Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - Senza prezzo di riserva - 5625-7000 - Uomo - 1969

Presentato all’asta da Second Vintage The King Seiko 56KS series represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, standing proudly alongside Grand Seiko as the pinnacle of Suwa Seikosha’s mechanical achievements. Introduced in the late 1960s, the caliber 5625 was a sophisticated, high-beat automatic movement housed within cases that adhered to Seiko's famous grammar of design. This particular example beautifully showcases the sharp, faceted aesthetic of the era, combining a pristine silver sunburst dial with an honestly worn gold-plated case that tells the story of decades of faithful service. Complete with its remarkably preserved gold KS caseback medallion, this timepiece offers collectors a genuine slice of Seiko's most competitive and innovative historical period. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5625-7000 Serial Number: 9D0196 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5625 Dial: Silver sunburst dial, exceptionally clean and well-preserved with no visible spotting Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel caseback Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese finishing, featuring a radiant silver sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing virtually no signs of moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration, maintaining a remarkably fresh appearance. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone hour markers featuring central black inserts that enhance legibility and contrast. The applied Seiko and King Seiko logos are crisp and highly polished, sitting proudly above the sharply printed "AUTOMATIC" and "HI-BEAT" text, along with the Suwa factory emblem. The date window at three o'clock is framed by an applied gold-tone border. The matching gold-tone dauphine hands feature black central stripes and remain in excellent condition, showing only the faintest signs of age-appropriate oxidation under close loupe inspection. Case and Crystal The 37mm monocoque case is executed in Seiko Gold Plated (SGP) material and showcases the distinct, angular lug profile characteristic of the 56KS family. The case displays honest signs of vintage wear, with visible plating loss and rub marks on the sharpest edges of the lugs, the bezel flanks, and the lug tips, revealing the base metal beneath. This wear is highly typical for gold-plated watches of this era and adds an authentic vintage character without detracting from the overall case architecture. The watch retains its original, deeply knurled crown signed with the King Seiko logo. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel caseback featuring a solid gold King Seiko medallion. Remarkably, this medallion is in crisp, pristine condition, avoiding the common deterioration or over-polishing often seen on these models. The caseback engravings remain highly legible. The watch is fitted with its original flat Hardlex crystal, which presents beautifully, protecting the dial while showing only minor surface wear consistent with careful use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5625, a highly regarded automatic movement known for its high-beat escapement and refined architecture. The movement is securely housed within a front-loading monocoque case, denoted by the "OPEN THRU GLASS" engraving on the caseback, a design choice intended to maximize water resistance and structural integrity. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of +25 to +33 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct dark brown leather strap featuring contrasting reddish-brown stitching along the edges. The strap is supple and complements the gold tones of the case and dial perfectly. It is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that matches the overall aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This King Seiko is presented in good vintage condition, offering a compelling balance of immaculate dial preservation and honest case wear. The dial and hands are in stunning vintage condition, free from the spotting or degradation that often plagues watches of this age. The gold-plated case shows clear signs of wear, including visible plating loss on the lug edges and bezel, representing a life of genuine use. Crucially, the gold KS medallion on the caseback is exceptionally sharp and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures a classic 37 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown, providing a substantial yet elegant presence on the wrist that wears beautifully by modern standards. Remarks For the vintage Seiko enthusiast, finding a 56KS with an immaculate dial and a pristine caseback medallion is a distinct pleasure. While the case shows the honest, expected wear of a loved gold-plated vintage watch, the visual impact on the wrist remains incredibly strong thanks to the flawless dial execution. This is a highly wearable, historically significant timepiece that captures the essence of Seiko's golden age of mechanical watchmaking. History The King Seiko line was born out of the fierce internal rivalry between Seiko's two main manufacturing facilities, Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha, during the 1960s. While Grand Seiko was initially positioned as the absolute pinnacle, King Seiko was created to offer an equally impressive standard of accuracy and finishing. By the time the 56KS series was introduced by the Suwa factory in the late 1960s, the lines between Grand and King Seiko had blurred significantly, with both lines utilizing high-beat automatic movements and chronometer-grade engineering. The 5625 caliber remains one of Seiko's most respected vintage movements, representing a period when Japanese watchmaking confidently challenged and often surpassed the established Swiss industry in both precision and design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKD-0001