Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat 玉座 (Gyokuza) – Throne - No reserve price - 5626-7000 - Men - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinguished King Seiko reference 5626-7000 represents a significant chapter in Japanese horological history, hailing from the famous Suwa Seikosha factory. Produced during the golden era of Seiko's internal competition between King Seiko and Grand Seiko, this timepiece features the highly regarded Hi-Beat automatic movement and the desirable monocoque case design. With its classic grammar of design lines and original gold caseback medallion, this watch offers a compelling blend of collectibility and vintage elegance. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 5626-7000 Serial Number: 960403 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Hi-Beat Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of age and wear to the case plating, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is functioning within acceptable vintage parameters. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in stunning condition, retaining a clean and bright finish that catches the light beautifully. It features faceted applied gold hour markers with black central inlays, matched by sharp baton-style hands that also feature black striping for excellent legibility. The applied "Seiko" logo at twelve o'clock and the "KS Hi-Beat" text with the Suwa factory symbol at six o'clock are crisp and intact. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, adding utility to the elegant design. Case and Crystal The 37mm case is constructed with a monocoque "front-loading" design, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the caseback, which was engineered for superior water resistance during its era. The case is gold plated (SGP) and shows visible vintage wear, specifically gold plating loss and brassing on the tips and edges of the lugs, consistent with a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The signed "KS" crown is original and correct. The caseback features the iconic gold King Seiko medallion, which remains intact and legible. The crystal shows minor signs of handling but remains clear and serviceable. Movement Powering this timepiece is the renowned Caliber 5626 automatic movement, a Hi-Beat engineering marvel known for its reliability and precision potential. The movement is winding and setting correctly. A timegrapher reading has been recorded showing the watch running between -15 and -17 seconds per day, which indicates the movement is operating with a healthy amplitude within standard vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrasting gold stitching. The strap is in good condition and complements the warm tones of the gold-plated case, offering a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is rated in good vintage condition. The visual appeal is driven by the near-flawless dial which contrasts with the honest wear on the case. The gold plating shows thinning and wear on the sharp edges of the lugs and bezel, revealing the base metal underneath, which is common for references of this age. The gold medallion on the caseback is present and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage dress watch presence that sits prominently on the wrist without being overbearing. Remarks This specific example features the "Waterproof" marking on the caseback rather than "Water Resistant," a detail that helps date the watch to the earlier production run of this reference before industry nomenclature changed around 1970. The combination of the monocoque case, the intact medallion, and the pristine dial makes this a worthy addition for collectors appreciating the history of the Suwa factory. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the 56KS series was pivotal in Seiko's quest to produce high-precision mechanical watches that could compete with Swiss chronometers. The King Seiko line, produced by Daini Seikosha and Suwa Seikosha, represented the pinnacle of accessible luxury and precision. The 5626 movement is celebrated for bringing Hi-Beat technology to a wider audience and remains a favorite among vintage Seiko enthusiasts for its durability and historical significance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1HLJOU1000