Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hi-beat in cap gold, November 1968

Maker: Grand Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat cap gold
Year: November 1968
Case Material: Cap Gold
Case Dimensions: 36mm, thickness 9mm including crystal
Case serial: 8N1708
Caliber: 4520A 25jewels 
Service history: November 2023. Currently running at +1.5 seconds/day. 
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: light brown calf leather strap from Handdn with generic steel buckle. 
Box/Papers: none

The Grand Seiko 4520-8000 holds a significant place in horological history, crafted by the Daini Seikosha Kameido factory—an integral arm of the Hattori Watch Company, better known as Seiko. Renowned for its unique and refined case, the 4520-8000 (along with its date-equipped sibling, the 4522) showcases the signature “Grammar of Design” aesthetic. Measuring just 9mm in thickness, its profile was impressively slim for a mechanical watch of its time. This distinctive design was the work of Tanaka Taro, Seiko’s first in-house designer, who originally introduced the concept in the iconic 44GS—also produced at Kameido, Tokyo. At its heart beats the 4520A caliber, an in-house creation by Daini Seikosha, widely regarded as one of the finest mechanical movements Seiko ever produced. Introduced in 1968, the Hi-Beat caliber 45 was used in both the King Seiko and Grand Seiko models, and is loved by Seiko enthusiasts around the world for its incredible accuracy. You can read more about the legendary movement here. The 45 family of movements represent the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking achievement and its derivative competed in the 1968 Geneva watch competitions where it swept the mechanical watch category for accuracy beating out Swiss watchmakers.

This example we have on offer here is a fine example of the no date cap gold Grand Seiko 4520-8000. Overall, this watch is in good vintage condition. The case has been polished in the past and shows some roundness but still retains its beautiful Tanaka grammar of design profile. The original silver/white dial is in very clean condition with no spotting or blemishes. As can be expected from a watch of this age, the original handset and crown shows some ageing but overall is in great shape. The caliber 4520 hibeat movement has been serviced by its previous owner in late 2024 is currently running at an excellent +1.5 seconds per day. The case back is in great condition. It should be noted that the gold medallion is likely a replacement medallion. The watch comes with a light brown high quality hand made calf strap from Handdn with a generic buckle. 

Ships from Japan