King Seiko Hi-Beat Ref. 4502-7000 – July 1969 – Daini Seikosha – with caseback medallion – serviced

The best hand-wound movement Seiko ever built – and this particular example still has the golden case back medallion, which has long been missing from almost all surviving 45KS models.

The case back is embossed with 45-7000, WATERPROOF, STAINLESS STEEL, serial number 972172, and JAPAN-A; the golden KS medallion is in the center. The crown bears the original KS signet.

The 45KS and the Battle of the Two Movements

In the late 1960s, Seiko engaged in an internal struggle: Suwa Seikosha built the Grand Seiko, while Daini Seikosha built the King Seiko. Both factories independently developed high-frequency calibers to maximize accuracy – Suwa focused on luxurious finishing, Daini on technical purity.

This competition resulted in the caliber 4502A. It operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour – the highest frequency achieved in mass-produced watchmaking of those years – and deliberately foregoes automatic winding. The 45-series calibers are considered by collectors to be the best hand-wound movements Seiko ever built; the absence of the rotor allowed for a thinner case and undisturbed power transmission.

This rivalry between Daini and Suwa significantly drove Seiko's rise to become the world's leading manufacturer and ultimately culminated in the modern Grand Seiko philosophy.

The Case Back Medallion

The majority of 45KS models offered today have lost their golden medallion on the case back – it detaches over the decades, and there are no replacements. This example has it completely intact and with clearly preserved embossing.

Design

The dial is in a warm champagne tone, which has developed an even, subtle aging over the years. Gold-colored, multi-faceted applied indices sit on it, their edges breaking the light into sharp lines; the hands are executed in the same tonality.

Below the Seiko lettering are the KS signet and the addition HI-BEAT with the lightning symbol – the designation Seiko used for its high-frequency movements. At 3 o'clock, there is a gold-framed date window that complements the warm basic mood of the dial.

The stainless steel case follows the "Grammar of Design" developed by Taro Tanaka for Seiko: sharply cut surfaces, clearly defined edges, no superfluous curves. With 36.3 millimeters without the crown, a height of 9.5 millimeters, and 41.2 millimeters lug-to-lug, the watch wears discreetly and flat. It comes with a new brown leather strap with crocodile embossing.

Dating

The serial number 972172 dates the watch to July 1969 according to the usual Seiko system. The first digit indicates the year, the second the month. This corresponds to the known production period of reference 4502-7000.

Condition and Service

The watch was completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated by a watchmaker in Japan in February 2026.

The dial is original and very well preserved: evenly aged, without stains or flaking, all applied indices are firmly in place. There is a small, pinpoint mark in the lower dial area, which is not noticeable at normal viewing distance. The hands are complete and undamaged, the date is clean in the window.

The crystal shows fine scratches in the left area. The case shows signs of wear and polishing commensurate with its age; the characteristic edges are preserved and not excessively polished. The case back is slightly scratched but with fully legible embossing; the golden KS medallion is undamaged. The crown bears the original KS signet and operates smoothly. The leather strap is new and unworn.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: King Seiko
• Reference: 4502-7000
• Serial Number: 972172
• Date of Manufacture: July 1969
• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4502A, hand-wound
• Jewels: 25 Jewels
• Frequency: 36,000 A/h (Hi-Beat)
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Central Second, Date
• Case: Stainless steel, screwed case back with golden KS medallion
• Diameter without Crown: 36.3 mm
• Height: 9.5 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 41.2 mm
• Lug Width: 18 mm
• Weight including Strap: 48 g
• Crown: Original with KS signet
• Dial: Champagne-colored with faceted applied indices
• Strap: New brown leather strap
• Manufactured by: Daini Seikosha
• Origin: Japan
• Service: February 2026, complete overhaul in Japan

For Whom?

For collectors who know the 45-series calibers and understand the significance of a present case back medallion. For buyers seeking a mechanical watch with historical weight and who see manual winding not as a disadvantage, but as a ritual of operation. And for anyone who wants to wear a flat, classically proportioned watch that doesn't outshine any brand in the room, yet still resonates with every connoisseur.

Warranty (Used)

This is a used item. The statute of limitations for defect claims under the legal warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on Water Resistance

The original "WATERPROOF" designation refers to the watch's condition when new. Due to its age, no current water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.