The GM is a little-known line of
models from Orient, which I believe any Orient collector should know. Today I
would like to tell you about my GM, A unique piece with a story…
In the late 60s Orient wanted to join the
"arms race" to high beat movements. It first developed the "tenbeat"
(presented in 1970), an ultra-rare piece sold in minute numbers which I can only assume did
not cover the cost of development. Not that there are any available articles discussing
what happened back then, but being an industrial engineer and business
manager, I think that is a pretty safe assumption.
Looking for a commercially viable endeavor, Orient chose a more sensible approach, an
8 beat movement for an affordable watch. So they went to Seiko and sourced
their brand new 5216A movement. This was a member of the 5200 family,
acknowledged as one of the best 8 beaters at the time, that was driving some of
Seiko's finest models like King Seiko and Lord Matic. Orient dubbed it the
caliber 26960 and placed it inside a new model line - the GM.
That was the only Orient produced with a
Seiko movement prior to the latter's acquisition of Orient; and to the best of
knowledge one of only two such cases ever, the other being a more recent
attempt by Orient at mechanical chronographs, powered by a Seiko chronograph
movement.
The GM line too did not last for long. Only a few variations
were made around 1970-71. Not as rare as the tenbeat but still difficult to
find in good condition, I somehow stumbled upon this one NOS. With the tag and
stickers still on!
This particular GM has a lovely blue
textured dial with just the right amount of shine, a finely brushed case with a
polished bezel, and an overall slim and elegant look. An absolute joy to wear
and behold.
The 5216A was relaunched by Seiko in the 90s as the 4s15, part
of the 4s family, positioned very high up the scale of Seiko models of that
era. Watches containing either the 4s15 or the older 5216 nowadays fetch
anywhere from 600 dollars to well above 1000, if in decent condition. This piece
cost less than 300. Another reason to love Orient!
Nice piece of history! It is often nearly impossible to scrape together any meaningful info on some the older Orients. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I appreciate the feedback so much, especially at these early stages of the blog. Please keep following, I aim to add about 2 new articles per month.
DeleteExcellent ! WUS brought me here. Looking forward to your next article.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Please visit again :)
DeleteI have one with a screw down crown and brown and gold reflective dail :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very special Orient! Happy if you can share a photo...
DeleteAnd here is mine Orient !The same model you published.
ReplyDeleteI not able to attache photo.
Hi! If you like you can add a photo in comments on our facebook post of this article, here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=537278716734935&id=530201254109348
DeleteInterestingly, Orient sourced the Seiko 76xx movement from Seiko and put it in their AAA line circa 1964. Around 1965 they improved on it by upgrading the balance cock to a balance bridge, and called it the 19 caliber.
ReplyDeleteGood point. And indeed, a number of Orient movements have been based on Seiko designs - often with some in-house modifications by Orient. But they were usually re-built by Orient. In the rare case of the GM, the movement used was taken off the Seiko assembly lines.
DeleteFoarte precisa miscarea , port unul zi de zi precizie de 1 secunda pe zi
ReplyDeleteVery impressive!
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