Grand Seiko is demonstrating its rising in stature among collectors and may even start attracting the attention of investors after a 2006 Grand Seiko Ref. SBGD001 in platinum sold for $97,867 at Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIII.
The hammer price, including fees, was more than three times its pre-sale low estimate and 30% higher than its original retail price.
Only five years old, the SBGD001 is considered by some collectors as the “holy grail” of Grand Seiko watches.
It is a watch with detail and finish more typically found with the most prestigious Swiss timekeepers.
It is powered by a precision-finished Spring Drive movement with polished, bevelled edges on bridges and a diamond dust effect textured dial.
A 1972 Grand Seiko Ref. 61GS V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) had a pre-sale estimate of $7,600 to $10,900 but the hammer dropped at $48,900.
Production ended for this model in 1975 making it a very rare example with day and date.
