Grand Seiko 4520-8000 in steel, hibeat 1968 September

Maker: Seiko
Model: Grand Seiko 4520-8000 hibeat
Year: 1968 September
Case Material: stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 36mm, thickness 9mm
Caliber: 4520A 25jewels
Service history: January 2024. Currently running at -4.2 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 era. The case famously was designed by Tanaka Taro, Seiko's first in house designer, and was first introduced used 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 all original 4520-8000 Grand Seiko in steel. Based on our experience handling many 45GS's in the past, the case on this example likely never has been polished and the slight softness on the edges are from natural wear. The case is in great condition and retains its beautiful Tanaka grammar of design profile. The original silver/white dial is in clean condition with no major blemishes or discoloration. The crystal has been replaced with a new old stock Grand Seiko crystal. The handset and 45GS crown are all original and is in excellent condition. The case-back comes with its original gold GS medallion which is in overall very crisp condition. The movement has  been serviced by our watchmaker and is running well at an excellent -4.2 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