Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - 5625-7111 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The King Seiko lineage represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, characterized by an unrelenting pursuit of precision and striking architectural case designs. This King Seiko Hi-Beat reference 5625-7111 is a superb manifestation of Suwa Seikosha's engineering prowess during the early 1970s. Featuring a high-frequency movement and a sharply faceted case that reflects the brand's iconic design language, this timepiece offers collectors a sophisticated blend of mechanical excellence and understated elegance, preserved in highly attractive condition. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7111 Serial Number: 360977 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625B, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a masterclass in mid-century refinement, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that radiates beautifully under varying light conditions. The typography is crisp and distinct, with an applied serif "SEIKO" logo at twelve o'clock and the applied "KS" emblem proudly positioned above six o'clock, complemented by the printed "HI-BEAT" text and the Suwa factory symbol. The dial furniture is exceptional, utilizing applied, multi-faceted baton hour markers featuring central black inserts that enhance legibility. The sharp dauphine hands also incorporate matching black inserts, creating a cohesive and highly legible aesthetic. A faceted metallic frame surrounds the date aperture at three o'clock. A close visual inspection reveals the dial is in stunningly well-preserved condition, free from notable spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a remarkably clean and factory-fresh appearance that is highly prized by collectors. Case and Crystal The 36-millimeter stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's celebrated design philosophy, featuring broad, flat surfaces and sharp, angular lugs that create a striking presence on the wrist. The transition between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the highly polished case flanks remains well-defined, indicating respectful wear over the decades. The watch features a polished, stepped bezel that frames the dial perfectly, sitting beneath a clean domed crystal that offers clear, distortion-free viewing of the dial below. The original deeply fluted crown is correctly signed with the distinctive "KS" logo. Turning the watch over reveals a solid screw-down stainless steel caseback, clearly engraved with the Seiko KS medallion logo, water resistance specifications, the reference number 5625-7111, and the serial number 360977. The case shows honest, age-consistent superficial handling marks, but retains its strong geometric integrity. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5625B, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its high-beat frequency and robust architecture. The movement is cleanly finished, with the rotor clearly stamped with the Seiko branding and caliber details. This caliber was a cornerstone of the King Seiko line, designed to offer chronometer-level stability for everyday wear. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher: -5 to -7 s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a striking reddish-brown textured leather strap, featuring a deep, irregular pattern reminiscent of exotic skins. The strap is accented with heavy contrasting stitching along the edges, adding a rugged yet refined character that perfectly complements the vintage aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This King Seiko is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong, defined lines with normal, honest signs of wear consistent with its age, avoiding any heavy over-polishing. The silver sunburst dial is the standout feature, remaining exceptionally crisp and free of the common aging flaws found in watches of this era. The hands and applied indices are bright and well-preserved. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks The 56KS series is widely considered one of the most practical and reliable vintage King Seiko families ever produced. Combining an advanced automatic movement with a date complication and an incredibly sharp case design, this reference 5625-7111 is a versatile and historically significant timepiece. Its outstanding dial condition and strong mechanical performance make it a compelling acquisition for both seasoned Seiko enthusiasts and those looking to add a premier vintage dress watch to their collection. History Introduced in the 1960s as the internal rival to Grand Seiko, the King Seiko line was tasked with pushing the boundaries of accuracy, durability, and design. Produced by the Daini and Suwa divisions, the competition between the two factories drove rapid innovations in high-beat escapements and automated manufacturing. The 56 series, produced by Suwa Seikosha in the early 1970s, represented the maturation of the King Seiko line, offering thinner automatic movements without sacrificing the exceptional precision the brand was known for. Today, King Seiko stands as a testament to Japan's golden age of mechanical watchmaking, offering collectors access to true haute horlogerie finishing and history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAK-0002