Seiko - King Seiko Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5626-7110 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This 1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat is a sought-after reference among collectors, distinguished by its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and a fully intact gold KS medallion on the caseback. Finding vintage King Seiko models with the medallion so perfectly preserved has become increasingly difficult, making this honest and well-kept example particularly desirable for enthusiasts of classic Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7110 Serial Number: 151570 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and day/date display Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +40+42s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, presenting a bright finish with no obvious staining or spotting. The applied indices and Seiko logos remain crisp and highly legible, reflecting light beautifully across the dial surface. All printed text, including the KS and Hi-Beat designations, is fully intact. At the three o'clock position, the day and date window is framed by a clean metal border and features both English and Japanese Kanji language options. The dauphine hands, detailed with black central stripes, are clean and sharp, with metal surfaces remaining free of significant oxidation or corrosion. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case displays honest vintage wear, with visible surface scratches and handling marks present across the flanks and lugs. The case edges remain reasonably defined while showing signs of normal use. The smooth steel bezel exhibits moderate surface scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The reverse side features a well-preserved caseback highlighted by the fully intact gold KS medallion, a highly prized detail. The original crown is clearly signed 'KS' and, while showing some surface wear, retains a distinct signature. The flat crystal is generally clear, though some minor surface scratches and dust are visible under harsh lighting. Movement This timepiece is powered by the 5626 automatic caliber, a celebrated high-beat movement from Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. The timegrapher records a rate of +40+42s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap appears lightly used and provides a comfortable, casual aesthetic that complements the crisp silver dial. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with an exceptionally clean dial and sharp hands. The stainless steel case and bezel show normal surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but the gold caseback medallion remains wonderfully intact. The crystal displays minor surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher data, the movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This King Seiko stands out due to its pristine dial, the highly desirable Kanji day wheel, and the remarkable preservation of its gold caseback medallion. It is a highly attractive example of classic 1970s Seiko design, offering strong visual character and enduring appeal. History The King Seiko line was introduced in the 1960s as a direct internal competitor to Grand Seiko, driving both divisions to achieve remarkable heights in accuracy and design. By the early 1970s, the 5600 series of calibers represented the pinnacle of this development, utilizing high-beat escapements to improve precision. The 5626-7110 is widely celebrated for its sharp case geometry and refined dial layout, serving as a primary example of Seiko's Grammar of Design principles. Today, these models are deeply respected by collectors for their mechanical sophistication and elegant proportions. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-KXX-0003