Vintage King Seiko Watch 4502-7001 Hi-Beat 1971

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Seiko 4502-7001
Movement : 4502
Age : July 1971
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In fantastic preowned condition with light wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
• Fully serviced movement
• High Beat movement 36,000 BPH
• The gold medallion is in great condition
• KS sign crown 
• Paired with an unworn grey leather strap 

This King Seiko 4502-7001 features the manually wound, high beat (as marked on the dial) calibre 4502A. As part of the famous 45~ series of King Seiko movements, the 4502A runs in 36,000 bph, or 5 Hz, which provides greater accuracy to the wearer. The calibre 4502A also instituted an instantaneous date change for the framed aperture at three o'clock.

The applied hour markers on the sunburst silver dial are neatly faceted, as is the handset. Both the markers and hands are executed without lume and instead feature a clean black striping through their central portion. The case is also a highlight here; it shares a close similarity the famous Grand Seiko case designs, with clean lines, sloping angles, and a high polish throughout. One of our favourite details is the gold King Seiko medallion placed in the centre of the case back, a testament to the quality of construction and design present in the watch.

A BIT OF TRIVA

The inter-corporate competition between Grand Seiko and King Seiko in the 1960s and '70s is a story that has fascinated all who have heard it. At that point in time, Seiko had two factories to create watches. Grand Seiko was produced at the Suwa factory; King Seiko was produced at the Daini factory. The rationale between having these two separate factories was to promote internal competition in order to build the absolute best watches possible. This 1970 King Seiko is an excellent example of exactly that.

The 45 King Seiko is the first 10-beat watch manufactured by Daini Seikosha Kameido Factory.

The 45 Kings became the new-generation 10 beat, thin high-end machines that were released and officially certified by the Japanese Chronometer Inspection Institute (Est 1968) As for the manufacturing method, the watch was assembled separately from the normal line, carefully adjusted and inspected before being cased.

The case features large lugs, and the silver dial is a wonderful design that gives a simple yet powerful impression. It is a masterpiece of its time, and still today its awesome.

OUR THOUGHTS

The 45 King Seiko is highly sought after for its exceptional hi-beat 36,000 vph hand-wound movement, renowned for accuracy and craftsmanship. Produced during Seiko’s golden era of internal competition, it showcases sharp, elegant case design and pure mechanical engineering without compromise. Its blend of precision, minimalist aesthetics, and historical significance—combined with relative rarity—makes it a favourite among collectors seeking top-tier vintage Seiko quality