Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5625-7111 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Presenting a masterclass in Japanese horology, this vintage King Seiko Hi-Beat is a stunning representation of Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. Born from a fierce internal rivalry to produce the finest timepieces in the world, the King Seiko line is celebrated for its exceptional accuracy and distinctive Grammar of Design aesthetic. This particular example boasts an incredibly clean presentation, highlighting the sharp case lines and a mesmerizing silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, making it an outstanding acquisition for both serious collectors and enthusiasts seeking a high-quality vintage dress watch. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7111 Serial Number: 342291 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625B, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. Running at -4 to -6 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is very well preserved, radiating a bright and dynamic finish that shifts elegantly under various lighting conditions. It features applied, highly polished baton hour markers with crisp black central inserts, which perfectly match the striking dauphine hands. The applied Seiko and KS logos add a wonderful depth to the dial, while the date aperture at the three o'clock position offers practical daily utility. Just above the six o'clock marker sits the historic Suwa factory symbol, denoting the proud origins of this remarkable timepiece. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case beautifully showcases Taro Tanaka's famous Grammar of Design principles, featuring flat surfaces and sharp, angular lugs that command presence on the wrist. The case remains well-defined, displaying only honest, light handling wear consistent with careful vintage ownership. It retains its correctly signed KS crown. The reverse features a solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, preferred by many collectors for its durability compared to the gold medallion variants. The caseback engravings, including the serial and reference numbers, remain fully legible and sharp. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. Movement At the heart of this timepiece beats the highly esteemed Seiko Caliber 5625B automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a high-beat frequency. Visually, the movement presents exceptionally clean, with the gold-toned Seiko signature and caliber details shining brightly on the rotor and bridges. Engineered for precision, this caliber represents the pinnacle of Suwa Seikosha's mechanical achievements from the era, offering reliable vintage performance for the modern wearer. Strap The watch is presented on a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. This combination perfectly complements the monochromatic, sophisticated aesthetic of the stainless steel case and silver dial, ensuring the watch is ready to be worn and enjoyed immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age, with only some small wear and handling marks visible on the case. There are limited scratches and only small signs of use, allowing the sharp original geometry of the Grammar of Design case to shine. The dial, case, and hands show very good overall preservation with no significant aging or flaws. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece. Furthermore, timegrapher readings indicate the watch is running at -4 to -6 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic, highly versatile vintage proportion that wears beautifully on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This King Seiko is a superlative example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, blending robust engineering with an incredibly refined aesthetic. The solid caseback variant of the 5625 reference is highly valued for its everyday wearability, eliminating the worry of degrading a delicate gold medallion. With its stunning dial and excellent timekeeping performance, this piece stands out as a highly desirable addition to any curated watch collection. History The King Seiko lineage was born in the 1960s alongside Grand Seiko, sparking an internal competition between Seiko's Daini and Suwa factories to create the most accurate and beautifully finished watches in the world. By the early 1970s, the 56KS series emerged from the Suwa factory as a triumph of automated precision, utilizing high-beat movements to achieve incredible chronometric results. These timepieces are historically significant as they represent the absolute zenith of Seiko's mechanical mastery just before the quartz revolution fundamentally changed the global watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0024