Vintage King Seiko Special 5245-6010 Watch Hi-Beat Chronometer Officially Certified 1971

SPECIFICATION

Reference: King Seiko 5245-6010
Movement: Automatic 5245
Age: June 1971
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 9mm
Lug to Lug: 40mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Used Seiko watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In good pre-owned condition, with light wear
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced hi-beat automatic movement
• Sunburst dial
• Metal quickset wheel
  
• Date only model
• KS signed crown
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap
  

THE WATCH

Presented here is a 1970 King Seiko Special Hi-Beat Chronometer Officially Certified, reference 5245-6010. Produced during the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, the King Seiko line was manufactured between 1961 and 1975 and positioned just below Grand Seiko in Seiko’s hierarchy. Originally built exclusively by Daini Seikosha, production was later shared with Suwa Seikosha as the two divisions competed to create Seiko’s finest timepieces.

The watch features a beautifully proportioned 35mm stainless steel monocoque case. Derived from the French word coque, meaning “hull,” the monocoque construction is machined from a single piece of steel, eliminating the need for a removable case back. Access to the movement is gained through the front of the watch by removing the crystal. Measuring 40mm lug-to-lug and just 10mm thick, the case sits comfortably on the wrist, its sharp brushed and polished surfaces showcasing the distinctive Grammar of Design styling that defined King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the period.

On the right side sits a signed crown, while a polished smooth bezel frames the raised crystal and striking linen dial beneath. Applied baton indices feature finely chamfered edges that catch the light beautifully with every movement of the wrist. At 3 o’clock, a framed date aperture provides practical functionality without disturbing the dial’s symmetry. Elegant steel hands are complemented by a slender tapered seconds hand that sweeps smoothly across the dial.

The dial is proudly signed “Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified” beneath 12 o’clock, while an applied KS logo sits above the “Special Hi-Beat” designation at 6 o’clock, highlighting the watch’s prestigious status within the King Seiko range.

Inside beats the impressive King Seiko Calibre 5245, a 25-jewel automatic movement operating at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Officially certified as a chronometer, it represents Seiko’s relentless pursuit of precision during one of the most competitive and innovative periods in the brand’s history. The case back is engraved with the watch’s reference and production details, completing this exceptional example of vintage Japanese horology.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

These 52 series of movement was the successor to the hand-wound 45 calibre and was pitted against the Seiko Suwa's 56 series of chronometers.

These movements appeared in a small number of King Seiko Special Chronometers, the best known of which are the 524X-6000s, featuring a gentle monocoque case design.

These were the first automatic Hi-Beat KS by Daini Seikosha. At a frequency of 28,800 bph, it was less than the 36,000 bph true Hi-Beat, but was regardless, significantly higher than what was the norm of that era. The 52 calibre held its own in terms of accuracy and precision. The models with the ‘Special’ label were said to be at a standard near or even equal to the 52-calibreandard.

OUR THOUGHTS

An exceptional example of 1970s King Seiko craftsmanship, it perfectly embodies Seiko’s pursuit of precision, quality, and timeless design. Combining a highly accurate chronometer-grade movement with a beautifully executed dial and elegantly proportioned case, it showcases the remarkable standards achieved by Seiko during one of the most competitive eras in watchmaking. Sophisticated yet understated, the 5245-6010 is a watch that continues to impress and is difficult not to admire.