Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5626-5010 - Men - 1972

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This bold King Seiko perfectly captures the daring architectural design language of the early 1970s. During an era when Japanese watchmakers were radically experimenting with case geometries and vibrant colors, the 5626-5010 stood out with its imposing square profile and rich blue dial. Combining the legendary chronometric capabilities of Seiko’s high-beat 5600 series movement with an unapologetically robust stainless steel case, this timepiece represents a fantastic intersection of precision engineering and retro-futuristic style. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-5010 Serial Number: 230381 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626, running at +19s to +25s/day Dial: Deep blue surface with applied indices, well-preserved and clean with minimal visible flaws Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with a well-preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is a strong example of vintage Seiko preservation, presenting a rich, deep blue surface that shifts nicely under lighting. It features polished, silver-toned applied baton indices with faceted edges that catch the light from multiple angles. The typography remains crisp, with a printed white serif Seiko logo, sans-serif Automatic text, and the distinct Suwa factory emblem positioned at six o'clock, complemented by the applied polished KS logo. A framed day-date window at three o'clock displays an English and Kanji day wheel alongside the date. The faceted steel hour and minute hands are detailed with a contrasting black central stripe for enhanced legibility. The dial surface is notably clean, showing only minimal signs of age and no distracting spots, moisture damage, or print loss, offering an attractive and well-kept vintage face. Case and Crystal The 35 mm square stainless steel case features a distinct lugless, integrated design characteristic of 1970s horology. The case architecture is defined by vertically brushed flat top surfaces that transition into highly polished flanks. These transitions remain highly legible, though the case exhibits honest vintage wear, including scattered hairline scratches, light scuffs, and minor surface marks consistent with decades of use. The faceted crystal, which features steeply beveled outer edges, sits proud of the case and shows clear signs of wear. There are visible scratches across the surface and distinct micro-chips along the fragile outer glass edges, particularly noticeable near the upper and lower left corners. The solid stainless steel caseback is wonderfully preserved, retaining deep, sharp factory engravings including the KS branding, Suwa logo, and crisp serial numbers. Movement The watch is powered by the Suwa factory Seiko Automatic Caliber 5626, a highly regarded hi-beat movement known for its refined engineering and smooth sweep. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance. Current timegrapher results indicate a very healthy movement performance of +19s to +25s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern textured black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching and a polished steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the robust vintage styling of the case. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands are impressively preserved, remaining a beautiful focal point for the watch. The case exhibits normal, honest vintage wear with moderate hairline scratches and well-defined structural lines. The faceted crystal displays noticeable age-consistent wear, including surface scratches and edge chips. Overall, it remains a highly attractive and robust collector's piece with an undeniable wrist presence. Dimensions Case width measures 35 mm excluding the crown. Remarks This King Seiko is a tremendous representation of a unique era in watch design. The combination of a well-preserved, vibrant blue dial housed in a heavy, lugless square case makes for an incredible aesthetic on the wrist. It offers the perfect blend of high-end vintage horology and standout retro charm. History The King Seiko line represents Seiko's relentless pursuit of chronometric excellence and top-tier finishing during the golden age of Japanese watchmaking. Alongside Grand Seiko, the King Seiko models produced by the Suwa and Daini factories spurred an internal rivalry that pushed the boundaries of accuracy, reliability, and design. The 5600 series of movements was instrumental in Seiko's dominance in the 1970s, offering high-beat precision housed in architecturally fascinating cases that boldly reflected the era's futuristic optimism. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAK-0001