Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5626-7111 - Men - 1972

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The King Seiko line represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, born from the legendary internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini factories. Tasked with pushing the boundaries of precision and design, King Seiko produced timepieces that stood shoulder to shoulder with the finest Swiss chronometers of the period. This specific reference 5626-7111 beautifully encapsulates the brand's commitment to mechanical excellence and aesthetic purity. Featuring a highly refined automatic hi-beat movement and a masterfully textured dial, it remains a quintessential example of vintage Seiko's golden age, offering collectors a seamless blend of historical significance and enduring mid-century elegance. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7111 Serial Number: 291460 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5626A, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver vertical brushed dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a flawless dial and sharp, honest case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a masterclass in subtle texture, featuring a brilliant silver canvas with a pronounced vertical brushed finish that catches the light dynamically from every angle. The typography is exceptionally crisp, with a bold applied Seiko logo and an applied KS emblem proudly positioned above the six o'clock marker. The hour markers are tall, faceted steel batons featuring distinct black central inserts, which perfectly match the sharp, faceted dauphine hands. A framed day and date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, displaying a vibrant red Kanji character for Sunday. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in incredibly pristine condition, showing no visible spotting, moisture marks, or discoloration, presenting a brilliantly clean and attractive face that speaks to decades of careful preservation. Case and Crystal Crafted from stainless steel, the case embodies the sharp, angular geometry characteristic of Seiko's iconic design language of the era. The lug profiles remain strong and well-defined, showcasing a beautiful transition between the flat brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. Honest, light surface wear and micro-scratches consistent with careful vintage use are visible, but the case retains its structural integrity without heavy polishing. The original KS-signed crown sits flush against the case side, retaining its distinct fluting. Turning the watch over reveals a solid screw-down caseback featuring deep, legible factory engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, alongside deeply engraved Japanese Kanji characters denoting a presentation gift dating to Showa 48. The watch is fitted with a clean and clear crystal that provides an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath. Movement Powering this King Seiko is the highly regarded Caliber 5626A automatic hi-beat movement, a cornerstone of Seiko's push for superior chronometry in the 1970s. The movement presents beautifully in the photographs, with the 25 jewels and Seiko factory markings clearly stamped across the winding bridge and rotor. The mechanism is clean, with the brushed finishing on the rotor and plates remaining bright and distinct. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a highly impressive deviation of +10 to +15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring prominent contrasting white stitching. The strap exhibits a subtle alligator-style grain, providing a sophisticated yet slightly sporty complement to the sharp lines of the stainless steel case and the crisp silver dial. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining exceptionally clean and free of the degradation often found in watches of this age. The hands and applied indices retain their bright polish and sharp black accents. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest handling marks and light surface scratches, particularly on the polished case sides and bezel, but maintains its factory lines and sharp lug geometry. The engraved caseback remains deep and highly legible, preserving the historical charm of its presentation origins. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks This King Seiko reference 5626-7111 is a superb acquisition for the discerning collector of vintage Japanese horology. The combination of the mesmerizing vertical brushed dial, the sharp case architecture, and the robust hi-beat movement makes it a highly versatile and historically rich timepiece. The added Kanji presentation engraving on the caseback provides a wonderful glimpse into the life of the watch, elevating its appeal as a true vintage artifact. History Introduced in the 1960s, the King Seiko collection was Daini Seikosha's answer to Suwa Seikosha's Grand Seiko. This internal competition drove both factories to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy, finishing, and design. By the early 1970s, King Seiko was producing remarkable high-beat automatic movements housed in cases governed by Taro Tanaka's "Grammar of Design" rules, which dictated flat surfaces and sharp angles to perfectly reflect light. The 56KS series represents the peak of this era, offering chronometer-level performance and enduring style that continues to captivate the global watch collecting community today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0013