Seiko - King Seiko Chronometer - 5626-7040 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional King Seiko Chronometer is a quintessential representation of Japanese horological mastery from the early 1970s. Born out of the fierce and legendary internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini factories, the King Seiko line was designed to push the boundaries of precision, finishing, and mechanical excellence. This specific example proudly bears the officially certified chronometer designation, a testament to its high-beat mechanical prowess. Paired with Taro Tanaka's legendary Grammar of Design case architecture, this timepiece offers collectors a sophisticated blend of sharp aesthetics and historically significant timekeeping performance. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Chronometer Reference Number: 5626-7040 Serial Number: 003399 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with strong case geometry and an outstanding dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese restraint and precision, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices that feature distinct black central channel inserts, providing excellent legibility and contrast. The matching dauphine hands are sharply polished and similarly detailed with black inserts. A precisely framed day and date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The typography is incredibly crisp, with the serif "SEIKO CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" text and the applied KS logo remaining perfectly intact. Close inspection reveals a remarkably well-preserved dial surface, free from any notable moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a stunning and highly original aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case embodies the iconic Grammar of Design principles, characterized by its flat polished surfaces and sharp, angular lug profiles. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including moderate superficial scratches and light scuffs along the polished flanks and bezel, entirely consistent with its vintage age. Despite this normal wear, the transitions between the case facets remain well-defined, and the overall geometry is highly attractive. The watch retains its original, deeply engraved KS signed crown. Turning the watch over reveals a solid caseback highlighted by the highly desirable gold KS Chronometer medallion. The medallion is exceptionally preserved, maintaining its intricate frosted background texture and crisp lettering. The crystal provides a clear view of the dial, showing only very faint handling marks that do not impede legibility. Movement Tucked beneath the solid caseback is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626 automatic movement, a high-beat engine renowned for its chronometer-grade architecture. While the movement is not pictured due to the closed caseback, the exterior factory engravings confirm the reference and serial data. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate an operational deviation of -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is appropriately paired with a handsome brown textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting orange stitching that complements the vintage character of the timepiece and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows normal vintage wear and moderate handling marks but retains its strong, structural lines and signature case profile. The dial is in stunning vintage condition, remaining exceptionally clean and vibrant. The gold caseback medallion is a particular highlight, showcasing outstanding preservation. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks Finding a King Seiko Chronometer with such a pristine dial and an intact gold medallion is becoming increasingly difficult. This piece perfectly encapsulates the golden era of Seiko manufacturing, offering an ideal balance of robust daily wearability and significant collector appeal. History Introduced in the 1960s, the King Seiko collection was created to rival the Grand Seiko line, driving Seiko to new heights of innovation and finishing. By the time the 56-series calibers were introduced, King Seiko was producing watches that could comfortably compete with the finest Swiss chronometers on the global stage. The addition of the "Officially Certified Chronometer" text to the dial marked a peak in Seiko's confidence and technical capability. Today, these models are celebrated by enthusiasts for their uncompromising approach to accuracy and their distinct, historically important design language. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKC-0001