Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat [Serviced] 王道 (Ōdō) – The King’s Path - No reserve price - 5625-7000 - Men - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a horological icon from the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. This King Seiko 5625-7000 dates back to late 1969 and perfectly embodies the "Grammar of Design" philosophy that elevated Seiko to a world-class manufacture. With its highly desirable gold medallion intact and a high-beat movement that has been professionally serviced, this timepiece offers a blend of historical significance, aesthetic purity, and mechanical precision that rivals the Grand Seiko models of the same period. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7000 Serial Number: 9N0690 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents a stunningly preserved dial and a sharp case with honest vintage wear, backed by a serviced movement running with exceptional accuracy. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, displaying a clean and radiant finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied faceted baton indices with black central inserts, which are perfectly matched by the sharp dauphine hands, ensuring excellent legibility. The dial text is crisp and intact, showcasing the applied "Seiko" logo at the 12 o'clock position and the "KS Hi-Beat" branding with the Suwa Seikosha logo at 6 o'clock. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, completing the balanced and elegant layout. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37 mm and retains the distinctive angular lines characteristic of the King Seiko design language. While the case shows visible surface scratches and signs of wear on the bezel and lugs consistent with its age, it remains unpolished and sharp, preserving its original geometry. The original crown, signed with "KS," is present. Notably, the caseback features the gold King Seiko medallion, which is intact and clearly legible, a detail highly prized by collectors. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing for a perfect view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the renowned Caliber 5625 automatic movement, a high-grade Japanese mechanism designed for precision and durability. This is a "Hi-Beat" movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, known for its smooth sweep and accuracy. The movement has been serviced and is performing exceptionally well. Timegrapher results indicate a variance of +3 to +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the watch perfectly, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This vintage King Seiko is in excellent overall condition for its age. The dial is the highlight, showing virtually no signs of aging, which is rare for a watch from 1969. The case exhibits honest wear with surface scratches that attest to its history but remains structurally sound and attractive. The gold medallion on the back is preserved, adding significant value. Mechanically, the watch is in outstanding form following its service, running within chronometer-level tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic and versatile size that offers a refined presence on the wrist suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Remarks The 56KS series is widely regarded as one of the best value propositions in the world of vintage watches, offering finishing and engineering that challenged the Swiss watch industry. This specific example, produced in November 1969, is a fantastic representative of that era. With its serviced movement, intact medallion, and pristine dial, it is a collector-grade piece that can be worn and enjoyed daily. It captures the essence of Japanese precision and design in a package that remains timeless. History King Seiko was established as an internal competitor to Grand Seiko, a rivalry designed to drive innovation and precision within the company. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the 5625 reference was a high-beat automatic intended to demonstrate Seiko's ability to mass-produce chronometer-grade watches. The design adheres to the "Grammar of Design" rules established by Taro Tanaka, which emphasized flat surfaces and sharp case lines to reflect light without distortion, a style that continues to define luxury Japanese watchmaking today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKA-0004