Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat 皇光 (Kōkō) – Imperial Light - No reserve price - 5625-8001 - Men - 1975

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a significant piece of Japanese horological history. This King Seiko Hi-Beat is a stunning representation of the brand's "Grammar of Design" philosophy, offering sharp lines and a sophisticated aesthetic that rivals the Swiss giants of the era. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, this reference is highly coveted by collectors for its reliable high-beat movement and timeless elegance, making it a perfect choice for the discerning enthusiast looking for a vintage daily wearer with pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-8001 Serial Number: 530055 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows some small signs of wear to the case consistent with its age, while the dial remains bright and attractive. Timegrapher results are provided below. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with sharp, applied baton indices featuring black inlays which match the faceted hands, ensuring excellent legibility. The applied "Seiko" logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock, while the "KS" and "Hi-Beat" script along with the Suwa factory swirl symbol balance the lower half. A framed date window is positioned at three o'clock. The dial is in very nice condition for its age, showing only very minor signs of aging upon close inspection, preserving a crisp and sophisticated look. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and embodies the distinct design language of the King Seiko line, characterized by strong lugs and flat surfaces. The case shows visible surface scratches and marks throughout, consistent with an honest vintage life, yet it retains its structural integrity and iconic shape. The caseback is the screw-down type, clearly engraved with the reference 5625-8001 and "Water Resist-G" markings. The crystal appears clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seiko Caliber 5625 automatic movement. This is a 25-jewel Hi-Beat movement oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, designed to offer superior precision and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. The movement is clean and visually appealing. Timegrapher readings provided show the watch running between +28 and +35 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap texture complements the dressy nature of the watch while adding a slightly sporty touch, making it versatile for both formal and casual occasions. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It has been worn and enjoyed, evidenced by the surface wear on the stainless steel case and bezel, but it has not been over-polished, retaining its original character. The dial is the highlight, remaining clean and striking. It is a genuine example of 1970s watchmaking that is ready to be worn. Dimensions The case diameter is 36mm excluding the crown, a classic size that fits comfortably on a wide variety of wrist sizes. The lug width accommodates standard straps, allowing for easy customization if desired. Remarks The 56KS series is often regarded as one of the best value propositions in the vintage watch world. It offers the high-end finishing and movement technology of the Grand Seiko equivalents of the time but often in a more robust package. This specific reference, dating to March 1975, represents the mature era of King Seiko production. History King Seiko was established as a competitor to Grand Seiko effectively creating an internal rivalry within the company to drive innovation and precision. Produced by the Daini and Suwa factories respectively, these watches were the pinnacle of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking capabilities during the 1960s and 1970s. The 5625 caliber series was a workhorse high-grade movement that helped cement Seiko's reputation for accuracy and reliability on the global stage. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1P7PQO9000