Birthday Watch January 1970! Seiko King 4500-7001 DAINI 25J Mechanical Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: King Seiko 45KS
Year of Production: January 1970
Movement: 4500A
BPH: 36,000
Number of Jewels: 25
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Silver / Black Markers with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Vintage Milanese Mesh SS Bracelet with Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The Seikosha DAINI factory produced the first King Seiko in 1961 to compete with the Grand Seiko made by the Seikosha SUWA that made its debut in 1960.

The first King Seiko was a manual winding, 25 jewel movement. This was followed by the 44KS debut in 1964 which was also a mechanical 18,000 BHP with a screw-down case-back.

The 45KS was introduced in 1968, also a manual winding but with a Hi-Beat 36,000 BHP movement.

Seiko ceased production of the King range in 1975 to allow the emergence of the Grand Seiko as the undisputed high-end Seiko timepiece.

So, for Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a King Seiko 45KS DAINI in NEAR MINT condition. This is the last hand-wound King, and it has become a favourite amongst many watch collectors.

This seldom seen January 1970 King Seiko has a beautiful Ivory-White sunburst dial NEAR MINT condition because it was subjected to a thorough cleaning; hence, the 3D-two-tone-styled silver baton Indices, dauphine hands, date window and Chapter Ring are in NEAR MINT condition as well.

Its typical King Seiko cylindrical silver shaped case was also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The gold medallion located on the case-back is present and in NEAR MINT condition. The mineral crystal is original and was given a good rub albeit tiny scratches do remain.

The signed crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The date quickset works flawlessly via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level to adjust the date and time respectively.

Its movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 9 September 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing, and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind. 

Equipped with the highly prized 4500A movement, it has 25 Jewels and operate at 36,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 133 in a relatively and centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the acceptable tolerance is -20 to + 40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted. 

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A hi-quality, two-tone vintage Milanese mesh bracelet comes with the watch. The Buyer is provided the option to choose a different design and coloured strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch in NEAR MINT condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so an after-market box / case is provided.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for special someone born in January 1970! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after King Seiko 45KS in NEAR MINT condition with a high quality Milanese Mesh SS Bracelet; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!