Vintage King Seiko Wristwatch 44-2000 Manual Wind 1967 Gold Filled

SPECIFICATION

Reference: King Seiko 44-2000
Movement: 44A
Age: February 1967
Case Size: 36mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 44mm
Lugs: 19mm
Condition: used Seiko watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: 14k gold filled
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS OF MENTION

• In good pre-owned condition, with signs of wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Light sunburst dial
  
• Fully serviced manually wound movement
• Signed crown has some wear
• Gold medallion in great condition
• Paired with an unworn brown epsom leather strap

SECOND GERNERATION KING SEIKO

Seiko has recently rekindled the Kings Seiko range and the first straight from this model, showing the acclaim that this timeless watch is held and at a fraction of the cost of the new models, which really does mean you can pick up something so cool.

The King Seiko 44-2000 from 1967 is a particularly interesting vintage Seiko because it comes from the second-generation 44KS period, when Seiko was pushing King Seiko as a high-quality alternative to its Grand Seiko line. The 44-2000 was produced through the mid-1960s into 1968, so a 1967 example sits toward the later part of its production.

One of the most distinctive features is the 14K gold-filled case. The 44-2000 is notable because it used an “AGF” (All Gold Filled) case, meaning the gold layer was mechanically bonded to the case rather than simply electroplated. Importantly, the 44-2000 is identified as the only King Seiko model using the AGF construction, making the case a significant part of its appeal.

Inside is the hand-wound calibre 44A, part of the 44KS family developed by Daini Seikosha. The movement has 25 jewels, operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour and features hacking seconds, allowing the seconds hand to be stopped when setting the time. It also incorporates Seiko's Diashock shock-protection system.

The watch measures approximately 36.5 mm across, with a roughly 43 mm lug-to-lug measurement, giving it very classic 1960s proportions. The design is also significant because King Seiko was becoming increasingly associated with the sharp, clean aesthetic that would develop into Seiko's famous “Grammar of Design” philosophy under designer Taro Tanaka.

Another lovely detail is the King Seiko shield medallion on the case back, a characteristic feature of these early King Seiko watches. Combined with the gold-filled case, hand-wound 44A movement and 1960s design, the 44-2000 is one of the more historically interesting early King Seiko references.

OUR THOUGHTS

What makes the 1967 King Seiko 44-2000 particularly interesting is its rare 14K AGF (All Gold Filled, a construction unique to this King Seiko reference, combined with the highly regarded 25-jewel hand-wound calibre 44A with hacking seconds and Diashock protection. It comes from an important period in Seiko’s history, when the distinctive Grammar of Design style was taking shape, and its shield-style caseback and classic 1960s proportions add even more character. For me, it’s the combination of all these along with its historical significance that makes the 44-2000 such a special vintage King Seiko.