Stonebridge Watches is pleased to offer this rare Vintage 1964 Grand Seiko Self-Dater 43999
SIZE 35mm x 10.5mm (Thickness)
SPECIFICATIONS
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | 43999 Self-Dater (Second Model) |
| Reference | 43999 |
| Year | 1964 |
| Movement | Grand Seiko Cal. 430 Hand-Wound Chronometer |
| Jewels | 35 Jewels |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Diameter | 35mm (excluding crown) |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Dial | Silver Sunburst Dial with Applied Hour Markers |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Central Seconds, Date |
| Strap | New Black Leather Strap |
| Buckle | Signed Grand Seiko Buckle |
| Accuracy | Approximately +10 Seconds Per Day |
| Caseback | Original Gold Grand Seiko Lion Medallion with Period Japanese Presentation Inscription |
| Box & Papers | Not Supplied |
| Condition | Excellent Vintage Condition with a particularly well-preserved dial, sharp case lines and strong lion medallion. |
EXTRA DETAILS6 Months Guarantee
If you require further information regarding the watch or are concerned about shipping and import fees outside of the UK, please contact us via e-mail or what's app.
STONEBRIDGE WATCHES SAYS...
The Grand Seiko 43999, commonly known among collectors as the "Self-Dater" or "Second Model", occupies a significant place in the history of Japanese watchmaking. Produced during the formative years of Grand Seiko, this reference represents the brand's pursuit of chronometric excellence and helped establish the standards that would ultimately define Grand Seiko as one of the world's finest watch manufacturers.
This particular example dates to 1964 and is powered by the highly regarded hand-wound Calibre 430 Chronometer movement. Featuring 35 jewels and adjusted to exacting standards, the Cal. 430 remains one of the most respected movements from Grand Seiko's early period. Running at approximately +10 seconds per day, it continues to perform impressively more than sixty years after its manufacture.
The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally well preserved, displaying the understated elegance for which early Grand Seiko models are celebrated. Applied faceted hour markers, sharp dauphine hands and the distinctive "Chronometer" designation create a refined and highly legible aesthetic that remains remarkably modern today. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and excellent overall definition, while the original gold Grand Seiko lion medallion remains present on the caseback, an important feature often found worn or missing on surviving examples.
The watch is fitted to a new black leather strap and is accompanied by a signed Grand Seiko buckle, a desirable detail that complements the watch beautifully and completes its presentation.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this particular example is the period Japanese inscription engraved around the caseback. While modern collectors often associate engravings with personal ownership marks, presentation engravings such as this form part of a watch's documented history and were commonly awarded to employees, executives or recipients of long-service and commemorative awards during Japan's post-war economic expansion. Rather than detracting from the watch, the engraving provides a tangible connection to its life in Japan and offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of the era in which it was originally presented. Combined with the strong lion medallion, it gives this Grand Seiko an individuality and provenance seldom found on standard examples.
Elegant, historically important and increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide, the Grand Seiko 43999 remains one of the most significant early Grand Seiko references. With its excellent condition, highly regarded chronometer-rated movement, signed Grand Seiko buckle and distinctive period presentation engraving, this is a particularly characterful example of one of Japan's most important vintage watches.
At Stonebridge Watches, we have a particular appreciation for vintage timepieces that combine mechanical excellence with genuine historical significance. This Grand Seiko offers both in abundance, representing an opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved example from the pioneering years of the Grand Seiko story. 
