Seiko - King Seiko Superior Chronometer - 45-8010 - Uomo - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko Superior Chronometer represents the absolute pinnacle of Daini Seikosha's watchmaking prowess during the late 1960s. Designed to compete directly with Grand Seiko and Swiss chronometer standards, the 45-8010 is a masterpiece of precision engineering and "Grammar of Design" aesthetics. Featuring a true high-beat 36,000 bph manual-wind movement, this particular example stands out with its striking cushion case profile and the highly coveted gold KS Superior Chronometer medallion on the caseback, making it an exceptional acquisition for serious collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 45-8010 Serial Number: 970713 Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 4500A, 25 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing light, even stardust patina Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved case and stunning movement Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle sunburst finish that plays elegantly with the light. It exhibits a very fine, even "stardust" patina across the surface, which is highly attractive and consistent with its age, adding character without detracting from legibility. The applied, multi-faceted baton indices are sharply polished and feature black central inserts that perfectly match the sleek, non-luminous dauphine hands. The typography is crisp, with the applied "SEIKO" logo at 12 o'clock above the printed "SUPERIOR CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" text. The applied "KS" logo sits proudly above the printed "HI-BEAT" and the Daini lightning bolt symbol at 6 o'clock. The dial is framed by a pristine minute track, and there are no signs of heavy staining, moisture damage, or significant blemishes. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel cushion case is a superb example of Seiko's design philosophy, featuring broad, sweeping lugs that flow seamlessly into the case flanks. The transition between the brushed upper surfaces and polished sides remains well-defined, showing only honest, light handling marks typical of careful vintage wear. The case retains its original sharp geometry without signs of heavy over-polishing. The original crown, signed with the "KS" logo, is present and features crisp knurling. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring the highly desirable and beautifully preserved gold "SEIKO KS SUPERIOR CHRONOMETER" medallion, which remains completely intact with sharp, legible text. The watch is fitted with its original box-shaped acrylic crystal, which sits slightly proud of the bezel and offers an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary, chronometer-grade Seiko Caliber 4500A manual-wind movement, beating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second). The movement is visually stunning, with clean plates, sharp gold-filled engravings, and a flawless balance wheel assembly. The serial number 058373 is clearly stamped on the movement bridge. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +15 to +20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a high-quality, period-appropriate black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and a standard steel buckle. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly and shows minimal signs of wear. Condition This King Seiko is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains robust and sharp, the dial presents a beautiful, even patina, and the gold caseback medallion is exceptionally well-preserved. The high-beat movement is clean and running strong. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks The 45KS Superior Chronometer is a rare and historically significant reference that bridges the gap between King Seiko and Grand Seiko. Its combination of a high-beat movement, striking cushion case, and the intact gold medallion make it a highly desirable piece for any discerning vintage Seiko collector. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the King Seiko line was produced by the Daini Seikosha factory as an internal rival to the Suwa factory's Grand Seiko. The 45 series movements were the pinnacle of Daini's manual-wind technology, operating at 36,000 bph to achieve chronometer-level accuracy. The "Superior Chronometer" designation was reserved for only the most finely tuned and rigorously tested examples, making watches like this 45-8010 a testament to Seiko's mid-century dedication to absolute precision. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0005