King Seiko 45KS 45-7001
Gold with an edge
I have called this one of the most assertive dials I know. The broad black accents give the champagne-coloured surface a firm rhythm, while the case keeps its sharp, uncompromising outline. Gold does little to quieten this particular King Seiko.
My January 1970 example has retained an unusually complete finish. That matters here: the pleasure is in seeing the gold follow the edges and folds cleanly, with the geometry still fully legible. It is the combination of a luminous surface and an exacting shape that keeps drawing me back.
Thirty-six thousand
The 4500A adds another reason to enjoy it. In use, my serviced 45KS and 45GS movements have been so close in their stability and precision that the distinction between the two names can seem remarkably small. A watch this exuberant can also be an exceptionally disciplined timekeeper.
The watch
| Reference | 45-7001 |
|---|---|
| My example | January 1970 |
| Manufacture | Daini Seikosha |
| Movement | 4500A · manual wind |
| Beat rate | 36,000 vibrations/hour · 5 Hz |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central seconds |
| Case | SGP · Seiko Gold Plated |
| Dial | Champagne with black-accented markers and hands |
| Case width, without crown | 36.3 mm |
| Thickness, including crystal | 9.1 mm |
Dimensions measured on this example.