Seiko KS45 Seven Thousand

The venerable KS45 as it’s know among collectors was in productions from around Mid 1968 through the end of 1974 and it’s Caliber 45 series movements represent the pinicle of manual winding at the time. Seiko had been gaining ground on the Swiss in terms of Chronometer accuracy during the early and mid 60s. Particularly at the Neuchâtel Chronometer Competition where manufactures entered their best, highest grade movements. In 1968 the Council of Neuchâtel would cancel the wristwatch competition because of Seikos domination the year prior. The Caliber 45 in the KS45 is the same architecture as the R-45 that took the Swiss to task. The example we have at had has been well loved. The case has plenty of ware, dings and has most likely been polished at some point. However, there is no mistaking Taro Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” in the 7000 case. It may well be the most iconic of that ethos, along with the semi-hooded lugs of the GS45 and GS61. The crystal is new and is a one-to-one replica to the original, domed inner, flat top. The hands are still bright and are in excellent condition, with intact black striping. The dial has a brown-paper or tea stained look that is quite even, with just one dark spot at the 3 o’clock. There are some chips a and missing print around the dials edge but it is hardly noticeable. The look of the dial is quite striking and has an authentically vintage look. The movement is in excellent condition with a new mainspring and intact barrel. The amplitude is very healthy. Lastly, this example has an intact gold medallion(caseback) and isn’t worn through. A KS45, with a patina dial, and serviced movement is the easiest and most cost effective way to own what might be considered one of the greatest benchmarks in Seiko and Japanese watch makings history.

The KS45 might be the ultimate Sunday driver. Similar to an old roadster, the KS45 with its very high beat rate isn’t the most practical daily wearer. It is hand winding and has a fairly short power reserve, trading longevity for beatrate and accuracy, but also provenance. Making matters less practical is the “best practice” of not winding to full power. This is done to preserve the mainspring barrel teeth - a common familiar point for all Cal.45 movement as the result of the high amount of force required to maintain a high beat-rate of a large balance wheel. The KS45 on the other hand is perfect for special occasions or lazy sundays. In terms of sizing, it’s quite standard for vintage sizing. The 7000 case conforms to the wrist and while unassuming in size has a captivating wrist presence because of all the curvature, cuts and angles.

• 30mm VTA Flat Top Inner Dome V-type Replica Mineral Crystal

• New Mainspring

• Handmade Leather Strap

• 36.0mm Case Width

• 18.0mm Lug to Lug

• 42.0mm Lug Width

• 9.5mm Height

• 36,000 Beats Per Hour

• 25 Jewels

• Hand Winding

• Quickset Date

• Hacking Seconds-

• 30mm VTA Flat Top Inner Dome V-type Replica Mineral Crystal

• 3 O'Clock Crown

• Push/Pull Crown

• Daini-Seikosha

Average Deviation:

(+) 4 s/d, 0.0 ms, 260 deg