Seiko King Seiko Chronometer 5626-7040 (1970)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a highly collectible piece of Japanese horological history, the King Seiko Chronometer. Produced during the golden era of Seiko, this reference 5626-7040 represents the pinnacle of the internal rivalry between King Seiko and Grand Seiko. Featuring the coveted "Chronometer Officially Certified" text on the dial and a high-frequency movement, this timepiece offers a blend of sharp "Grammar of Design" aesthetics and precision engineering that remains impressive over half a century later. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Chronometer Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7040 Serial Number: 021382 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Hi-Beat Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honestly with visible wear to the case and specific aging to the dial edge, while retaining the desirable gold medallion and original case geometry. Timegrapher results indicate an active mechanical movement with a rate of approximately +35 to +40 seconds per day. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with sharp, multi-faceted applied baton indices featuring black inlays, matched by the original dauphine hands. The dial proudly displays the "Chronometer Officially Certified" branding, a distinction reserved for high-grade models. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. There is visible aging and degradation of the lacquer on the outer minute track, most notably located between the 8 and 10 o'clock positions, which is documented in the close-up imagery. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case follows the distinct "Grammar of Design" philosophy with sharp, angular lugs and flat surfaces that reflect light dynamically. The case is a front-loading monocoque design, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the reverse. The case shows general surface scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age, but the case lines remain defined. The crystal is clear with only minor evidence of use. The original KS-signed crown is present. Ideally preserved on the caseback is the solid gold KS Chronometer medallion, which remains intact and highly legible, a feature often missing or damaged on examples from this era. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seiko Caliber 5626 automatic movement. This is a "Hi-Beat" movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, designed for higher precision and stability. The movement features a day and date complication with quickset functionality. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of +35 to +40 seconds, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable vintage parameters. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a textured scale pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case perfectly, secured by a steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is graded in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected surface wear and the dial exhibits specific aging to the outer perimeter, the watch retains a strong and attractive overall appearance. The gold medallion on the caseback is a significant highlight, adding to the collector value of the piece. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and versatile size that sits comfortably on the wrist. The lug width accommodates standard vintage strap sizes, allowing for easy customization. Remarks The King Seiko 5626-7040 is becoming increasingly sought after by collectors due to its Chronometer certification and robust build quality. Finding an example with the gold medallion intact is becoming harder in today's market. This watch serves as both a wearable daily vintage piece and a significant artifact of Seiko's high-end watchmaking history. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the 56KS series was produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, indicated by the swirl logo on the dial. During this period, King Seiko and Grand Seiko were internal competitors, pushing each other to create the finest watches in Japan. The Chronometer certification on this model signifies that it was adjusted to meet strict accuracy standards, placing it among the top-tier offerings of Seiko's catalog in 1970. This specific reference is a testament to the era when Japanese watchmaking began to seriously challenge the Swiss dominance in chronometry and design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCK-0002