Why This Watch Matters Seiko recently announced the return of its famous King Seiko line as a single limited edition release scheduled for early 2021. Here's the option to own an original example in attractive condition from 1970. The Full Story The inter-corporate competition between Grand Seiko and King Seiko in the 1960s and '70s is a story that has fascinated all who have heard it. At that point in time, Seiko had two factories to create watches. Grand Seiko was produced at the Suwa factory; King Seiko was produced at the Daini factory. The rationale between having these two separate factories was to promote internal competition in order to build the absolute best watches possible. This 1970 King Seiko is an excellent example of exactly that.Today's example is a ref. 4502-7001 that dates to the last five years of King Seiko production. It features the manually wound, high beat (as marked on the dial) caliber 4502A. As part of the famous 45~ series of King Seiko movements, the 4502A runs in 36,000 vph, or 5 Hz, which provides greater accuracy to the wearer. The caliber 4502A also instituted an instantaneous date change for the framed aperture at three o'clock. The applied hour markers on the off-white dial are neatly faceted, as is the handset. Both the markers and hands are executed without lume and instead feature a clean black striping through their central portion. The case is also a highlight here; it shares a close similarity to the famous Grand Seiko case designs, with clean lines, sloping angles, and a high polish throughout. One of our favorite details is the gold King Seiko medallion placed in the center of the caseback, a testament to the quality of construction and design present in the watch. We paired this King Seiko with our Honey Gold Strap to complement the slight, off-white cream color of the dial. The Fine Print Maker: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference: 4502-7001 Year: 1970Case No: 080768Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 9mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: NoCaliber: Seiko, manually-wound, Caliber 4502ABracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Honey Gold Strap Lug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This King Seiko is in overall good, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and it appears to have been lightly polished. The medallion on the caseback is in good condition with all the details clearly visible; some wear is visible on some of the letters. The writing around the caseback medallion is all clearly visible, too. The dial is in good condition with light patina and a few small scratches in the very center, which are covered by the hands at times. The hour markers and hands are in good condition with light patina. The dial, movement, case, and crown are signed by Seiko. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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