KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
51074
Not Grand but both Royal and Special - latest incoming
While there is definitely a further Grand Seiko in my future, the current purchase did not go in that direction. Instead it was a very surprising piece, and my first vintage Seiko at that. 
As is often the case, I was looking for new watches on a well known site and stumbled upon a selection of vintage Seikos, available in Europe. Amongst them was a Grand Seiko 6145-8000, which I definitely want to call mine some day but I was not completely satisfied with the condition. On the other hand, there was a true surprise that I knew nothing about, and finally that one was to become my first vintage Seiko.
So without further ado, here it is - a King Seiko 5245-6000! So we have the royal bit sorted
The first special feature is the case - the 6000 case is a monoblock design (I suppose to aid the water resistance) and the movement has to be taken out for servicing dial side. Being from the early 1970s I guess one could call it a product of the Grammar of Design to an extent and it is certainly understated and relatively timeless. It does not look and feel like a 45 year old watch At the same time I would be quite reluctant to test its current level of water resistance, before it gets a check from Seiko itself. 
The dial side shows some further features. Hi-Beat in this case does not quite go all the way to 36.000 vph but only to 28.800 - it is supposedly a detuned version of the former movements also offered by Seiko in the period. At the same time it is one of the last officially certified chronometers from Seiko. The statement of the fact, together with the Automatic text makes the dial top quite text heavy but not in a way that is disturbing or bothering me.
Lower down, one gets to see the KS logo, the Special rating (similar to my GS SBGH035) and the Hi-Beat text. Here we have the Special element - and I am very chuffed to have found the second Special for my Seiko collection. Not quite at the level of the legendary VFAs but still special of sorts (pun intended)
Not quite at the level of the legendary VFAs but still special of sorts (pun intended) The dial has a linnen texture, which is quite pleasing and the indices and hands are a good indicator of GS models to come decades later - excellent!
One can see it has not led a life of a safe queen, still, the state is more than good for something 45 years old and not NOS. The crown is subdued to small, with a nice KS logo. It works well enough to set the watch, as for winding, you need to practice your lasso throwing moves, as there is no manual winding possible. It does - as essential for a chronometer - have hacking seconds, though.
And as a final feature, a little screw between the lower lugs. I have not tried it out yet but this allows the adjustment of the movement without removing it completely from the case - a very cool feature
One can see it has not led a life of a safe queen, still, the state is more than good for something 45 years old and not NOS. The crown is subdued to small, with a nice KS logo. It works well enough to set the watch, as for winding, you need to practice your lasso throwing moves, as there is no manual winding possible. It does - as essential for a chronometer - have hacking seconds, though.
And as a final feature, a little screw between the lower lugs. I have not tried it out yet but this allows the adjustment of the movement without removing it completely from the case - a very cool feature
So, I have to say I am happy as can be with the latest addition. As soon as it gets more wrist time - which should not be hard - I will write an experience report but could not resist sharing it already (no Nicolas like crocodile tendencies here) 
Collection
KMII showcases his Seiko "Special" trilogy: Grand Seiko SBGH035, King Seiko 5245-6000, and LordMatic 5216-8020. Explore vintage and modern Hi-Beats.
25 replies7925 views
Vintage
Explore the vintage King Seiko 5245-6000 with detailed macro shots and insights into its unique case, movement, and dial features. A must-read for Seiko collectors.
33 replies18222 views
Complications
Explore the world of high-frequency watches and calibers beating faster than 28,800 vph. KMII and community members detail brands, movements, and historical context.
42 replies28769 views
Collection
KMII recaps his 2016 horological year: new Montblanc moderator role, Minerva Pythagore, Seiko Presage, King Seiko, and community GTGs.
33 replies9317 views
Not Grand but both Royal and Special - latest incoming
While there is definitely a further Grand Seiko in my future, the current purchase did not go in that direction. Instead it was a very surprising piece, and my first vintage Seiko at that. As is often the case, I was looking for new watches on a well know...
Love Seiko KS...
They're really underappreciated but so beautiful! Congrats and Cant wait to see more of this piece here! S
Will aim to please :)
Give me a couple of weeks to get some pictures and experience with it...
Got some yourself, too?
There has only been one modern King Seiko - can understand why there is little space for both KS and GS but still, there have been some interesting pieces in the past, so there could be some potential...
Really like that
I was only just a day or two ago saying that it's a shame nobody developed a method to adjust the quartz rate without popping the caseback - trust Seiko!
Automatic, not quartz
But still a very cool adjustment option! Hope others follow at some point
Ah ok so still nothing for the quartz!
In any case this certainly pre-empts the URWERK EMC by a handful of decades!
As usually...
If you look hard enough, many ideas have already been tried previously Not sure if there has ever been anything of the sort for quartz...
Wasn't it just a few months ago when I wrote . . .
. . . that further additions to my Seiko collection were unlikely? Well, several years back, I also wrote about the desirability of a watch that could be adjusted by its user. I'd no idea that Seiko actually produced one. When you think about it, this is ...
Glad you like it, Art!
It really should be a no brainer, if you think about it Haven\'t played with it yet, as I\'ve only had the watch for a day and as it seems to be well within its stated chronometer range. My third vintage and I have to say I like them more and more
Just dipping my toes
It requires a lot more care, attention and research when compared to simply going to the AD for a new watch. But been very rewarding so far - and with fellow Purists, research becomes a lot easier (and more pleasant), too
I wonder if she has an adjustment screw under the lower lugs
More Vintage (prepare to laugh)
You mean to say...
The white bloused one is running a tad fast, and the blue bloused one a bit slow?
Actually I was thinking that gal in the first video didn't manage to complete
her disrobing before the music was over. Next time she needs to hurry it up a bit. Nice catch on that watch - you guys are knocking on doors all over the place and I'm stuck here in the PuristS office not buying anything! Mike
Did you not also get...
A GS56 recently? I have to say though that it is not easy going too long without a new toy to play with. And vintage makes it a bit easier on the wallet Glad you like the KS!
Maybe she's a self-starter, like . . .
. . . a Seiko movement. Give 'er a good shake . . . Shakin' all over . . . and watch her go!
Garage Psycho YouTube Channel?
Art, you entrepreneur! Who\'d ah thunk you had it in you?! Cazalea
LOL
I\'m getting old just by saying this but even go go dancers used to be cooler in the old days And the Seiko movement analogy is priceless I\'d say this one needs more maintenance than the average Seiko, though
Completely unexpected :)
Before I have seen this being for sale I was not even aware of its existence A quick check ensured the \'I wants it, I needs it, my precious\' feeling and here it is
Thank you!
Not sure about eBay - did not get it from there. But very chuffed with it, definitely a worthwhile purchase