Seiko - King Seiko "Serviced" - No reserve price - 4402-8000 - Men - 1965

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko lineage represents a fascinating chapter in Japanese horological history, born from the fierce internal rivalry between Seiko's Suwa and Daini factories. This King Seiko reference 4402-8000 is a quintessential example of Daini Seikosha's pursuit of perfection during the mid-1960s. Boasting the celebrated 44KS manual-winding movement, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the era's design ethos with its sharp lines, elegant proportions, and exceptional mechanical pedigree. The presence of a remarkably crisp gold caseback medallion further elevates this piece, offering collectors a beautifully preserved artifact from Seiko's golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 4402-8000 Serial Number: 5N00480 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 4402A, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp dial and well-preserved caseback medallion. Recently serviced movement. Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a masterclass in understated elegance, featuring a subtle silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The dial condition is exceptionally clean, showing outstanding preservation with no visible spots, staining, or moisture damage. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone baton indices that provide excellent depth and contrast, anchored by a prominent double baton at the twelve o'clock position. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and highly polished, complementing the indices perfectly. A framed date window sits neatly at the three o'clock position. All typography, including the applied Seiko logo and the crisp black printed "KING SEIKO" and "DIASHOCK 25 JEWELS," remains perfectly intact and legible. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter gold-plated case retains a strong and handsome profile, characterized by its robust lugs and classic mid-century proportions. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, including light surface marks and some expected rubbing to the gold plating on the very extremities of the lugs, which is entirely consistent with its age and material. The watch is fitted with a signed crown bearing the distinctive Seiko logo. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel caseback that houses the true highlight of the exterior: a stunningly well-preserved gold King Seiko shield medallion. The medallion remains incredibly crisp, with its intricate details and ribbed textures fully intact, a rare find for a watch of this vintage. A domed crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly without any distracting visual flaws. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 4402A, a 25-jewel manual-winding movement renowned for its durability and precision. Close inspection of the movement reveals clean bridges and plates, bearing the correct factory engravings including the caliber designation and serial number 034898. The recently serviced movement is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a deviation of -8 to -10 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a distinctive black leather strap featuring prominent yellow and white contrast stitching along its edges. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone buckle that harmonizes with the case material. Condition This King Seiko survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial is a standout feature, remaining incredibly clean and free of the degradation often seen in watches from this era. The case shows normal, honest wear with slight softening and plating fade at the lug tips, while the deeply stamped caseback medallion remains in spectacular, sharp condition. Dimensions The watch features a classic vintage case diameter of 35 mm, measured excluding the crown. Remarks Finding a 44KS with a dial this pristine and a caseback medallion this sharp is a true delight for the vintage Seiko enthusiast. The 4402-8000 is a historically significant reference that offers immense charm and wearability. Its elegant aesthetic, combined with a highly respected manual-wind caliber, makes it a sophisticated addition to any serious collection of Japanese horology. History Introduced in the early 1960s by Daini Seikosha, the King Seiko line was created to compete directly with Suwa Seikosha's Grand Seiko. This internal rivalry pushed both facilities to produce some of the finest mechanical watches in the world. The 44KS series, to which this 4402-8000 belongs, is often considered one of the most significant and well-executed movements in the King Seiko family. It represents Daini's commitment to high precision, elegant design, and robust engineering, leaving a legacy that continues to captivate collectors decades later. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SJN-0001