Second vintage King Seiko arrived today

[Scott_]

After an unexpected holdup with DHL and US Customs, my second vintage King Seiko arrived today.

I shouldn’t have even needed to deal with customs, but the EBay seller mistakenly wrote “USD” instead of “JPY” on the declaration form. Big difference between 37K JPY and 37K USD! I didn’t pay much attention to the delay at first, thinking that the seller was going to clear it up (since the notification said that they were waiting on information from the importer. That turned out to be a big mistake. The actual duty owed on the value of the watch was very small, but DHL charges a daily “bonded storage” fee for items held up for customs. By the time I contacted them (and then had to go back and forth filling out forms), I owed over $150 in storage fees (they charge $31/day). Moral of the story: deal with customs delays as soon as they happen. Don’t wait.

With that hassle out of the way, I like the watch. This watch, from 1967, is the inspiration for the recent King Seiko re-release.

So it didn’t come with the original band/strap, but what I wasn’t expecting was two aftermarket straps. A leather one, and a stretch/flex bracelet. I know that this style of bracelet was relatively common when the watch was made, but I’m not sure which of these two is more appropriate for the watch. I kind of like the look of the bracelet, but after wearing it for half the day, I’m realizing that it’s not particularly comfortable — it’s a bit tight and has a tendency to pinch, so I’ll probably put the leather band back on it before I wear it again.

[Old Expat Beast]

The 4402-8000 was originally sold on black or dark brown leather, as shown in these catalog pics. Lug width is 18mm.

[Moondoggy]

The simplicity is beautiful, just does what it is meant to do for a very long time.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[brandrea]

Congratulations Scott

[JakeK]

Congrats!!!

[Kcore]

Very nice example, CONGRATS!
A classic watch as your KS needs a strap.

[Scott_]

Originally Posted by Kcore

Very nice example, CONGRATS!
A classic watch as your KS needs a strap.

I do have a strap as well as the bracelet — it came with both. I tried the bracelet yesterday, but I think the strap goes back on before I wear it again.

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The 4402-8000 was originally sold on black or dark brown leather, as shown in these catalog pics. Lug width is 18mm.

That’s wonderful! You don’t happen to have a catalogue listing with the 4420-9990 Chronometer, do you?

[Scott_]

Day 2 update: the leather strap is more comfortable *and* better looking than the bracelet that was included with it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

That’s wonderful! You don’t happen to have a catalogue listing with the 4420-9990 Chronometer, do you?

Sure . . .

[Greglaw]

Awesome watch Scott, congrats!!

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Sure . . .

That's wild that the 4420-9990 - the King Seiko that became the Grand Seiko to end all Grand Seikos - was actually cheap relative to the Seikomatics!

I adore mine...

[cpercon]

I adore mine...


Is it a 44-9990?

[RW16610]

Such a lovely watch, congrats!

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by cpercon

I adore mine...


Is it a 44-9990?

4420-9990. Now got a 43999 GS Chronometer and a 46999 Liner Chronometer as well, so as long as I can convince myself my KS is actually the same as the earlier 49999, I've got a full set!