Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat 1968 October

Maker: Seiko

Model: Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat

Year: 1968 October

Case Material: stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 36mm, thickness 9mm

Caliber: 4520A 25jewels

Service history: December 2022. Currently running at -3.6 seconds/day.

Lug Width: 18mm

Bracelet/Strap: Jones in Tokyo Taupe Epsom grained calf strap

Box/Papers: none

The Grand Seiko 4520-8000 is a historically important timepiece produced by Daini Seikosha Kameido factory, a subsidiary of Hattori Watch Company (aka. Seiko). One of the standout features of the Grand Seiko 4520-8000 (and its date brother 4522) is its slim "grammar of design" case profile. At just 9mm thick, this watch is much thinner than many other mechanical watches of the same era. The case famously was designed by Tanaka Taro, Seiko's first in house designer, and was first introduced in the 44GS - also produced by the Kameido factory. Powering the Grand Seiko 4520-8000 is the high-quality 4520A caliber-developed in-house by Daini Seikosha and arguably the greatest movement made by Seiko. 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. The 45 family of caliber's consists of the 4502A, 4500A, 4520A, 4522A, and the 4580. Hi-beat (that is a movement with 36000 bph) movements existed before 1968, most notably constructed by Girard-Perregaux and Suwa Seikosha, but the caliber 45 was designed by Daini Seikosha completely from scratch and in-house. The 45 family of movements represent the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking achievement as its derivative competed in the 1968 Geneva watch competitions where it swept the mechanical watch category for accuracy beating out Swiss watchmakers.

This is specific example is an all original 4520-8000 Grand Seiko. The case has most likely been polished in the past but it is not overly polished and retains its beautiful Tanaka grammar of design profile. The original silver/white dial is in clean condition with some aging in the dial including minor scratches  visible under a loupe (pictured on the macro photo). The crystal is overall clean with just some minor scratches. The handset and crown are all original and is in good condition. The case back comes with its original gold GS medallion which is in crips and great condition. The movement has  been serviced by our watchmaker and is running well at the moment at -3.6 seconds / day. The watch also comes with a clear case back so that you can enjoy the beautiful 4520A caliber and preserve the original gold medallion case back.

Ships from Japan