Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - 5621-7022 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko lineage represents a fascinating chapter in horological history, born from the fierce internal rivalry between Seiko’s Suwa and Daini factories. This reference 5621-7022 perfectly encapsulates the architectural brilliance and mechanical ambition of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. With its sharp, faceted case geometry heavily influenced by Taro Tanaka’s Grammar of Design and a sophisticated high-beat automatic movement beating within, this timepiece offers collectors a pure, time-only expression of the King Seiko ethos. The absence of a date complication allows for perfect dial symmetry, making this a highly desirable configuration for purists. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5621-7022 Serial Number: 441832 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5621B, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with strong case lines and a remarkably preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a masterclass in mid-century horological design, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that radiates dynamically under varying light conditions. The surface is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no visible spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, retaining a crisp and factory-fresh appearance. Applied faceted baton indices mark the hours, each featuring a central black stripe that enhances legibility while adding architectural depth. The applied Seiko logo sits proudly below twelve o'clock, balanced by the applied KS branding, printed Hi-Beat text, and the Suwa Seikosha factory logo above six o'clock. The dial edge features a precise minute track with delicate printed dots. The time is indicated by sharp, polished dauphine hands, which also incorporate black central inserts to perfectly match the hour markers. The dial text at the very bottom reads JAPAN 5621 -7000T, confirming its correct factory coding. Case and Crystal Crafted from stainless steel, the 36 millimeter case exhibits the celebrated Grammar of Design principles, characterized by broad, flat surfaces and sharp, angular lugs that reflect light with striking brilliance. The transition between the polished and brushed surfaces remains visible, indicating honest vintage preservation. The polished smooth bezel frames the dial elegantly, while the right side of the case features the original deeply embossed KS signed crown. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, water resistance text, the reference number 5621-7022, and the serial number 441832. The caseback and case flanks show expected signs of careful wear, including minor surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but no deep gouges or structural damage. A clear crystal protects the dial, presenting a clean view of the watch face with no major distracting blemishes. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5621B, a sophisticated high-beat automatic movement featuring 25 jewels. The rhodium-plated movement is visually clean and well-maintained, with the rotor clearly stamped with the Seiko branding, jewel count, and caliber designation. This caliber is renowned for its reliability and smooth sweeping seconds hand, a hallmark of Seiko's high-beat engineering from this era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady. The timegrapher result shows +23s to +25s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The scale-like pattern of the leather provides a striking visual contrast to the smooth, metallic surfaces of the case and dial, securing comfortably to the wrist with a standard steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining incredibly pristine and free of the aging issues often found in watches from this decade. The stainless steel case retains strong structural integrity and appealing geometry, showing normal, honest wear and superficial scratches primarily on the polished caseback and lug flanks. The movement is clean and operational, making this a highly attractive piece for any dedicated collector. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks A time-only King Seiko is a true collector's delight, offering an uncompromised view of Seiko's finest dial work and case finishing. The combination of a flawless silver sunburst dial, sharp dauphine hands, and a high-beat automatic movement makes this reference an enduring classic that wears beautifully in both formal and casual settings. History Introduced in the 1960s, the King Seiko line was created by the Daini Seikosha factory to compete directly with Suwa Seikosha's Grand Seiko. This internal rivalry pushed both facilities to produce some of the most accurate and beautifully finished watches in the world. By the 1970s, the 56KS series emerged, utilizing the excellent 5600-series automatic movements. These watches represented the zenith of Seiko's mechanical achievements before the quartz crisis fully took hold, leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising quality and distinctive Japanese design language that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAK-0007