4502-7000 / 4502-7001 - Silver

The first King Seiko models to feature the new movement were the no-date 45-7000 and the with-date 4502-7000 models introduced in 1968. The case design was clearly evolved from the earlier 4420-9990 with very similar ‘wings’ extending from each upper lug to the lower lug either side of the central cylinder. These wings would form a staple of King Seiko case designs going forward, featuring both in the 56KS series that sold alongside the 45KS series and in the much later 2001 SCVN001 re-issue.

The dials were very similar to the 44KS dials featuring the same white sunburst base. The applied rhodium plated markers were elongated on the 45KS dials and now featured a black stripe on top for improved visibility. The hands also received the same central black stipe as the markers. The hands were also more simply made lacking the machined edge bevel of the previous generation. The King Seiko script was also retired with the 45KS series, replaced with a simpler ‘KS’ logo at 6 o’clock above the all new ‘HI-BEAT’ text.

In 1969, gold reappeared in the King Seiko line up with the gold plated versions of the 45-7000 and 4502-7000. Hands, markers, Seiko and KS logos were also gold plated. Casebacks are marked SGP for ‘Seiko Gold Plating’ but the cases were not as durable as the earlier gold cap King Seiko cases. Subsequently, expect most SGP KS45s you see to have worn cases with the base metal showing through on the case edges.

In 1970, these two models would become the 45-7001 and 4502-7001 respectively. At this time the crown changed from one with with a pronounced conical center section to one with a much smaller step. The caseback text was also changed from ‘Water Proof’ to Water Resistant’ in line with mandated labelling changes made across all Seiko model ranges at around that time. Later still, in 1973, the 7001 case itself changes shape around the undercut area with the previous small step being made larger and the thickness of the wing sections reducing to make space.

Cosmetically, the dial is identical between the two versions and the dials of the 45-700x and 4502-700x models remained the same for the lifetime of the model. The dial code of the no-date 45-700x is 45-7000T AD while the date version is 4502-7000T AD. Also unchanged through the model lifetime was the design of the medallion which was changed from the outgoing 44KS ‘Seiko’ version to the new ‘KS’ branding. The Daini lightning bolt logo was prominently moulded into the medallion below the large KS.

The 45-700x and the 4502-700x remained available in both stainless steel and gold plate until 1974.