Collectible Birthday Watch July 1969! Seiko King 4502-8000 Gold Capped 25J DAINI Mechanical (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: July 1969
Movement: 4502A
BPH: 36,000
Number of Jewels: 25
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver/Gold Baton Indices with Gold Dauphine Hands
Width: 37.6mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 9mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet / Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Brown Suede Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seikosha DAINI factory produced the first King Seiko in 1961 to compete with the Grand Seiko made by Seikosha SUWA that made its debut in 1960.

The first King Seiko was manual winding, 25 jewel movements which is the 44KS that debuted in 1964 and is a mechanical 18,000 BHP with a screw-down case-back. The 44KS is in fact a 4402 movement. It was so good in design, accuracy and reliability that it was adopted and installed into the world's first Grand Seiko and named 44GS that became the all-time great Grand Seiko and a highly Collectible.

The next King Seiko was the KS45 series which is a hi-beat 36,000 BPH that brought forth improved timing precision. This is a KS45 Hi-Beat housed in a Gold-Capped Turtle designed case. The 45 Caliber series was also adopted by Grand Seiko for their GS45 because it is fact that even though DAINI and SUWA were "friendly competitors," they did share many movements due to the insatiable market demand.

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 highly favoured KS45 Collectible especially in Gold-Capped format.

This seldom seen July 1969 King Seiko has a beautiful Ivory-White Linen dial, 3D-styled silver/gold baton Indices, solid gold hands, date window and Chapter Ring are in superb condition after undergoing a thorough cleaning.

Its turtle shaped case was also carefully cleaned and buffed as best as possible albeit miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable do remain. The gold medallion located on the case-back is present and in excellent condition. The crystal is original and was given a good rub.

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

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 27 August 2024. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing, and should be able to operate until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 4502 movement, it has 25 Jewels and operate at 36,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 278 with a straight 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approx. 37.6mm (w/o crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A hi-quality, genuine suede brown leather strap comes with the watch.

This timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows 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.

This extremely rare timepiece will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in the month of July 1969, and its value will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links (if applicable) - 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 Gold Capped King Seiko 45KS in near mint condition with its gold medallion intact; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such stunning condition.