Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5626-7110 - Men - 1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage A captivating piece of Japanese horological history, this King Seiko showcases the brand's relentless pursuit of precision and design excellence during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. The 56KS series represents a pinnacle of Seiko's high-beat automatic movements, paired with the sharp, grammar of design case geometry that collectors revere. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 5626-7110 Serial Number: 915777 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean surface free of significant flaws Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved case with a striking gold medallion Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese design, reflecting light beautifully across its brushed texture. It features sharp, applied faceted baton indices with black central inserts that perfectly match the sleek, polished dauphine hands. The typography is crisp and legible, with the applied serif "SEIKO" and "KS" logos standing proud alongside the printed sans-serif "AUTOMATIC" and "HI-BEAT" text. A framed day and date aperture rests at the three o'clock position, offering both English and Kanji day wheels. Careful visual inspection reveals an exceptionally clean surface, free from significant spotting, moisture marks, surface damage, or discoloration. The dial maintains a bright and highly attractive appearance consistent with careful preservation over the decades. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's renowned design principles, featuring sharp, angular lugs and distinctive flat planes that transition beautifully between brushed and polished surfaces. The case retains strong, well-defined factory lines and sharp chamfers, showing only honest, superficial handling marks commensurate with normal vintage wear. The original KS signed crown sits flush against the case flank. Flipping the watch over reveals a beautifully preserved solid gold KS medallion embedded in the caseback, alongside clear factory engravings and a personalized Showa era dedication. The watch is fitted with a flat Hardlex crystal that provides an unobstructed view of the dial, showing no deep scratches or distracting flaws. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5626, a highly regarded automatic Hi-Beat movement known for its smooth sweep and robust architecture. The caseback bears the correct factory markings and serial numbers for this reference, clearly placing its production in the late 1960s. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates an accuracy of +55 to +58 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct black textured leather strap, featuring contrasting white stitching that elegantly complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial. The strap is supple, showing minimal wear, and is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition Excellent vintage condition. This King Seiko has been remarkably well-preserved, boasting a vibrant, unblemished dial and a sharp case that retains its original geometric integrity. The gold caseback medallion remains fully intact and crisp, a rare and highly desirable trait for watches of this era. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and versatile vintage profile that wears handsomely on the wrist. Remarks King Seiko remains one of the most compelling value propositions in vintage horology, offering finishing and mechanical sophistication that rivaled the finest Swiss counterparts of the era. This particular example, with its immaculate dial and sharp case lines, is a superb addition to any serious vintage collection. History Born from the internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini Seikosha factories, the King Seiko line was created to push the boundaries of accuracy and design. The 56KS family, introduced in the late 1960s, brought high-beat automatic calibers into a more streamlined, automated production era without sacrificing the luxurious finishing standards that defined the KS badge. Today, these timepieces are celebrated as enduring symbols of Japan's horological mastery. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKA-0005