As Seiko’s Suwa division introduced it’s Grand Seiko line to the watch wearing public, the Daini group were busily preparing to answer back with a high line timepiece of their own. Equally impressive in fit and finish, the King Seiko was a worthy rival, and the early 44KS models should be on any collector’s short list. Especially, if they’ve aged as well as this 44-9990 from August of 1968. The case is sculpted to meet the requirements of Taro Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” with polished planes and crisp angles. Each line and corner, still sharply defined. Beneath the beveled bezel is a near flawless silvery white sunburst dial with a rich lacquer finish, polished applied baguettes, and a clous de Paris finish on the 12. The hands are bold and broad Dauphines with beveled edges, tapered to a fine point. A polished applied logo sits at top center, and the King Seiko designation along with the jewel count on the low side. The cal. 44 within is a work of art. A beautifully finished hand wound movement that perfectly sums up the Daini approach to precision. The screw down case back clearly displays all of its original markings and at center, the gold “Seiko” medallion is present and complete. There are, however, a few errant tool marks visible. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and the crown is a genuine “W Seiko” replacement from a latter variant. A fantastic piece of King Seiko history, its keeping near perfect time post service, and is sure to be a true highlight in any collection.