Superior
Quick facts
Brand: Seiko
Model: King Seiko Superior Chronometer Officially Certified Hi-beat
Reference: 45-8010 (no date)
Year: 1969
Case: Stainless steel, 37mm x 9.2mm
Caliber: Seiko 4500A, chronometer, manual
What about it
The iconic King Seiko 45KS series reflects Taro Tanaka's Grammar of Design through its razor-sharp lines, crisp geometry, and mirror-like polishing. At its heart lies a movement lineage shaped by Seiko's pursuit of precision in the Swiss chronometer trials of the 1960s.
While many competitors self-certified their movements, King Seiko chronometers were independently tested by the Japan Chronometer Inspection Institute (JCII) in accordance with stringent Swiss chronometer standards. Only movements achieving an accuracy of −1.0 to +10.0 seconds per day across five positions - Seiko's esteemed "A" grade - were permitted to carry the "Officially Certified" marking on the dial.
Produced exclusively in stainless steel, this reference features a white sunburst dial and the distinctive "turtle" case shared with the 7010. The 8010, however, is noticeably thicker and more robust, with short lugs and sharply sloped case flanks creating a refined profile. Chronometer-exclusive hands with bold black center stripes reference the 45KS aesthetic in a sleeker, less sword-like design.
King Seiko production spanned roughly from 1968 to 1974, but the introduction of Seiko's Astron in 1969 - the first quartz wristwatch - marked the beginning of the end for King Seiko's high-frequency mechanical movements.
Seiko released new King Seiko KS1969 collection (based on 1969 KS) in 2024.
Check it out here!
37
Diametermm
18
Lug widthmm
36,000
Frequencyvph
45
Power h
Plastic
Crystal
Grammar of Design
Taro Tanaka's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design", emerged in 1962, drawing inspiration from the precision of gem cutting. Comprising four fundamental principles, it revolutionized watch design. Tanaka's rules emphasized flat and geometrically precise surfaces across the case, dial, hands, and indices to optimize light reflection. He insisted on simple two-dimensional faceted curves for bezels, avoiding any visual distortion from any angle, and demanded mirror-finished cases and dials. This design discipline led to stringent manufacturing standards at Seiko, aiming to match Swiss quality. The earliest manifestations of Tanaka's ideology surfaced in the Grand Seiko 4420-9000 unveiled in 1967. These pioneering timepieces remain exemplars of Tanaka's philosophy and hold esteemed positions in the realm of collectible watches.
Seiko Caliber 4500
The Seiko caliber 4500 is a high-grade, hand-winding, "Hi-Beat" mechanical watch movement produced by Daini Seikosha from 1968 to around 1974, known for its exceptional accuracy due to a 36,000 beats per hour (bph) frequency. The Caliber 4500 series was developed by Seiko's Daini division to compete with high-end Swiss chronometers and the movements produced by their rival Suwa Seikosha division. It was primarily used in the high-end King Seiko 45KS line and the Grand Seiko 45GS models.
Calibers 4520/4522 were used in the higher-end Grand Seiko models, tuned to a higher standard of accuracy (some V.F.A. - Very Fine Adjusted - versions were accurate to within one minute per month).
Market
Availability: rare
Ca 10 watches available
Pricing: 800 - 1500 €
(Jan 2026)
Check availability on Chrono24
References
Some articles about 45KS on web
Samurai: Seiko's Grammar of Design
Accessories
Some recommended strap options for this watch. External links to their webshops.
Fluco
Jeans - Japanese denim
Fluco
€59,00
Sapphire case backs for 45GS/KS are available!
45GS 45KS Sapphire back
Time Collective
€89,00
