Going automatic with the 62GS

The first self-winding Grand Seiko

Marking an important leap from manual winding to automatic, the 62GS was Grand Seiko’s first automatic timepiece. There were two variants: the date version powered by Caliber 6245A, and the day-and-date version with Caliber 6246A. Boasting a higher-torque mainspring and an oscillating weight, the 62GS was thicker than past Grand Seiko timepieces, but the design team saw to mitigate the thickness of the movement through a clever case design. The box-shaped crystal was fixed directly to the mid-case, eschewing the need for a bezel that would otherwise add visual height to the profile of the case. Furthermore, the case sides slanted down to create a slimmer profile, and the top surface of the case narrowed so that it could connect to the lugs with as little mass as possible while retaining the distinct faceted design.

Modern Era

Today, the modern interpretation of the 62GS design, prominently featured in the current US-exclusive Japan Seasons collection, keeps many of the same design elements that made the original such a unique and prized timepiece.