written by Seiya Kobayashi
edited by Dr. Wayne Lee
I strongly believe that 52 (calibre 5245 date and 5246 day & date) King Seiko special chronometer quality exceeded Grand Seiko's.
The brand name "King Seiko" was the symbol of Daini-Seikosha.
In the '70 era, the quartz watch sale became very rampant. At that stage,
Daini Seikosha thought that the 52 caliber was the last chance to produce for mechanical watches, and thus, they felt that they should produce a superior caliber to remain part of the watch history.
- Durability
- Thin caliber
- The function with date change quickly at 24:00
- Unique faceted crystal
- Unique body shape (case) at 12 and 6, we can look shape like fujiyama
(Honestly speaking the water proof ability was a weakness. Almost people
take a bath and swim with the watch. So it is hard to find no stain dial on the 52 King Seiko special)
The 8 bps (equal 28.800 bph) movement was more durable than the 10 bps (equal 36.000 bph) movement. This could be due to that 10 bps 45 caliber needed more frequent maintanence..
Thus, Daini-Seikosha produced the new caliber based on the experience. 52 caliber!!
Based on selection of only high precision parts, 52 King Seiko Special chronometer was born!!
This caliber design was so great that it was modified to become the famous 4S caliber after about 20 years.
Because of this superb caliber, Daini-Seikosha named it "Special" (as to more superior) than normal King Seiko .
Lastly, I think 52 King Seiko quality exceeded those of the Grand Seiko's.
