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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko King Seiko represents a fantastic era of Japanese watchmaking, combining sharp grammar of design case lines with a highly capable high-beat automatic movement. The King Seiko line was created to compete internally with Grand Seiko, resulting in timepieces of exceptional quality and finishing. This particular example features a beautiful textured silver dial, sharp case lines, and the highly regarded 5626 caliber, making it a compelling piece for collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: 5626-7113 Serial Number: 452079 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5626 Dial: Textured silver dial with applied faceted indices, showing light, even age-consistent wear Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: May 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with sharp case lines and a well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating silver dial with a subtle, vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. The applied, faceted baton indices are well-preserved, featuring black central stripes that match the sharp, dauphine-style hour and minute hands. The dial text, including the applied "SEIKO" logo and printed "KS HI-BEAT," remains crisp and legible. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial shows a very light, even distribution of subtle aging and microscopic spotting consistent with a vintage piece of this era, adding honest character without detracting from its overall elegant appearance. The hands display a matching light patina, maintaining excellent visual harmony with the dial. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's renowned "Grammar of Design" philosophy, featuring sharp, faceted lugs and a blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The case retains strong, defined lines and factory geometry, showing normal, honest signs of wear including light surface scratches and minor handling marks typical of its age. The polished bezel frames the crystal securely. The watch is fitted with a flat Hardlex mineral crystal, correct to the model, which remains clean and clear, offering an unobstructed view of the dial beneath, with only very minor micro-abrasions visible under magnification. The original King Seiko-signed crown is present and features sharp knurling and a well-defined logo. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, reference number 5626-7113, and serial number 452079. Movement Powering this King Seiko is the esteemed in-house automatic Caliber 5626, a 25-jewel, high-beat movement known for its accuracy and durability. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor and bridges showing appropriate vintage finishing. The caliber markings and "JAPAN 5626" are clearly visible on the movement plates. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher results show +8 to +11 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a black, textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in good, wearable condition, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the King Seiko while providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This King Seiko is in good vintage condition. The case retains sharp, original lines with honest signs of wear. The textured silver dial is well-preserved, showing only light, attractive aging. The crystal is clear, and the movement is running exceptionally well based on the provided timegrapher data. This is a highly attractive and mechanically sound example of a classic vintage Seiko. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This King Seiko 5626-7113 is a testament to Seiko's dedication to precision and design during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. The combination of the textured dial, sharp case architecture, and the high-beat 5626 movement makes it a highly desirable piece. It offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist and represents excellent value for collectors seeking a high-quality vintage dress watch with significant horological merit. History Introduced in the 1960s, the King Seiko line was born out of an internal rivalry between Seiko's Suwa and Daini factories, driving both to produce timepieces of increasingly high quality and precision. The King Seiko models were designed to offer luxury and performance that rivaled, and sometimes surpassed, their Swiss counterparts. The 56KS series, introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, featured high-beat automatic movements and refined case designs, solidifying King Seiko's reputation among watch enthusiasts. Today, these vintage King Seikos are highly sought after for their historical significance, exceptional build quality, and timeless aesthetic appeal. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKX-0010