Vintage King Seiko 5625-7111 watch Hi-beat 1972 Automatic Serviced

SPECIFICATION Reference: King Seiko 5625-7111 Movement: 5625 Hi-beat Age: November 1972 Case Size: 36mm Case Thickness: 10mm Lug to Lug: 42mm Lugs: 18mm Condition: used Seiko watch Box & Papers: No Case Material: Stainless Steel Warranty: 12-Months Warranty POINTS TO MENTION In great pre-owned condition, with light wear Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks Graduated blue sunburst dial Fully serviced Hi-beat movement Date only model Upgraded metal quickset gear KS signed crown Paired with an unworn grey leather strap c/w butterfly clasp Seiko has recently rekindled the Kings Seiko range, showing the acclaim that this timeless watch is held and can be owned at a fraction of the cost of the new models, which really does mean you can pick up something so cool. A BIT OF TRIVIA Introducing the exceptional Vintage King Seiko, a true masterpiece from the 1970s that showcases Seiko's dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and design. As a top-tier product and internal competitor to the Grand Seiko, the King Seiko was created to challenge the Swiss watch industry and establish Seiko's presence in the international market. With ultra-accurate Chronometer-rated movements that propelled Seiko to victory in the Swiss Chronometer Competition, a mirror-finished case featuring a unique design, and the expert craftsmanship that ensures a durable, timeless classic, the King Seiko epitomizes the very best in Japanese vintage dress watches. The King Seiko line was conceived and developed originally by the Daini Seikosha division as a luxury hand-wind watch to compete with the Suwa-developed Grand Seiko line. Any aspiration on the part of Daini Seikosha that it should be regarded as the equal of Grand Seiko was never realised, with Grand Seiko consistently presented in all of Seiko’s catalogues and marketing as the zenith of the Seiko Universe from 1960 until its demise in 1975. For the first seven years of its existence, the King Seiko evolved slowly but steadily through a series of beautiful hand-wind models, all of which powered by variations of the 44-series movement, itself a refined development of the Cronos 54A movement, dating from the late 1950s. In 1968, Daini replaced the 44 family with the thoroughly modern high-beat hand-wind 45 calibre, undoubtedly one of Seiko’s finest hours. That movement would go on to serve both King Seiko and Grand Seiko watches until 1973. Curiously though, the first automatic King Seiko was developed not by Daini but by Suwa Seikosha. The high-beat 56 series calibre would go on to power an enormously diverse range of King and Grand Seiko models (as well as a myriad of Lord Matics in low-beat form) and would become arguably Seiko’s most successful automatic movement. Sprung into action, Daini developed its own automatic high-beat King Seiko calibre in the form of the 52 series, but that movement would have a relatively short life, its birth in 1971 coming just as the quartz revolution was starting to flex its muscles. THE WATCH This reference 5625-7111 King Seiko houses a Hi-Beat movement running at 28,800 bph, a testament to Seiko's mastery of watchmaking technology. Drawing from the knowledge and expertise gained while developing Chronometer-rated movements for observatory competitions, Seiko crafted a durable and precise timepiece that stands the test of time. The 5625-7111 features a traditional approach to removing the movement via a removable screw-down case back. Previously they used a monocoque design, where access was gained by removing the bezel and crystal, These unibody cases feature a removable hatch between the lower lugs to allow external fine regulation adjustment. However, in 1973, the design was updated, with the unibody case changed to a conventional screw-down case back design and the external fine adjustment feature was lost. OUR THOUGHTS This King Seiko stands out with its striking blue graduated sunburst dial, beautifully complemented by the sharp, faceted case that defines Seiko's classic design language. Powered by the respected 56 Hi-Beat automatic movement, it has been freshly serviced and fitted with the upgraded metal quickset component for dependable performance. Elegant, versatile, and built to last, it's a superb vintage watch that's ready to be enjoyed for years to come.