Here we have a rarely seen 1973 Grand Seiko 56GS 'Hammered' Textured 5646-7040. This rare model takes its inspiration from the early Seiko watches and is a design unlike the typical Grand Seiko, which adopts the principles of ’The Grammar of Design’. It was only available for sale for one month in June 1973 and was the only 56GS to have Arabic numerals. Featuring a 35mm stainless steel round case that gently curves over the wrist with thick lugs. Its polished, curved flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 39.5mm and a thickness of 10mm for a comfortable fit. Polished chamfered edges with crisp lines are still evident along the lug edges, and on the right side, there is a signed, deep knurled crown. The bezel features a polished, chamfered edge and an unusual ‘Hammered’ Kirazuri (starlight) texture, which holds the domed crystal above the equally distinctive ‘Hammered’ Kirazuri (starlight) textured silver dial. Unique applied polished Breguet-like Arabic numerals mark the hours, catching the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock, a framed Kanji day/date window. Slim baton hands are complemented by a tapered centre second hand, at 12 o’clock an applied ‘Seiko’, ‘Automatic’, and at 6 o’clock an applied “GS” with ‘Suwa factory’ logo printed in black. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the Grand Seiko gold medallion embossed in the centre, inside an sutomatic Seiko Cal. 5646, 25 jewels beating at 28,800 beats per hour. This quality movement features hacking seconds and a quick-set date for your convenience. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 18mm leather strap and pin buckle.