Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat in steel from January 1969
Maker: Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat
Serial: 913065
Year: 1969 January
Case Material: stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 36mm, thickness 9mm
Caliber: 4520A 25jewels, hibeat 36000
Service history: January 2024. Currently running at +1.2 seconds/day.
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: beige calf strap from Handdn
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 an exceptionally well-preserved example of the Grand Seiko 4520-8000 in stainless steel. From our experience handling numerous 45GS models over the years, this case appears to have never been polished, maintaining its sharp lines and the distinctive Tanaka “Grammar of Design” profile. The original silver-white dial is remarkably clean, free from blemishes or discoloration, while the crystal remains clear with only light surface marks. Both the hands and crown are original and well-preserved. The case back retains its original gold GS medallion, which remains crisp and in excellent condition. The movement was serviced by the previous owner, has been inspected by our watchmaker, and is performing at GS accuracy standards at +1.2 seconds per day. The watch also includes a clear display case back, allowing you to admire the beautiful 4520A caliber while preserving the original medallion case back.
Ships from Japan
