Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat 王の影 (Ō no Kage) – Shadow of the King - 5625-7000 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional King Seiko 5625-7000 is a stunning representation of the "Grammar of Design" era, characterized by sharp angles, brilliant polishing, and high-precision engineering. Produced during the golden age of Japanese watchmaking, this piece features the coveted gold caseback medallion and a high-beat movement, making it a highly collectible rival to Swiss chronometers of the same period. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7000 Serial Number: 970009 Movement: Automatic Cal. 5625 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The case retains sharp lines with normal signs of wear, and the dial is remarkably clean. Timegrapher results confirm healthy movement performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in beautiful condition, radiating light effectively with a sharp metallic finish. It features polished faceted baton indices with black central inserts, providing excellent contrast and legibility. The matching dauphine hands also feature black inserts and are in excellent condition with no visible corrosion. The applied "SEIKO" and "KS" logos add a layer of depth to the face, while the date window at the 3 o'clock position is framed in polished steel. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case embodies the classic King Seiko aesthetic with broad, angular lugs and flat surfaces that reflect light distinctly. While there are visible surface marks and light scratches consistent with careful use, the case edges remain defined. The crown is original and signed with the "KS" logo. The screw-down caseback features the highly desirable gold "KS" medallion, which is intact and in very good condition, a detail often lost on examples from this era. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5625 automatic movement. This is a "Hi-Beat" caliber operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, known for its durability and precision. The movement winds smoothly and the quick-set date function is operational. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +8 and +12 seconds per day, which indicates reliable vintage performance and a healthy mechanism. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is in new condition and complements the monochromatic elegance of the silver dial and steel case, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition Overall, this timepiece is in Excellent vintage condition. The dial is free from significant staining or damage, presenting a crisp appearance. The case shows honest wear but maintains its structural integrity and sharp geometry. The movement is clean and running within vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist. The lug design ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This specific reference, the 5625-7000, is one of the most iconic iterations of the King Seiko line. The combination of the Hi-Beat movement, the clean dial layout, and the preserved gold medallion makes this a particularly attractive example for collectors. It is a robust and elegant dress watch that showcases the peak of late 1960s Japanese manufacture. History King Seiko was established as an internal competitor to Grand Seiko, with both distinct lines striving to produce the most accurate and beautifully finished watches in the world. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the 56KS series was introduced in the late 1960s to offer high-beat precision in a thinner, more automated package. These watches are pivotal in Seiko's history, representing the era when Japanese watchmaking began to outperform traditional Swiss luxury in chronometry competitions. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0018