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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko lineage represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, born from the fierce and brilliant internal rivalry between Seiko's Suwa and Daini factories. This exceptional King Seiko 5625-7111 captures the absolute essence of that competitive pursuit of perfection. Featuring a high-beat movement and the sharp, uncompromising lines of Taro Tanaka's famed Grammar of Design, this timepiece is a masterclass in vintage proportions and finishing. Preserved in remarkable condition, it offers collectors a chance to own a pristine example of one of the most respected vintage dress watches ever produced. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7111 Serial Number: 361727 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625B, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted baton indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and sharp case geometry Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a visual triumph, presenting a radiant silver sunburst texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spots, stains, moisture marks, or surface damage, reflecting a highly protected life. The dial furniture is exquisite, featuring applied, highly faceted baton hour markers with black central stripes that provide striking contrast and legibility. The applied Seiko and KS logos are crisp and prominent, while the printed "AUTOMATIC" and "HI-BEAT" text, along with the Suwa Seikosha logo at six o'clock, remain perfectly intact with no print loss. A sharply framed date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The original dauphine hands mirror the hour markers with corresponding black central stripes, remaining sharp and entirely free of oxidation or degradation. The crystal provides a perfectly clear, distortion-free view of this masterfully preserved dial. Case and Crystal Crafted from stainless steel, the 36 mm case is a textbook example of Seiko's Grammar of Design. The architecture is defined by sharp, angular lugs with broad, flat, polished upper surfaces that transition abruptly to brushed flanks. The case retains its strong factory lines and sharp lug profiles, showing only honest, light handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear. The smooth polished bezel perfectly frames the dial without showing heavy wear. The prominent crown is correctly signed with the KS logo in deep relief. Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback with fully legible, crisp engravings detailing the water resistance, reference number 5625-7111, and serial number 361727. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 5625B, an automatic 25-jewel high-beat movement renowned for its sophisticated engineering and smooth sweep. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a remarkably clean caliber, with the signed Seiko rotor and bridges showing well-preserved factory finishing and no signs of moisture intrusion or careless handling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show +3 to +6 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition, feeling supple and providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. The stark black and white aesthetic of the strap perfectly complements the monochrome silver and black tones of the dial and hands, enhancing the overall presence of the timepiece. Condition This King Seiko is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a pristine example with no visible flaws. The stainless steel case retains its crucial Grammar of Design angles and sharp edges, avoiding the over-polished look that plagues many vintage examples. The movement is visually clean and running with outstanding mechanical precision. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage King Seiko from the 56KS family with a dial this pristine and a case this sharp is becoming increasingly difficult. This example perfectly balances the elegance of a mid-century dress watch with the robust, architectural presence that vintage Seiko collectors demand. It is a highly capable and visually striking addition to any serious collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the 56KS series was a milestone for King Seiko, bringing high-beat automatic movements into a slightly more streamlined and modern case profile. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the 56 caliber family was so successful and reliable that it was also utilized in the Grand Seiko lines of the same era. The design language, heavily influenced by Taro Tanaka, established rules of flat surfaces and sharp angles designed to catch the light and outshine Swiss competitors. Today, these watches are celebrated as the pinnacle of Seiko's mechanical golden age, offering unparalleled value, history, and craftsmanship. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-AKH-0004