Seiko King Seiko Hi-Beat 5626-7113 (1974)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This 1974 King Seiko Hi-Beat reference 5626-7113 is a quintessential example of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, offering sharp case lines and high-grade mechanical performance. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, this model represents the pinnacle of accessible luxury from the 1970s, featuring the robust and accurate 5626 automatic movement. With its crisp silver dial, Kanji day wheel, and iconic case silhouette, this timepiece captures the essence of vintage Japanese watchmaking, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors valuing history and style. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7113 Serial Number: 456410 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in outstanding condition, displaying a radiant finish that catches the light beautifully. It features faceted applied baton hour markers with black central inlays that match the sharp dauphine hands, ensuring excellent legibility. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying both English and Kanji characters. The applied "SEIKO" and "KS" logos, along with the Suwa factory symbol and "HI-BEAT" text, remain crisp and distinct, adding to the dial's balanced and classic aesthetic. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter and exhibits the distinctive sharp angular lugs characteristic of the King Seiko design language. The case retains its original geometry with well-defined edges, showing normal signs of vintage wear such as light scratches and minor surface marks commensurate with its age. The crown is original and signed with the "KS" insignia. The screw-down caseback is clearly stamped with the reference and serial numbers, preserving the watch's identity. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5626 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and offering reliable vintage performance. This "Hi-Beat" movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, a hallmark of Seiko's precision engineering from this era. Timegrapher readings show approximately -56 to -60 seconds per day, indicating that the movement is operational and running consistently. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, which complements the sporty yet elegant nature of the silver dial. The strap is supple and ready for immediate wear, securing the watch comfortably to the wrist with a silver-tone buckle. Condition This vintage King Seiko is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is nearly flawless, presenting a very fresh appearance. The case shows honest wear with some surface scratches and small marks but maintains its structural integrity and sharp lines without signs of over-polishing. The movement is clean and running, making this a very presentable and collectible example. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. Remarks This reference 5626-7113 stands out for its combination of the "KS" signed crown and the versatile day-date complication with Kanji option. The clean dial and sharp case architecture make it a wearable piece of history. History King Seiko was created as a competitor to Grand Seiko during the 1960s and 70s, driving internal rivalry between Seiko's Daini and Suwa factories to produce the world's finest mechanical watches. The 56KS series, produced by Suwa Seikosha, is celebrated today for offering exceptional finishing and movement quality that rivaled Swiss chronometers of the time, solidifying Seiko's reputation as a global leader in horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0009