King Seiko 4502 Hi-Beat 36000 Review

[@G1NZOU]

I love the Tanaka case designs of this era, very bold but also minimalist and stylish enough to not go out of fashion, uniquely Japanese looking.

[@G1NZOU]

I really like the idea of the caseback, such a tidy and well put together movement should be on show, it looks so good for something that wasn't intended to be viewed.

[@dimasakbar7668]

yes, it is very timeless for a timepiece

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have learnt allot here. Great video and education. Hi Beat really are something special, ironically I have a few ladies retro Seikos lying around waiting for me to fix them and they are all hi beat (not as fast though) Seiko still remain my favourite brand. Quality and functionality at a price point that everyone can enjoy. Special ones like yours thankfully are I think all owned by collectors who appreciate them . Liking the subtle changes to your intro etc.

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks for watching and I find Seiko to be one of the most interesting brands out there as they have so many amazing models a collector can discover

[@garyyong1756]

Another great inspiration vid! Just received my 45-7000 today! And your description of the watch and wear is spot-on!! Subscribed 👍

[@steveottavaino3804]

Very nicely done. Glad you mentioned the stuttering second hand, thought my eyes were cashing out for a moment. The owner of a high beat Grand Seiko (SBGH051) the sweep of the second hand is considerably more consistent/fluid, expected considering they’ve had plenty of time for movement refinement. Thanks for sharing a beautifully preserved example, it ‘s both a superlative and significant time piece. Ciao!

[@tomklaisri1089]

The design is timeless. Good video.

[@WatchesAndCars]

Great review of a great watch! Looks like it's in great condition as well.

[@clo2715]

Enjoyed the video. That case back would make me take my watch off and look at it all the time.

[@gonshocks]

Thanks so much for this review. I enjoy the simplicity of a hand wind movement.

[@tornadothrow]

Just got my 5625-7000 two weeks ago, the case looks gorgeous, and the automatic movement is running +5 sec per day, I think it’s amazing considering the watch is 50 years old!!!

[@WatchGeek]

That is amazing, but if I were you I would take it to a watchmaker to check it out as it may need a service despite running so good

[@btmontres1423]

Great timepiece and love the history. What a great way to wear your education about this storied brand on the wrist.

[@Gii1234]

Wow!!! Instant date change, my $7,000 grand Seiko didn’t have that I sold it. I will be buying one of these in its place.

[@nemeninemeni]

spectacular! how i wish Grand Seiko produce manual wound movement just for old times sake! Great choice to substitute the original caseback. Congrats as well with your new equipment, it captures every micro detail of a high end seiko.truly impressive

[@brew108]

they do produce a manual wind

[@gmshadowtraders]

They do produce manual wind, but for special GS commemorative models only. These are usually in precious metal and can easily go into tens of thousands of dollars.

[@brew108]

gmshadowtraders you can buy a SBGW231 for $3500. New. Steel case and non limited edition like most of the manual winds Seiko produces using the 9S64.

[@superfast30]

They make a standard production manual wind in steel but not a hi beat. SBGW231

[@ph69jbl]

Grammar of design at its best... lovely!!!

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Beautiful watch and love the upgraded case back. Nice review:)

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@superfast30]

Amazing King Seiko. I am picking one up tomorrow. Cannot wait!

[@fairfaxa]

Fantastic video, thankyou. After seeing this, I have just purchased a identical 1969 4502-7000 KS from Japan. I have managed to find the manufacturer of the clear case backs, and a place that re-does the Zaratsu polishing. With the incredible history and mechanical prowess of this specific 45 movement, I will be a long term and very happy owner.

[@WatchGeek]

Congrats and welcome to a very small club 😄

[@fairfaxa]

Do you know if OEM crystals are still available and have you seen the case polishing done by Lapinist?

[@WatchGeek]

@@fairfaxa i highly doubt OEM is available unless as used items, and YES, the Lapinist is SICK 😷

[@fairfaxa]

Hahah, by ‘Sick’ I hope you mean very good? I looked at his work and he appears to make them better than new, without any overall case erosion.

