Seiko King Seiko Hi-Beat 5625-7122 (1973)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after classic King Seiko presents a beautiful balance of honest exterior wear and an exceptionally pristine dial. Produced in 1973, it features the highly regarded high-beat 5625 automatic movement housed within the brand's recognizable design architecture. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 5625-7122 Serial Number: 388253 Movement: Automatic caliber 5625B Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 37mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -16-20s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, remaining in pristine condition with no visible spotting, staining, or moisture damage. Its applied indices feature distinct black center stripes that are clean and sharp. The applied Seiko and KS logos show no oxidation, and all printed text is crisp and fully intact. The sharp dauphine hands carry matching black center stripes and present a clean surface finish, with minimal to no oxidation visible under macro observation. They remain visually consistent with the excellent state of the dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a polished finish and retains its relatively well-defined lug geometry, presenting honest vintage wear with preserved overall lines. Moderate scratches and scuffs are visible on the case flanks and lugs. The polished smooth bezel shows light to moderate surface scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The watch retains its clearly signed crown, bearing the KS logo with intact knurling and normal wear. A clear, flat crystal with an intact beveled edge protects the dial, showing no significant scratches, chips, or crazing. Movement Powering the watch is the automatic Seiko caliber 5625B, featuring 25 jewels and engraved Seiko markings. While the rotor exhibits noticeable surface scratching and wear, the plates and bridges appear relatively clean with no major corrosion visible. The timegrapher records a rate of -16-20s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a fresh black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which appears new or very lightly used. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as the strongest visual assets of this timepiece. The case and bezel display honest wear with moderate scratches and scuffs, yet the case architecture remains well-defined. The movement rotor shows noticeable surface scratching, though the underlying plates and bridges are clean. Supported by the recorded timegrapher results, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 37mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This King Seiko offers a highly desirable combination of a pristine sunburst dial and a robust high-beat movement. The honest case wear speaks to its authentic character, making it a wonderful addition to any collection focused on classic Japanese horology. History The King Seiko line represents a monumental era in Japanese watchmaking, characterized by intense internal competition and rapid technological advancement during the 1960s and 1970s. The 5600 series of calibers became a significant part of this period, celebrated for bringing high-beat precision into a refined, automated format. Models like this 5625-7122 showcase the iconic "Grammar of Design" principles, emphasizing flat surfaces, sharp angles, and highly legible dials. Today, these high-beat models remain sought-after by collectors who appreciate their historical significance and enduring mechanical quality. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-KXX-0005