King Seiko watch 5626-7040 Hi-beat Officially Certified Chronometer 1972

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Seiko 5626-7040
Movement : 5626 Jewels 25
Age : March 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 fantastic pre-owned condition, with light wear 
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced Hi-beat movement
  
• Upgraded metal quickset gear
  
• KS signed crown
  
• Very light marks at 2 and 4 o'clock 
• Paired with an unworn light blue suede strap
  
• English and Kanji day wheel
• Medallion is in great condition

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.

FUN FACTS

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. This reference 5626-7040 chronometer King Seiko with a rarely seen graduated green dial 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 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.  Stung 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 5626-7040, in common with the 5626-7000, featured a monocoque case design, with the movement accessed via the dial aperture in the case rather than the more conventional approach via a removable screw-down case back.  These unibody cases featured a removable hatch between the lower lugs to allow external fine regulation adjustment.  However, in 1973, the 5626-7040 design was updated, with the unibody case changed to a conventional screw-down caseback design and the external fine adjustment feature was lost.  This evolution of the 7040 was recognised in a change to the model number to 5626-7041.  In all other respects, the external appearance on the wrist was identical.

The stainless steel 5626-7040 and 7041 were available in three dial colours, one silver, one grey/blue and one green, although the green option only appeared for a short period in 1972 (in 7040 form).  The blue-dialed variant was available continuously from 1970 to 1975 when the King Seiko (and Grand Seiko) brands were retired.

OUR THOUGHTS

The King Seiko 5626-7040 is a fantastic watch due to its exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and timeless design. Powered by the reliable and freshly serviced 5626 automatic movement, it offers accuracy and durability, making it a reliable daily wear. With its vintage appeal and high-quality build, the King Seiko 5626-7040 stands as a true testament to Seiko's commitment to excellence, offering excellent value for watch enthusiasts.