The rivalry between Grand Seiko and King Seiko during the 1960s and '70s has captivated all who have heard of it. At that time, Seiko operated two separate factories for watch production: the Suwa factory for Grand Seiko and the Daini factory for King Seiko. The purpose of having these two distinct factories was to foster internal competition and create the absolute best watches possible. The 1970 King Seiko showcased here exemplifies this philosophy.
 
The featured timepiece is a ref. 4502-7001, produced during the final five years of King Seiko's production. It is equipped with the manually wound, high-beat caliber 4502A, as indicated on the dial. Belonging to the renowned 45~ series of King Seiko movements, the 4502A operates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), providing enhanced accuracy for the wearer. The caliber 4502A also introduced an instantaneous date change feature for the framed aperture positioned at three o'clock.
 
The applied hour markers on the off-white dial are intricately faceted, matching the design of the hands. Both the markers and hands eschew luminous material and instead feature clean black striping along their central portions. The case is another notable aspect, bearing a striking resemblance to the celebrated designs of Grand Seiko. It boasts clean lines, elegant angles, and a high-polish finish throughout. One particularly cherished detail is the gold King Seiko medallion placed at the center of the case back, attesting to the watch's exceptional construction and design quality.
 
This presents a truly rare opportunity to own a historic King Seiko timepiece.
 
Upon purchase, the watch will undergo servicing before being shipped. Please anticipate a servicing duration of approximately 1-2 months.
 
Shipped from Tokyo, Japan.