Strictly adhering to Taro Tanaka’s Grammar of Design, also known as “Grand Seiko Style”, the Grand Seiko 45GS is perhaps one of Grand Seiko’s most interesting watches. While their 44GS case design is iconic for a whole host of reasons, the 45GS that we have here boasts a slightly altered design with slimmer proportions that allow it to occupy a more elegant aesthetic, and thus making it an overall dressier piece. Launched in 1969 and appearing in Grand Seiko catalogs until 1972, the Hi-Beat 45GS came in 19 different variants, with a host of different movements. Offred here, our example is the 18kt yellow gold-capped variant with the 36000 beat per hour manual-wind cal. 4520A that notably lacks a date function, thus providing the 445GS with a symmetrical display which suits its dressier aesthetic. Boasting a silver dial with yellow gold dauphine hands and indices, this example’s intensely luxurious aesthetic is a clear indicator from Grand Seiko at the time that, although Grand Seiko took some time to convince the industry that they were to be taken seriously, they were here to stay.

Watch is in near-mint vintage condition. There is minor signs of tarnish on the gold capped case visible in some areas, as well as some minor marks and scratches. There are a few small marks visible on the dial, particularly around the upper left quadrant edge. Original leather strap is cracking from age.

Serving to showcase Japan's watchmaking talents, Grand Seiko's mission to dethrone Swiss watchmaking's monopoly on the industry was ultimately a success, and it is thanks to watches like the 45GS that proved brands like Grand Seiko could do everything the Swiss could.