[@WatchGeek]

@@fairfaxa yup, sick as in out of this world good 😍

[@code6400]

Superb movement!

[@ownermade]

very nice video ... excellent camera skills .. everything is perfect you made me love watched even more

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@faisalingalong]

I do love these. I have a few Seiko dress watches but a KS is on my list. Thanks for the great review.

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@weedXD38]

Very Classy n Elegant!!! Awesome Time Piece, Very Nice Quality in your Filming Equipment!!! Thanxs!!! As always!!! 😀

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@kamelthorn]

Great video with good combination of information and cinematography!

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@killazx9]

1:07 why is the date change is caused by a moving hour hand or am I seeing it wrong?

[@mikes.4136]

Elegant watch. Amazing movement.

[@excellentlistner5925]

Enjoyed this review, well done as usual. Thank you

[@sshapiro5843]

Excited review. Thank you

[@tzingtky]

Lovely. I had been looking for this too. Congratulations.

[@Archer335]

Superb review. That’s one hell of a watch.

[@BayuMukti937]

What's the difference between 4502 7000 and 4502 7001?

[@drift903]

Amazing video. I have KS 4502 in black color. Not sure if Seiko made in black because bought mine on Ebay and never seen in black but all the movement and case are genuine King Seiko. Seller described as refinished and cleaned the dial. Wasn't sure if they repainted the whole dial in black or just cleaned because it look like completely new and all the hour makers, hands and letters are perfect and legit. My only problem with the watch was the second hand stuttering ticks at some places and thought that resell it but after watched your video, your watch also same stuttering and realized how the way it was. Now, I decided to keep my beautiful black KS along with my GS. So thank you for saving my KS. I would love to pay $150 custom case back if available and I can buy at somewhere. To me manual winding watches are go along with exhibition case back than automatic movement, especially on this KS 4502. Thank you for the video.

[@WatchGeek]

The stuttering seconds hand is the result of the indirectly driven seconds hand, it is normal on such movements

[@drift903]

@@WatchGeek Thank you for reply. I have it more than a year and didn't wear that much because I thought the movement was defected but thanks to you, this is going to be keeper.

[@RobBrook]

Such a cool watch to have in the collection. Great video Watch Geek!

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks, the Neuchatel competitions video is coming out tomorrow 😁

[@lionelreyes4186]

great video, very well documented. and what an awesome Grail! thanks for sharing that.

[@rajgill7576]

Hey do you have a link for that clear caseback? I just bought a cap gold Grand seiko and the medallion on the back still has pieces of the original blue it's so unworn!! I need to preserve it

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

My next watch ...Great video!

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

Do you know the reference of the closest automatic version that retains the sharp case lugs and the thick crown?

[@satrioprasojo6957]

is it has a different size with GS 4522-8000? I consider to put this king seiko into my collection

[@thenexthobby]

I also love that case design. Angular yet curved, with careful intent for both. Thanks for mentioning the gravity-induced hand stutter. My OCD was driving me crazy.

[@crimsonkatsu5919]

That is the best looking case I've ever seen. Plus 36000 bph and instant date change. New grail watch. Looks better than modern grand seiko imo. Did you install that case back yourself?

[@dimasakbar7668]

that modification is just made perfect sense and elevate it more. Too bad you advice against using it daily, i would want to have that as daily wear

[@lulul]

i love this watch, it does indeed scream Seiko both on the outside and on the inside too.

[@jean-marietop1451]

Hi, great video ! I've just bought one in Nakano Broadway, Japan dated 1970. Any news about the transparent back case to be fitted in my KS4502-7000 ? You've mentionned a Japan made at around 50$ ? Best regards 🙏🏽

[@timwynn6079]

i'm contemplating on getting either 4502 or 5626, I do admire and respect the 36k hi-beat but I don't want to daily a hi-b watch. Prices are a bit cheaper on 5626 and 4502 is twice the price of 5626. Great video btw, learn a lot in one video.

