Seiko - King Seiko Chronometer Hi-Beat - 5626-7040 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko King Seiko Chronometer represents a pinnacle of vintage Japanese watchmaking, offering a compelling blend of high-beat precision and refined aesthetics. The "Officially Certified" designation on the dial is a testament to the rigorous testing these calibers underwent, positioning this piece as a serious contender against its Swiss contemporaries. The 5626 movement is celebrated for its reliability and smooth sweep, making this not just a collector's item, but a highly capable daily wearer. The presence of the gold medallion on the caseback further cements its status as a premium offering from Seiko's golden era of mechanical horology. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Chronometer Reference Number: 5626-7040 Serial Number: 141518 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Silver sunburst, applied indices, showing visible spotting and edge wear Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: April 1971 Crystal: Hardlex crystal Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and attractive case lines Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features an elegant vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully. Applied, faceted baton indices provide striking depth and readability. The typography is crisp, with the proud "Chronometer Officially Certified" and "KS Automatic Hi-Beat" text clearly legible. A framed day-date window sits at the three o'clock position. The dial does show visible signs of age, specifically notable spotting and discoloration around the outer perimeter, particularly between the ten and two o'clock positions, indicating past moisture ingress or natural degradation over time. The slender, polished dauphine hands remain sharp and present well, maintaining the watch's sophisticated profile. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case exhibits the classic Grammar of Design geometry, with sharp, angular lugs and distinct polished facets. The transitions between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the polished case flanks remain well-defined, suggesting careful wear over its lifetime. The signed "KS" crown is present and well-preserved. The Hardlex crystal shows some light surface wear consistent with age but remains largely clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. The screw-down caseback features the highly desirable gold King Seiko Chronometer medallion, which is remarkably intact and legible, along with clear factory engravings including the reference 5626-7040 and serial number 141518. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5626, an automatic, high-beat movement known for its precision and durability. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher displays a result of +2s to +8s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly, securing with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This King Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains strong lines and factory finishes, with honest, light surface scratches indicative of normal use. The dial exhibits noticeable spotting and edge wear, primarily along the upper periphery, which is clearly documented in the macro photography. The gold caseback medallion is in excellent shape, a crucial detail for collectors. The movement is running exceptionally well, as evidenced by the provided timegrapher data. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This King Seiko Chronometer is a fantastic representation of Seiko's high-end production in the early 1970s. While the dial shows honest age, the strong case condition, intact gold medallion, and excellent mechanical performance make it a highly desirable piece for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese horology. History The King Seiko line was established in the 1960s as an internal rival to Grand Seiko, driving both divisions to push the boundaries of accuracy and design. Manufactured by the Daini Seikosha factory, King Seiko watches were characterized by their sharp, angular case designs (heavily influenced by Taro Tanaka's "Grammar of Design") and high-grade movements. The Chronometer designated models, like this 5626-7040, were subjected to rigorous testing to meet or exceed international chronometer standards, showcasing Seiko's capability to produce world-class precision timepieces. Today, they are celebrated for their historical significance and enduring quality. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCK-0003