Hi Guys,

I had some positive feedback from the last service I posted so I thought I’d throw another one up here. This is a 1969 45-8010, I just love the chronometer rated King Seiko’s. Enjoy!

https://www.theseikologist.com/post/seiko-45-8010-chronometer-november-1969

 

Nice to see a master at work

 

It’s like going to the school of awesomeness. Thank you @ATracyWatches !!!

 

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! That was really amazing to watch, and I learned something new - didn't know that the serial number on the movement was associated with the Chronometer certification. I had been wondering why there were 4500 movements with and without serial numbers.

Just one very minor correction: these weren't COSC certified, as the COSC was not in existence then (it was founded in 1973). The King Seiko Ref. 45-8010 (along with it's "dated" sibling, the 4502-8000) was in fact the first chronometer that was officially certified in Japan by the the Japan Chronometer Inspection Institute (JCII, established December 1968). [Source: https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/king-seiko-collector-guide-part-2/ ]

Early examples like the one you showed had the inscription "Superior Chronometer Officially Certified", the later versions like mine from April 1970 "only" said "Chronometer Officially Certified".

I really love the design of the case! And a 36.000 bph manual wind movement certainly is a rarity. Here's a picture of mine:

 

Great looking watch and very much appreciate the history on the Japanese chronometer certification

 

Great info, thanks! I didn’t know about that.