Seiko - King Seiko - 4502-7001 - Men - 1971

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a legendary piece of Japanese horological history, the King Seiko 4502-7001. Representing the pinnacle of Seiko’s mechanical achievements during the golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, this timepiece is powered by the renowned 4502A manual-wind Hi-Beat movement, oscillating at an incredible 36,000 vibrations per hour. A true rival to the Swiss chronometers of its day, this watch embodies the famous "Grammar of Design" aesthetic with razor-sharp case lines and exceptional finishing. With its intact gold caseback medallion and high-frequency engineering, this King Seiko is a sophisticated choice for the discerning collector who values precision and pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 4502-7001 Serial Number: 143513 Movement: Manual Wind Hi-Beat 36000 Caliber 4502A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The case retains sharp, definitive lines characteristic of the model, and the gold medallion on the caseback is beautifully preserved. The timegrapher results indicate a healthy movement running between +15 and +17 seconds per day, which is a strong result for a vintage mechanism of this complexity. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, radiating from the center. It is adorned with multi-faceted, polished steel baton indices featuring distinct black inlays, a design choice that enhances legibility and adds a modernist touch. The dauphine hands are razor-sharp and mirror the indices with their own black detailing. The applied "SEIKO" and "KS" logos at 12 and 6 o'clock respectively add depth, while the "Hi-Beat" text and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo confirm its prestigious origins. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a masterclass in the "Grammar of Design" philosophy, featuring flat surfaces and sharp angles that reflect light without distortion. The lugs are thick and angular, giving the 36mm case a substantial presence on the wrist. The crown is original and signed with the bold "KS" block letters. The screw-down caseback is a highlight of this specific example, proudly displaying the gold "KS" medallion which remains fully intact and crisp, a detail often lost or worn down on similar vintage pieces. The crystal is clear and presents the dial without obstruction. Movement At the heart of this timepiece beats the legendary Caliber 4502A, a manual-winding marvel designed by Daini Seikosha. Operating at a Hi-Beat frequency of 36,000 bph (10 beats per second), this 25-jewel movement was built for supreme accuracy and a sweeping seconds hand that glides with mesmerizing smoothness. The movement presents cleanly and is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings showing +15 to +17 seconds per day, indicating reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that complements the vintage aesthetic. The strap is in excellent condition and feels supple, ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is very well preserved with only minimal signs of aging visible under close inspection. The case edges remain distinct, suggesting the watch has been treated with care over the decades. The standout feature is the gold medallion on the caseback, which is in fantastic condition. The movement is clean, functions correctly, and the date change mechanism operates as intended. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and elegant profile suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The 45KS series is widely regarded by collectors as one of the finest manual-wind watches Seiko ever produced. It represents the culmination of the internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini factories, pushing the boundaries of accuracy and design. To find an example with such a sharp case and an intact gold medallion is becoming increasingly difficult. History Produced in April 1971, this King Seiko hails from the famous Daini Seikosha factory. During this era, Seiko was fiercely competing not just with the Swiss watch industry but internally between its two main factories. The 45 series was Daini's answer to the challenge of creating a world-class high-frequency chronometer. This specific reference is a testament to that period of rapid innovation and stands today as an icon of Japanese watchmaking excellence. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKX-0006