Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat 貴影 – Kiei – Noble Shadow - No reserve price - 5626-7113 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a superb example of the legendary King Seiko line, specifically the Hi-Beat reference 5626-7113. Produced during the golden era of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking, this piece embodies the refined aesthetic that challenged Swiss supremacy in the 1970s. The 56KS series was a direct internal competitor to Grand Seiko, offering exceptional finishing and high-beat precision. With its classic silver sunburst dial and practical day-date complication, this December 1973 production is a perfect entry point into high-end Japanese vintage collecting. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7113 Serial Number: 3D1637 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a pristine dial. Timegrapher readings show +20 to +23 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, catching the light beautifully with a fine radial brushed finish. It features tall, faceted applied baton hour markers with black central inlays that match the sharp dauphine hands, ensuring excellent legibility and a sophisticated look. The applied "Seiko" and "KS" logos are crisp and raised, adding depth to the face. A framed day-date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, adding utility to the elegant design. The minute track is printed clearly on the outer perimeter, and the dial shows no signs of aging or spotting. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and sits comfortably on the wrist, showcasing the distinct styling of early 1970s Seiko design. The lugs are tapered and architectural, providing a sleek profile. The case retains good definition, showing only minor surface wear and light handling marks consistent with a well-preserved vintage piece. The original "KS" signed crown is present. The screw-down caseback features the engravings "Water Resistant" and the reference details, which remain clearly legible. The crystal is clean and offers a clear view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626A automatic movement. This "Hi-Beat" movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, a hallmark of Seiko's precision engineering from this era. The rotor is signed "Seiko 25 Jewels." The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing +20 to +23 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. It complements the silver dial perfectly and gives the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for daily wear or formal occasions. Condition This King Seiko is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, free from oxidation or damage. The case shows honest, light wear but retains its structural integrity and attractive lines. The movement is clean and functioning properly, making this a collector-grade example ready for the wrist. Dimensions The case diameter is 36 mm excluding the crown, a classic size that wears elegantly on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This 5626-7113 is a testament to the rivalry between King Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering finishing and performance that rivaled Swiss chronometers of the time. It is a fantastic collector's piece that combines historical significance with wearable elegance, featuring the desirable signed crown and clean caseback. History King Seiko was established as a sub-brand to drive internal competition within Seiko, pushing the Daini Seikosha and Suwa Seikosha factories to produce the best possible watches. The 56KS series, introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, represents one of the high points of this internal rivalry. These watches are celebrated today for bringing high-beat precision and strictly defined design aesthetics to a wider audience, solidifying Seiko's reputation as a world-class manufacture. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0021