KING SEIKO 4402-8000

’44KS’ EARLY SHIELD MEDALLION

The early King Seiko references are some of the more interesting iterations of the line to collect. Vastly different from the more commonly encountered references from the 1970’s, yet unmistakably still a King Seiko.

 

Dating to the mid 1960’s, this watch was created to be a direct competitor to the Suwa Division’s Grand Seiko line. With its angular case design, precision polished edges, and a wonderfully accurate hand wound “Low-Beat” (18,000bph) movement, it wasn’t pulling its punches.

 

This example comes in outstanding condition. Starting with the case, the bevels are prominent and reflect light well. With the amount of scratches present on this watch, it would be hard to guess it was from 1966. The handset is in great condition, also still reflecting light beautifully as are the applied numerals. The dial itself is pristine and only has minor scattered freckling, something common among the older KS references. The crown is original and working as it should. The shield crest medallion is in outstanding condition for its age, and the stamping around it also legible and prominent.

 

Overall a truly remarkable example that embodies the early years of King Seiko’s history. The movement was fully serviced in March 2022 and will be supplied on a beautiful handmade dark brown ostrich leather strap.

SOLD

Essentials

MAKER: Seiko

MODEL:  King Seiko 4402-8000

YEAR: 1966 (February)

CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel

CASE WIDTH: 36mm

LUG WIDTH: 18mm

CASE SERIAL: 6202180

CRYSTAL: Acrylic

LUME: No

FUNCTION: Hours, seconds, date

MOVEMENT: Seiko Cal. 4402A manual wind

SERVICE HISTORY: March 2022

BRACELET/STRAP: Handmade ostrich leather

BOX/PAPERS: RBVW watch pouch