An ultra rare example of 6146 Grand Seiko, only produced between 1970 and 1972. **Model**: Grand Seiko 6146-8010 **Year**: February 1970 **Video**: [Click here to see a video of the watch](https://www.instagram.com/p/C636w6iMIFF/) **Features**: ***- Arabesque***: The watch gets it nickname from the “arabesque” style of artistic decoration that surrounds the GS at the bottom of the dial. Not a design choice found on any other Grand Seiko, before or since, making it a unique collector’s piece. ***- VFA-lite***: The 614X calibre was introduced after the release of the iconic VFA (Very Fine Adjusted; Japan’s answer to the modern-day equivalent of COSC). Regulated to + 5 to -3 seconds per day, they were designed to fill the space between the VFA watches and normal Grand Seikos. Sadly, Seiko decided there wasn’t much demand for something better than a traditional Grand Seiko but only almost as good as a VFA, so they shuttered the 6146 watches after only two years in production. As a result, these Arabesques are unsurprisingly rare. ***- The Crystal***: Made from sapphire, which is somewhat normal by todays standards, but was not common for Seiko back in 1971. However, to call it just a sapphire crystal isn’t fair as you might have noticed from the pictures. There were three 6146-8010 crystal shapes, at increasingly more expensive price points: the Flat sapphire, the rare Double Faceted sapphire, and the incredibly rare Pyramid Faceted crystal, as shown on this watch. It is flawless and totally original. It isn’t just a four sided pyramid though – [the side facets are then internally shaped into diamonds, which are then visible only from a specific angle, as shown in this picture.](https://i.imgur.com/7gg53Do.jpeg). Pyramids within the Pyramid. ***- The Movement***: 36,000 bph. Silky smooth. A true hi-beat even by today’s modern standards, so it goes without saying how remarkable this was in 1970. Serviced in 2024 by a specialist Vintage Grand Seiko company in Tokyo, Japan and currently running at an average of **+1 second per day across six positions**. ***- The Case***: HSS, or hardened stainless steel, can be found in all of the “specials”, and it gives the watch case a fighting chance against the passage of time. Beautifully finished by Seiko’s “Zaratsu” polishing technique. ***- The Bracelet***: 6146-8010 originally came on a leather strap. The buckle is the original GS buckle, but leather strap itself is aftermarket, despite being true to the original design. I have photographed the watch on both the leather strap, and my favourite vintage Grand Seiko bracelet; the XQB070. Originally supplied with the 5645-8000 Grand Seiko, it is designed to fit any -8000 or -8010 case, like this 6146-8010. As a result, I couldn’t resist taking photos with it. I’m happy to supply this watch with the leather strap at no extra cost, or with both the leather strap and metal bracelet for an additional fee ($375). ***- Gold Medallion***: Synonymous with a classic Grand Seiko – the 18k gold medallion, still in perfect condition. ***- Calendar***: The 6146 features a double quick-set day and date wheel, as well as a dual language (Kanji or English) day wheel. **The Condition**: It was serviced in March 2024 by a Vintage Grand Seiko Specialist company in Tokyo, Japan. They also lightly, but expertly, polished the case. They are the only company, other than Seiko and Lapinist, I trust to polish vintage cases. You’ll notice all of the edges are still crisp and to the original shape. The polish was very light, so some hairlines remain. The movement itself is currently running at an average of **+1 second per day, averaged across six positions.** This is well within the original spec. There is a stain at the 6 o’clock part of the dial – it is visible in the front facing pictures. The crystal and medallion are flawless. Overall, this watch is in remarkable condition. **Scope**: No box or papers. Sent with the 2024 service papers. **Movement**: 6146 Hi-Beat, 36,000 bph. 25 Jewels. **Case Width**: 36mm **Lug Width**: 18mm **Case Thickness**: 12.5mm **Leather Strap Size**: ~18.5cm (~7.5”) **Optional Metal XQB070 Bracelet Size**: ~17.8cm (~7.0”) **Price**: $4700. The leather strap is included in the price. The Grand Seiko XQB070 bracelet costs an additional $375. Payment by Wire, Wise.com or PayPal (G&S). Other payment options are available if you have transaction history. Transaction fees paid by you. Shipping from Japan included in the price. **Of note**: The Grand Seiko Guy has produced a far better video than I ever could: https://thegrandseikoguy.substack.com/p/for-sale-grand-seiko-6146-8010-arabesque [Album](https://imgur.com/a/sMoaRC8) [Proof](https://imgur.com/a/3AHhRvt)