Birthday Watch May 1967! Seiko King 4402-8000 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 44KS
Year of Production: May 1967
Movement: 4402A
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 25
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet / Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver 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 the Seikosha SUWA that made its debut in 1960.

The first King Seiko was manual winding, 25 jewel movements which is this 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.

It is fact that even though DAINI and SUWA were "friendly competitors," they did share many movements due to the insatiable 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 the FIRST generation King Seiko 44KS/4402KS DAINI AKA 44GS in NEAR MINT condition. This is a highly favoured Collectible especially in Gold-Filled format.

This seldom seen May 1967 King Seiko has a beautiful Ivory-White sunburst dial, 3D-styled silver baton Indices, hands, date window and Chapter Ring are in superb condition after undergoing a thorough cleaning.

Its typical 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 excellent condition. The crystal is original and was given a good rub albeit tiny scratches do remain.

The 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.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 29 September 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing, and should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 4402 movement, it has 25 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate 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 approximately 36mm (w/o crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm 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 leather strap in maroon with snake-skin design comes with the watch. 

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

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 very rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in the month of May 1967, 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 - 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 44KS in near mint condition with its gold medallion intact; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.