Rare vintage King Seiko 5625-7000 automatic watch from November 1969
Before the introduction of quartz, Seiko set out to enhance the quality, accuracy and technical innovation of its watches by developing two competing brands , within the Seiko family namely Grand Seiko and King Seiko. These brands represented the top tier of Seiko watches and were designed to compete directly with the best of the Swiss watches. The King Seiko 56 series was produced from approximately 1968 to 1975 and was regarded as a hi-beat movement given it 28,800 bph as opposed to lower grade Seikos when tended to beat a lower beat rate. This hi beat rate was designed to give the watch greater accuracy. The 5625 was the date version.
They also made the 5626 with the day/date and 5621 with time only. The 5625 balances function with reliability as the 5626 can suffer from broken rocker switch this affecting the setting of the day and date. This watch was produced in November 1969 thus making it one of the earlier productions of this model with the preferred Gold KS Gold Medallion and.
Waterproof engraving on the caseback. Later 56 series watches had a plain caseback without the Gold Medallion.
The reference to "waterproof" was gradually replaced with "water resistant" during the latter part 1970 and into 1971 across all Seiko watches due to US marketing restrictions. The design of this watch is timeless and classic. Epitomising the "Grammar of Design" by famous Seiko designer Taro Tanaka.
The design cues of modern Grand Seikos stem from this era and this design. Philosophy which espouse sharp angular lines.
The watch is in good condition given its age (over 50 years old) and. Is in fully working order (date change, hacking seconds) and keep good time.
The silver sunburst dial is still in excellent condition and there are no visible scratches to the mineral crystal. The case fine scratches and one more prominent scratch to the side of one of lugs (see photos). However, more importantly, it has not been polished thus retaining razor sharp caselines especially evident on the lugs and on the case back where the engraving is still sharp. The watch comes on a recently fitted new leather strap which I have only worn once.Please study the macro photos they form part of the item description. The watch come from a smoke and pet free home. Diameter: 37mm, Lug to Lug: 42mm, Lug width 18mm, Height: 10mm. Any questions, please message me and I will respond promptly. I have not serviced the watch under my ownership as it seems to be functioning fine and keeping time.
I wear it occasionally and only at the weekends as it is too good to be a daily beater. There are 2 marks on the gold medallion. The one above the Seiko wording is superficial, like a stain, but I don't want to rub it in case it damage the gold medallion.
The 2nd one is around the left hand rim of the medallion. Here a very small fraction of the medallion seems to have broken off but it does detract from the overall look of the case back. I have attached a 2nd macro photo of the case back for you to decide. Message me if you have any additional questions. The item "Rare vintage King Seiko 5625-7000 automatic watch from November 1969" is in sale since Sunday, February 16, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Wristwatches". The seller is "haleo123" and is located in Pinner. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Strap Material: Leather
- Model: King Seiko
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
- Department: Men
- Style: Vintage
- Caseback: Solid
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Style: 12-Hour Dial
- Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)
- Face Colour: Silver Sunburst
- Case Finish: Polished
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Lug Width: 18 mm
- Brand: Seiko
- Strap Colour: Black
- Case Size: 37 mm
- Serial Number: 5625 - 7000