[@WatchGeek]

I had a 56 before i got this, it is a bit thicker, but automatic and works really well. One thing about the 56 is they have a plastic quick set date part that can brake due to age, so if you get one, make sure not to use the quick set date often, or better, don't use it at all

[@timwynn6079]

@@WatchGeek thanks for your input, helps me with my decision, as much as I'd like a 4502 i think i'm going with a 5626, i'm aware of the plastic quick set date issue, I think i will try not to use it too much.

[@NYH1]

Any updates regarding the caseback?

[@WatchGeek]

Sadly for now, it's no go

[@NYH1]

Watch Geek man that’s a bummer but thank you for trying!! Really appreciate you doing all this :) Seems like i need to source one from yahoo auctions now :D

[@blainecole5452]

A very nice piece of history you have there.

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@boburson203]

Great video!

[@rajgill7576]

I need that caseback if it fits a 5645-7010!! Money is no object!!!

[@zayyadfoodhouse351]

Hii, may i ask is this one easy to service? And finding parts for it?

[@mikethebike67]

I love the case on this watch!

[@arshilledore]

Where can I get one of those casebacks?

[@WatchGeek]

Yahoo auctions Japan

[@jayrothman7281]

Where did you get the custom case back?

[@HarryUnchained]

that's a beautiful looking ks!

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks

[@celiod92]

got the watch...and now i'm obsessed with the caseback :( let me know if the project are ready :D :D

[@WatchGeek]

Unfortunately the first attempt has ended as a fail, it doesn't fit, so now the manufacturer is trying the second one

[@celiod92]

@@WatchGeek i'll wait for the update...and so my watch begin :D :D

[@celiod92]

@@WatchGeek and just a question, my KS 4502 crown spinning back a bit after each forward wind...are you experiencing the same?? or it's just me :|

[@WatchGeek]

Yes, I think it's normal

[@jacopobertoni]

@@WatchGeek today I've purchase a 4502-7000, any news for the caseback? I think it' s a "must-have" for The King

[@John-dv1uy]

Yo, is the clear case back available. And can it fit the seiko lord marvel

[@JohnnyBeans-w9k]

I have the SJEO7. Limited to 1700. It looks luxurious.

[@shothorology9183]

Great review. Beautiful case flanks. I have reviewed my Seiko Lord Marvel and was wondering if your aftermarket rear clear caseback will thread onto my LM caseback?

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks for the kind words and I can't say if it will fit. I know it fits Grand Seikos with the same 45 movement, but don't know about lord marvel

[@Spark67689]

Where can you get these? Can’t seem to find them anywhere?

[@paulpeter2869]

Hello @watchgeek. Where did you get the see through case back?? 👀 wow beauty!! Also what is better? 4502-7010 (recently serviced) vs 5626-7111 vs 5626-7041 Chronometer. Is the 4502-7010 made the same way as you mentioned for you 45? Or is it automated version? Thank you!!

[@WatchGeek]

I got it in yahoo auctions Japan, the 45 is 36000bph, 56 is 28.800 Also the 56 has a plastic date setting pallet that brakes off easily due to it being 50 years old. But the 45 has an indirectly driven seconds hand so it jitters sometimes. It's up to you, both are great

[@paulpeter2869]

@@WatchGeek thanks for the reply. I personally prefer the 45 due to its hand built movement etc. Is it also Zaratsu polished like GS? Also, what are the differences between this 4502-7010 and your 45? What is a good price to pay for the 7010? Thanks again as I need your input on this as may be pulling thr trigger.

[@thomastan1658]

I have a Seiko Lord Marvel hi beat. Would your see through caseback also fit my LM? Thanks for the excellent and Informatieve video.

[@tommasocaretti1810]

Hi. I’ve received mine yesterday and it’s absolutely a great piece of horology. I think we also have the same bracelet. Anyway, did you know that Seiko produced this movement 1 year before girard perregaux? But they put it on the market only in 68/69. If you’re lucky, you can still find some KS with that early serial number.

[@WatchGeek]

Congrats 😁👍

[@y2ktube]

Video @ 1:23 " I opted for custom made clear caseback" - Can you reveal where you bought the display clear caseback? You did mention in your description : "I am collaborating with another manufacturer and will try to make these at $50, so stay tuned"...

