Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat 王律 – Ōritsu – King's Rhythm - No reserve price - 5626-7000 - Men - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Here is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking excellence from the late 1960s, a King Seiko Hi-Beat reference 5626-7000. Produced during the golden era of Seiko, this model represents the brand's pursuit of precision and superior aesthetics, designed to compete directly with Swiss chronometers. With its sharp case lines that embody the famous "Grammar of Design" philosophy and a high-beat automatic movement, this timepiece offers collectors a blend of historical significance and enduring style. The presence of the gold KS medallion on the caseback further elevates its status as a desirable vintage piece for enthusiasts of horological history. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7000 Serial Number: 9N1528 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including surface scratches on the case and crystal, while the dial remains clean and attractive. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is functioning. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with sharp, applied faceted baton indices featuring black central inserts for contrast. The baton-style hands mirror this design with black striping, ensuring high legibility. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" logo at the 12 o'clock position and the "KS" and "HI-BEAT" text above the Suwa factory symbol at 6 o'clock. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility to the elegant face. The dial surface is well-preserved with only minor signs of aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and showcases the distinct, angular lugs associated with the Tanaka "Grammar of Design" philosophy. While the case shows surface scratches and marks typical of a watch from this era, the edges remain defined. The original crown is signed with "KS". A highlight of this reference is the gold King Seiko medallion on the caseback, which remains intact and visible, though it exhibits some wear. The crystal shows signs of use with visible scratches but remains serviceable. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626A automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a high-grade engine of its time, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The movement appears clean and presents the original rotor engraving. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +35 and +40 seconds per day, which is running within vintage tolerances for an mechanical timepiece of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in fresh condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. It displays honest wear throughout the case and caseback, including scratches that tell the story of its use over five decades. The dial is the standout feature, remaining largely clean and attractive. The gold medallion on the back is present, which is a critical detail for collectors, despite showing some surface wear. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Remarks The King Seiko 5626-7000 is often considered one of the best value propositions in the world of vintage watch collecting. It combines a high-grade movement with iconic design language. This specific example, dating to November 1969, captures the essence of the transition into the 1970s watch aesthetic. History King Seiko was established as a luxury sub-brand to drive internal competition with Grand Seiko, pushing both factories to achieve higher standards of accuracy and finishing. The 56KS series was produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory and played a pivotal role in democratizing high-beat precision automatics. Today, these watches are celebrated for their robust build quality and their significant place in the history of Japanese horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0016