Seiko - King Seiko - 5626-7111 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A rare opportunity to acquire a true icon of Japanese watchmaking, this King Seiko Hi-Beat 5626-7111 is an outstanding showcase of precision, heritage, and timeless sophistication. Revered for its cutting-edge “Grammar of Design” aesthetics and powerful Hi-Beat movement, this watch stands out as a definitive collector’s piece, bridging the golden era of Seiko innovation with modern luxury. Exquisitely preserved, this example features razor-sharp geometry and immaculate surfaces rarely seen on the market today. Its presence on the wrist is both commanding and elegant, making it not only a testament to horological history but also an enviable highlight for any collection. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 5626-7111 Serial Number: 315383 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626B Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning condition. The watch presents an exceptional level of preservation with a flawless dial and a case that retains its sharp, original factory lines, making it a collector-grade example. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in pristine condition, radiating a clean and sophisticated luster that catches the light beautifully. It features applied faceted polished steel baton indices with black inlays which match the sharp dauphine hands perfectly. The dial text is crisp and intact, displaying the applied "SEIKO" logo at the top and the "KS Hi-BEAT" designation at the bottom along with the Suwa Seikosha logo. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock featuring a bilingual display capability often found in these domestic models. The overall presentation of the dial is flawless with no visible staining or oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a standout feature, adhering to the iconic Tanaka "Grammar of Design" principles with flat surfaces and sharp angles that reflect light without distortion. The lugs are thick and unpolished in appearance, retaining their distinct geometric shape. The watch is fitted with a signed "KS" crown which is correct for this reference. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, clearly displaying the "Seiko KS" branding along with the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and free of distracting scratches, providing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626B, a 25-jewel automatic Hi-Beat movement. This mechanism was designed to offer superior accuracy and durability. The movement presents cleanly in the photographs, with the rotor and bridges showing appropriate finishing. It is running within vintage tolerances and offering vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a textured finish and contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the dressy yet robust nature of the watch case, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in near-mint condition. The dial shows absolutely no signs of aging, spots, or damage. The case is exceptionally sharp with well-defined edges, showing only the faintest signs of handling consistent with a watch that has been treasured. The caseback engravings remain deep and legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which is a classic size for dress watches of this era. The lug-to-lug distance provides a balanced presence on the wrist, suitable for a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The King Seiko 5626-7111 is often cited as offering one of the best value propositions in vintage collecting due to its high-grade finishing and robust movement. Finding one in this state of preservation, where the case facets remain this sharp and the dial this clean, is becoming increasingly difficult. History Introduced during a period of intense internal rivalry between King Seiko and Grand Seiko, these watches were produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory to prove that Seiko could manufacture mechanical watches that equaled or surpassed Swiss chronometer standards. The 56KS series played a pivotal role in establishing Seiko's reputation for accuracy and design excellence during the 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIT1O5M70000