Vintage Watch | King Seiko 4502-8010 Superior Chronometer (Mint)

King Seiko 4502-8010 Superior Chronometer: The Pinnacle of Japanese Precision

Step into the world of vintage Japanese watchmaking at its absolute peak with this King Seiko Superior Chronometer 4502-8010. If you’re familiar with the already-respected King Seiko Chronometers, the Superior Chronometer takes everything a step further—both in accuracy and collectability.

What Sets the Superior Chronometer Apart?

While most King Seiko Chronometers are already recognized for their precision and craftsmanship, the Superior Chronometer is a cut above. Produced in very limited numbers around 1969–1970, these watches were regulated to Seiko’s rare ‘AA’ grade: an accuracy standard of -3 to +6 seconds per day. This is the same level of precision demanded of Grand Seiko from the same era—making the Superior Chronometer the ultimate King Seiko for purists and collectors.

Unlike the standard “Chronometer” models (which met the ‘A’ grade of -1 to +10 seconds per day), the Superior Chronometer was subjected to even stricter hand-adjustment and testing—often accompanied by a special certificate and always marked “Superior Chronometer” on the dial and caseback. These details, along with the extremely short production run, make the 4502-8010 Superior Chronometer a genuine rarity in the vintage Seiko universe.

The Heart of the Watch: Daini’s Legendary 45-Series

At the core is the Seiko 4502A Hi-Beat movement—a manually wound, 36,000 bph caliber. This was Seiko’s answer to the Swiss chronometer trials of the 1960s, and these movements helped establish Seiko as a true leader in global watchmaking precision. The 45-series was also the last hand-built King Seiko line, with every movement meticulously adjusted by Daini’s master watchmakers.

Design: A Classic with Subtle Superiority

• Case: The 37mm steel case with its signature sharp, mirror-polished lugs and wide, flat surfaces is all about Japanese 1970s style. The Superior Chronometer is almost always found in spectacularly preserved condition, its medallion caseback and clean lines a testament to both Seiko’s design and the care bestowed by prior owners.
• Dial: Only the Superior Chronometer carries the proud “Superior Chronometer” script on the dial—subtle, but an unmistakable badge for those in the know.
• Caseback: Look for the matching engraving—a sure sign you’re holding the real deal, not just a standard Chronometer.

Rarity and Collector Appeal

The Superior Chronometer is one of the rarest King Seikos, and for good reason. Its limited production window, higher adjustment standards, and distinctive markings make it a serious collector’s piece. Many believe these watches rival—and sometimes exceed—the precision of their Grand Seiko siblings from the same era, all while flying under the radar.

Specification:

Maker: Seiko

Model: King Seiko 4502-8010 Superior Chronometer (Ultra rare model)

Era: 1970 Jan

Case Diameter: 37 mm

Lug to Lug: 42 mm

Lug Width: 18 mm

Case Condition: Unpolished steel case in mint condition with the gold medallion still well preserved on the caseback.

Dial Condition: White dial in perfect condition

Movement: Manual winding Hi-Beat Movement 36,000bph adjusted to Superior Chronometer Grade (last King Seiko with a 36,000 bph movement), in running condition 

And of course, it comes with any color of our Saddle Series Leather Straps. However we think this watch actually looks good when pairing with a Nato Strap during the hot summer too. That's why we will also include on for free!  Just let us know which colour you like to pair the beauty up with.