N7.S2.M6.R1.TR3&rmvSB=true&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=W4w2McAy0eR8wcnRzEf7PTmBOMs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncNow first off, the dial shows corrosion from behind and the movement shot shows tons of black metal, which means corrosion has set in. The movement even seems to have been scratched up by some amateur 'watchmaker.' Now look at the @$$hole who "bought" it (click on pic so you can read it):  In the last 30 days, he's bid on 4 of this seller's items, 8 of his 9 total bids were with this seller, not to mention 2 bid retractions. Seeing how he "won" this auction, let's take a leap of faith and guess he's gonna be showing a 3rd retraction in the next hour. Then he chides the bidding public into making a big exciting finish at the bottom of the listing: Ok, I can see that you are holding back your horses (bids) for the big finish!?
It will be really exciting who is going to make the race.
Again, have fun and enjoy yourself What a loser seller. |
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Post by sweffymo on May 5, 2015 18:27:53 GMT -8
Perfect example of why the landscape for these Vintage KS and GS sales on fleabay are full of shisters and con artists. Consider this autcion that ended 5 minutes ago: www.ebay.com/itm/1st-Generation-of-Grand-Seiko-GS-Hi-Beat-36000-from-1969-/291446939019?_trkparms=gh1g%3DI291446939019.N7.S2.M6.R1.TR3&rmvSB=true&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=W4w2McAy0eR8wcnRzEf7PTmBOMs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncNow first off, the dial shows corrosion from behind and the movement shot shows tons of black metal, which means corrosion has set in. The movement even seems to have been scratched up by some amateur 'watchmaker.' Now look at the @$$hole who "bought" it (click on pic so you can read it): In the last 30 days, he's bid on 4 of this seller's items, 8 of his 9 total bids were with this seller, not to mention 2 bid retractions. Seeing how he "won" this auction, let's take a leap of faith and guess he's gonna be showing a 3rd retraction in the next hour. Then he chides the bidding public into making a big exciting finish at the bottom of the listing: Ok, I can see that you are holding back your horses (bids) for the big finish!?
It will be really exciting who is going to make the race.
Again, have fun and enjoy yourself What a loser seller. I posted a thread about another thing this guy did. I was only interested in this WAYYYY below $300 because of how poor it was. I'm sure he won't let it sell for less than $600 when some clueless person gets tricked.  |
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Post by funkster on May 6, 2015 9:45:34 GMT -8
I must say that you should be very wary of the "polished and refinished" brigade out on the bay. There are genuine original GS and KS out there - but there are also many more tarted-up pieces that are all shine and no substance.
With regard to the example you have posted, I would personally hold out for a better example - if this is a watch you want to keep and cherish then I would try to find one with a nice clean dial - JMO!
I have recently reduced my KS collection by a degree - and I would guess there are other WIS out there holding on to far too many good ones - why not try posting a WTB?
Cheers
Miles
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Post by funkster on May 6, 2015 9:54:00 GMT -8
Just re-read your OP.
At that budget you should be able to land a lovely KS - especially if you widen your search beyond the Special Cronometers and GS models.
The ''standard" KS is still a hell of a watch - either in Hi-beat or Handwind form - not quite the jewel of perfection you get in a Chronometer or a GS but not too far off the mark!
That particular KS Special Cronometer you picture also wears a lot smaller than many others so beware if you aren't used to a 35mm or smaller.
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iwaddell
Timekeeper
Between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Posts: 758
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Post by iwaddell on May 6, 2015 9:56:23 GMT -8
I much prefer this one. Put would not say no to either. Mainly I have a soft spot for GS hi-beat 36000. I like the more pronounced angular case and chunkier chisel hour markers. Plus... congrats on getting the salaried job. |
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Post by sweffymo on May 6, 2015 14:40:23 GMT -8
Just re-read your OP. At that budget you should be able to land a lovely KS - especially if you widen your search beyond the Special Cronometers and GS models. The ''standard" KS is still a hell of a watch - either in Hi-beat or Handwind form - not quite the jewel of perfection you get in a Chronometer or a GS but not too far off the mark! That particular KS Special Cronometer you picture also wears a lot smaller than many others so beware if you aren't used to a 35mm or smaller. I already have a 5246-5010 that I love... I would be happy with the -6000. I may be willing to save up a bit in order to get a more expensive one if I really like it. Here's a shot of my 5246-5010:  Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards |
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Post by sweffymo on May 6, 2015 16:13:17 GMT -8
I much prefer this one. Put would not say no to either. Mainly I have a soft spot for GS hi-beat 36000. I like the more pronounced angular case and chunkier chisel hour markers. Plus... congrats on getting the salaried job. Thanks! I like that one a lot, particularly because of the cross on the dial... I really love dials with lines. |
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Myles
Needs a Life!
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Post by Myles on May 6, 2015 17:16:11 GMT -8
Congratulations! What line of work are you in?
If you're going to treat yourself to a vintage watch, be sure to splurge for a proper movement service and re-seal, too.
May you have much success and happiness in your career!
Myles
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Post by sweffymo on May 6, 2015 17:36:26 GMT -8
Congratulations! What line of work are you in? If you're going to treat yourself to a vintage watch, be sure to splurge for a proper movement service and re-seal, too. May you have much success and happiness in your career! Myles I'm in IT. Basically I just tell people to turn it off and on again.  And yeah, I'm going to be sending a few of my watches out for a tune up soon. Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards |
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Myles
Needs a Life!
Posts: 2,059
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Post by Myles on May 6, 2015 17:46:43 GMT -8
I'm in IT. Basically I just tell people to turn it off and on again. And yeah, I'm going to be sending a few of my watches out for a tune up soon. Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards My only "real" jobs have been in IT. My focus is Unix, network, and storage. What are you working on? I've been doing this for a long time, and it's still fun, so I think you picked a good field. Myles |
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Post by sweffymo on May 6, 2015 19:14:14 GMT -8
I'm in IT. Basically I just tell people to turn it off and on again. And yeah, I'm going to be sending a few of my watches out for a tune up soon. Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards My only "real" jobs have been in IT. My focus is Unix, network, and storage. What are you working on? I've been doing this for a long time, and it's still fun, so I think you picked a good field. Myles I'm first level support at a university. One day I hope to get a doctorate in my actual field (social science research) but that's a while off. I'm just going to enjoy not being on a college student's budget anymore! Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards |
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Post by russtmurray on May 6, 2015 21:59:09 GMT -8
Congratulations & well deserved!
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Post by estrickland on May 6, 2015 22:43:26 GMT -8
I love the linen dial KS Special - but I have to warn you it's quite small. My wife wears this 5245-6000:  .. and its rarer charcoal sibling, the impossible to photograph -7000 (photo on my wrist with an old bracelet - wife isn't that hairy ):  They're great - but again maybe a little too small. I'd maybe look for a 5740 movement watch instead. These are still small but have a better presence. Good luck! |
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iwaddell
Timekeeper
Between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Posts: 758
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Post by iwaddell on May 6, 2015 23:17:47 GMT -8
My only "real" jobs have been in IT. My focus is Unix, network, and storage. What are you working on? I've been doing this for a long time, and it's still fun, so I think you picked a good field. Myles I'm first level support at a university. One day I hope to get a doctorate in my actual field (social science research) but that's a while off. I'm just going to enjoy not being on a college student's budget anymore! Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards Sorry everyone, I just had to add this. Good luck in the job and looking forward to seeing which watch you get. |
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Enjoy it. 
