Brand: Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko 61GS
Reference: 6146-8030
Year: 1969
Case: Stainless steel, 36mm
Caliber: Seiko 6146A, automatic
The 61GS, created by Suwa Seikosha in 1968, was Japan's first watch with an automatic 10-beat movement, Caliber 6145. The 61GS was designed with a focus on everyday practicality. To improve the efficiency of the oscillating weight, Grand Seiko implemented a proprietary winding mechanism called the 'Magic Lever', which effectively wound the mainspring in both directions. This design of the 'Magic Lever' pawl winding system was developed by Seiko originally in 1959. Other advancements were implemented as well to improve efficiency and stabilize performance. The 61GS became renowned as one of the finest watches produced by Grand Seiko. The 61GS was even chosen for inclusion in the Time Capsule Expo of 1970 held in Osaka, and it was buried at the site of the former Osaka Castle in 1971. It is due to be opened in the year 6970 at the Osaka Expo, exactly 5,000 years later.
In November 1969, Grand Seiko announced the 61GS V.F.A. Realized once again by Suwa, this important timepiece featured an automatic 10-beat movement with a groundbreaking accuracy standard. The first V.F.A. movements, the caliber 6185, were rated at an incredible ±1 minute a month. This new benchmark was named the “Grand Seiko V.F.A. Standard,” with the acronym standing for Very Fine Adjusted.
Taro Tanaka's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design", emerged in 1962, drawing inspiration from the precision of gem cutting. Comprising four fundamental principles, it revolutionized watch design. Tanaka's rules emphasized flat and geometrically precise surfaces across the case, dial, hands, and indices to optimize light reflection. He insisted on simple two-dimensional faceted curves for bezels, avoiding any visual distortion from any angle, and demanded mirror-finished cases and dials. This design discipline led to stringent manufacturing standards at Seiko, aiming to match Swiss quality. The earliest manifestations of Tanaka's ideology surfaced in the Grand Seiko 4420-9000 unveiled in 1967. These pioneering timepieces remain exemplars of Tanaka's philosophy and hold esteemed positions in the realm of collectible watches.
I have found some great articles about 61GS
Samurai: Seiko's Grammar of Design
Some recommended strap options for this watch. External links to their webshops.