[@youpluman]

love that watch, great video!! do u know de reference or name for that case?

[@ak99515ak]

Is there a vintage grand seiko or ks hi beat with a case bigger than 36 or 37?

[@WatchGeek]

The 45 GS wears larger as it's pretty bulky

[@NathanChisholm041]

Sekio! Always leading never following...

[@taytzuleong5584]

Hey there, I have a 45-8010 time piece and would like to know where did you get your transparent case back made. It looks lovely and I would like to get my hands on one too!

[@pibblesnbits]

Can you over wind the watch? How do you know when to stop winding?

[@WatchGeek]

It just stops, so you should be gentle at the end so you don't brake the mainspring

[@pibblesnbits]

@@WatchGeek I see! Pretty neat!

[@pibblesnbits]

@@WatchGeek Thank you for the reply. I am currently looking at a 5626-7060 KS. Its the chronometer dial, and has the medallion on the back. Is there anything I should look out for? I really like the manual wind of the 45ks, but the prices have skyrocketed recently for the few that I can find in good condition. I remember looking at the KS watches back in 2012 when nice ones were going for $300, now they are going for nearly double that and I regret holding off.

[@WatchGeek]

The 5626 are great, they do have an inherent flaw, the day/date quickset mechanism is made of plastic that got brittle over the past couple of decades so make sure the seller confirms quick set is working and after you get it, avoid using it. There is an Australian company named Vintage Time Australia that was working on a metal replacement, if you decide to change it and be worry free

[@pibblesnbits]

@@WatchGeek I messaged the seller and he says the quick date works. I was reading online and saw photos of models that had a metal date rocker. I'm wondering if there is a version of the 5626 that came with a metal rocker from factory. I appreciate the tip and will be looking into the aftermarket part to be safe.

[@tunokies]

beautiful watch. Good idea with the display back.

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@삶자유]

thickness 10mm?

[@hendri-6341]

Can i get that open case back?

[@hardiahmad6322]

How long the power reserve of this watch? Thx.

[@WatchGeek]

Around 40 hours

[@mot811]

The case shape is really cool

[@jeffdj1975]

Great video, thanks you.

[@iaxable]

Nice cheaper alternative to oyster perpetual date, my favorite rolex. A far cheaper (practically free) alternative is a Seiko 5 which is the only one of those I have :))

[@ΠαῦλοςΠαυλίδης-χ7θ]

It is better the seiko

[@superfast30]

And more importantly, the movement craps all over anything Rolex released during the same time period!

[@Alpay283]

What do you think about King Seiko Vanac Special 5246-5020 this is my watch

[@WatchGeek]

The 52 series is an amazing movement. It was so great in fact that Seiko resurected it in the 90's when they went back into mechanical watches naming it 4S. I actually own a Laurel 4S28 that is a resurected 52. Yours has that faceted Crystal if I'm not mistaken ?

[@canonyeo4286]

I have a 5246 6030. Like the funky design, especially the faceted glass. Your design looks better. I also have a 5216 LM special. Also 4 hz hi beat and with faceted glass. This has a nicer pattern dial. It cost less than half of the ks.

[@canonyeo4286]

I also have a 5246 6000. This is a ks special with officially certified chronometer printed on the dial and has monoblock case.

[@WatchGeek]

That one is very nice

[@canonyeo4286]

@@WatchGeek The 4522 7000 (manual) grammar design is most unique. The GS 6146 8000 (auto)with bridged lugs is also nicer than the KS4502 7001 imo. I also have a LM Special 5216 8020(auto)which has exactly the same case as the GS. This one is also hi-beat, but, of a lower caliber, though. For 200 dollars, it's a steal, just for the look alone.

[@nimai0108]

Great review! What's the best place to score one of these.?

[@WatchGeek]

Yahoo auctions Japan thru Zenmarket. There is a link in the description. Once you get there search "King Seiko 45" or 4502 if you want a date version

[@nimai0108]

@@WatchGeek thanks you sir!

