A updated King Seiko model was introduced towards the end of 1963 named the 44999 although that name was eventually changed to 44-9990.
Casebacks up until late-1964 will show the number 44999 on the new horseshoe case back design while other after will show 44-9990.
The case design followed the arc set by the 15034 but was modified with widened lugs and a more emphasized facet. The crystal was changed from a smooth dome to a high squared profile with almost no bezel. Water resistance was improved with the additional of a screw-down case back.
The dial was the same second generation design as the 44-2000 with the Seiko logo at 12. Markers were rhodium-plated and simplified compared to the first generation with the exception of the 12 o’clock marker which is reduced to a single marker but with doubled textured stripes to imitate two separate markers.
This 12 o’clock marker is the only dial difference between the 44-2000’s dial and the early 44-9990’s. As with the 44-2000, later 44-9990s lost the ‘Diashock’ text from the dial and gained a Daini lightning bolt.
