Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5625-7111 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional King Seiko represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, where precision engineering and striking architectural design converged. The 56KS series is celebrated by collectors for its robust high-beat movement and adherence to Taro Tanaka's legendary Grammar of Design. Offering a sophisticated monochromatic aesthetic and a beautifully preserved sunburst dial, this timepiece captures the essence of vintage Seiko elegance. It stands as a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of chronometric perfection during the early 1970s. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7111 Serial Number: 321545 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625B, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing exceptional preservation with only faint localized vintage spotting Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a remarkably clean dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century refinement, catching the light beautifully from every angle. It features an applied silver-tone Seiko logo at twelve o'clock and applied faceted baton indices, each detailed with a crisp black central stripe for enhanced legibility. The matching dauphine hands are sharply polished and also feature black inserts, creating a cohesive and highly legible display. A framed date window is positioned precisely at three o'clock. The lower half of the dial bears the printed King Seiko Hi-Beat branding alongside the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory symbol. The dial condition is exceptionally clean, exhibiting a radiant finish with only the most microscopic, honest age-related spotting visible under close inspection, which merely confirms its vintage authenticity without detracting from its stunning overall appearance. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case is a brilliant execution of Seiko's Grammar of Design, characterized by flat surfaces, sharp angles, and brilliant faceted lugs. The transitions between the brushed top surfaces and polished flanks remain distinct, showcasing the case's original geometric integrity. A smoothly polished bezel frames the dial, while the original King Seiko-signed crown sits neatly against the case side. The solid screw-down caseback is remarkably well-preserved, featuring crisp, deep factory engravings including the Seiko KS logo, reference number, and serial number. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, providing an unobstructed view into the dial. The case shows only minor, honest handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear, retaining a strong and commanding presence on the wrist. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5625B, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its high-beat escapement and reliable chronometry. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a clean, well-maintained caliber with a signed rotor and crisp factory stampings across the plates and bridges. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -10 to -17 s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, which perfectly complements the silver and black tones of the dial and indices. The strap is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and secure fit that enhances the watch's versatile, everyday appeal. Condition This King Seiko is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is wonderfully preserved, retaining its original sunburst brilliance with only minimal signs of aging. The stainless steel case retains its sharp architectural lines and crisp factory chamfers, showing only light, age-appropriate wear. The caseback engravings are exceptionally deep and legible. The movement is remarkably clean and performs with outstanding vintage precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug profile and standard lug width maintain classic vintage proportions, ensuring an elegant and comfortable fit on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The 56KS series is widely considered one of the most accessible and reliable entry points into high-end vintage Seiko collecting. Combining a sophisticated high-beat automatic movement with timeless, sharp-edged design, this specific reference 5625-7111 is a brilliant everyday wearer. Its impressive state of preservation and striking dial make it a compelling addition to any serious vintage watch portfolio. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the King Seiko line was established as an internal rival to Grand Seiko, pushing the boundaries of accuracy, manufacturing quality, and design. Manufactured by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the 56KS family utilized slimmed-down automatic movements that allowed Seiko to design more refined, elegant case profiles without sacrificing performance. These timepieces embody the fierce internal competition that drove Seiko to dominate the global watch industry during this era, and they remain highly sought after today for their historical significance and enduring mechanical excellence. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0029