King Seiko Chronometer 4420-9990 from 1965 (Serviced)

For sale is a Seiko 4420-9990.

The King Seiko 4420-9990 is an underappreciated King Seiko that definitely deserves a spot in all King Seiko collector's collection.

Many contemporary collectors might be aware of Daini's second King Seiko: the 44 or 4402 King Seiko thanks to the modern issue SJE023 but not many are aware of the remarkable 4420-9990 that came after that.

The calibre 4420 is based on the calibre 4402. The calibres from the 44 calibre family are known for its incredible shock resistance.

Apart from the usual diashock jewels on the top and bottom balance piviots, the Daini factory also included diafix shock protection on the upper and lower third and escape wheel pinions and on the lower fourth/seconds wheel pinion.

The calibre 4420 takes another step to increase the shock resistance by adding jewel to the end piece serving the pallet and barrel arbor bearing. These two additional jewels help account for the 27jewels count in the calibre 4220 as compared to the 25 Jewels count in the calibre 44/4402.

A brand new case was designed by the design team to match this new calibre. The new case embodies Taro Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” with its sharp polished case and clean lines.

The watch features the classic silver/off white dial seen across the early King and Grand Seiko. It is interesting to note the spear tipped seconds hand used that is exclusive to the 4420-9990.

The popularity of the King Seiko Chronometer 4420-9990 led to the birth of the Grand Seiko 4420-9000 in late 1963. This marks the first ever movement shared between King and Grand Seiko. The same case can also later be seen on the Gold Cap Grand Seiko 4420-9990.

Measuring 42.7mm lug to lug , the watch wears bigger than the 36.5mm case diameter suggest.

The example offered for sale is in immaculate untouched condition. The dial is in immaculate condition with no obvious signs of aging seen. Light hairline scratches can be seen on the crystal. The case back is in incredible shape with all original etching still highly visible. Light signs of aging can be seen on medallion. Watch was serviced in June 2020 and keeping good time.

The watch comes on a brand new handmade top grained leather strap.

Serial number has been covered for privacy.

Diameter: 36.5mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm