Seiko King Seiko Hi-Beat 5626-7113 (1974)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko line represents a pinnacle of mid-century Japanese horology, born from an era of intense internal competition that drove Seiko to master both mechanical precision and striking aesthetic design. This reference 5626-7113 beautifully captures the essence of the "Grammar of Design" with its sharp case geometry and high-frequency movement, offering collectors a tangible piece of Seiko's distinguished history. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5626-7113 Serial Number: 437845 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5626A Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing visible edge wear and light patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: March 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition, displaying honest wear and authentic vintage character Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a classic and refined layout, characterized by applied faceted baton indices with black central inserts that perfectly match the sharp dauphine hands. The dial proudly displays the applied "SEIKO" and "KS" logos, along with the printed "AUTOMATIC," "HI-BEAT," and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the six o'clock marker. A framed day-date aperture sits neatly at the three o'clock position. Close visual inspection reveals prominent edge wear and discoloration around the outer perimeter of the dial, most notably between the seven and eleven o'clock positions, alongside light, age-consistent spotting across the surface. The hands remain well-preserved, complementing the honest vintage aesthetic of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's renowned design philosophy, featuring sharp, angular lugs and a dynamic interplay of brushed and polished surfaces. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest surface scratches, micro-dings, and handling marks consistent with normal daily wear over the decades. The smooth polished bezel frames the crystal securely. The factory KS-signed crown is present and features crisp relief lettering. The screw-down caseback bears clear engravings, including the Seiko Water Resistant text, Suwa logo, and the reference and serial numbers, while showing expected surface wear and scuffing from previous use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5626A, a 25-jewel automatic movement celebrated for its hi-beat architecture and robust engineering. The movement presents cleanly in the provided macro photography, with the rotor and bridges showing clear factory markings and mechanical finishing. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a current performance of -51 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a distinctive black textured leather strap, featuring contrasting white edge stitching and a standard steel pin buckle. The strap adds a rugged yet sophisticated touch to the watch and shows minimal signs of handling. Condition This King Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its distinct architectural lines while showing expected signs of historical use. The dial displays clear visual aging, specifically edge wear and minor spotting, which validate its vintage status. The movement remains fully operational and mechanically intact. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The King Seiko 5626-7113 is a superb representation of Suwa Seikosha's dedication to high-frequency timekeeping and sharp, faceted case design. With its day-date practicality and iconic styling, it remains a highly wearable and historically significant piece for vintage watch enthusiasts who appreciate authentic, unrestored character. History Introduced in the late 1960s as an internal rival to the Grand Seiko line, the King Seiko collection was designed to push the boundaries of accuracy, durability, and bold styling. Manufactured by Seiko's specialized divisions, these watches featured sophisticated high-beat movements and distinct, sharply angled cases that defined the brand's global design language for decades. Today, vintage King Seiko models are highly sought after by collectors who recognize their exceptional build quality and pivotal role in establishing Japan as a premier watchmaking nation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKH-0008