[@keif9829]

Hello Dear Sir! How were you able to contact Seiko to make you a transparent back casing? I would love to know so I can get one myself! Awesome video by the way! I was so glad you made another video of your KS 4502 ! ⚡⚡

[@WatchGeek]

It is not made by Seiko but a guy in Japan. I am currently waiting for one manufacturer to let me know the cost of making these in larger numbers. The goal is to keep these under $50

[@ph69jbl]

I m interested as well! ;)

[@WatchGeek]

I'll let you all know when the manufacturer contacts me with more info

[@pranaviyer6600]

Just a question though - what do you mean when it stutters due to gravity?

[@WatchGeek]

It has what's called an "indirectly powered seconds hand" meaning it is not directly connected but rather thru more than one gear so there is more gear slack and the visible stutter

[@pranaviyer6600]

@@WatchGeek Thanks. I’m heavily contemplating this watch as a graduation present

[@brunonjezic6208]

Stunning example!

[@jonnysteve_RF]

Hi, where did you find the transparent caseback? Just bought one of these and would love to grab one.

[@MrNt1402]

Beautiful watch definitely a short term grail

[@lamkevinp]

Really great information.

[@peternic1]

Another great vid. Thanks. They're always interesting... and well researched. I do admire that. With all the stats about accuracy, I just have to ask though, what sort of time does yours keep?? Or is that irrelevant for a 50 year old watch??

[@WatchGeek]

The specified a accuracy really doesn't mean a lot when the watch is this old, but mine has been serviced and regulated by my local watchmaker and it is within +4 second a day which I find more than acceptable

[@peternic1]

Sounds good enough to me also. :-)

[@yosuke19841]

I didn't know the story behind cal.45. My 6156 and 5470-8000 have 10 beats per sec too.

[@vancouvervito]

Thinking of getting the gold cap version - thoughts?

[@WatchGeek]

Beautiful watches, i prefer steel, but gold cap is great too

[@63viet]

I like the look of King Seiko over the Grand Seiko.

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

So do I. The GS case lugs were in most cases far too rounded along with the cases in general. I find them too metro male aesthetically. Alpha's prefer King Seiko😂

[@x1xx1x1xx1]

Any news on the casebacks so far?

[@WatchGeek]

I got one and if doesn't fit

[@Hathaykobanghayhat]

Best watch ever...❤

[@Desert9999]

Super informative video

[@futureproofd]

I like the car analogy. I wouldn't be winding this one every day.

[@mijomendes1705]

Outstanding!

[@planetdee3587]

I had a KS before I got from Ebay but it felt cheap and the crown had issues... it could have been fake and some of the parts felt added like the crown and the medallion.

[@dolofanu1974]

Can you please share where you made/ordered the back show case as that movement really deserves to be exposed. Thanks.

[@williamhill7312]

Excellent video

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@topg2820]

Underrated

[@jamesbelan]

How much did you buy beautiful watch for?

[@vrod912]

Thanks for the video ! I just bought a 4502 Chronometer, Officially Certified, from Yahoo Japan, in MINT condition ! Do you know of a good place to have it serviced ? Thanks

[@WatchGeek]

I get all my watches serviced at a local watchmaker

[@iaxable]

I prefer stick hands by far, did they make any with those?

[@WatchGeek]

There were Chronometer and Special versions that jad very thin stick hands to accentuate the precision and accuracy of the movements

[@whatsonthewrist]

Beautiful watch and one of my favorites. 'Grats and nice looking video. 👍

[@WatchGeek]

Thanks 😊

[@omerfar]

Great one can you put Casio strap on ?

[@WatchGeek]

What do you mean

[@brucecameron7172]

fantastic history thank you

[@Shintsu2]

Aren't these not serviceable due to their age now? Parts can't be found anymore unless you have a donor model? Kind of puts a damper on them considering that.

[@superfast30]

If serviced regularly, the parts will not wear out. Movement can last 100 years. Its Grand seikos philosophy even today. GS movements tend to be a tad thicker than their swiss counterparts because the parts are overbuilt!

[@cretan911]

Is that your next give away????

[@WatchGeek]

Haha sorry but this one is here to stay