King Seiko Watch Special 5256-8010 Vintage 1975

SPECIFICATION

Reference : King Seiko 5256-8010
Movement : 5256
Age : March 1975
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
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
  
• Original Seiko metal quickset
• KS signed crown
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap
  
• Fully serviced Hi-Beat movement

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Here we have a 1975 King Seiko Special Hi-Beat 5256-8010. The King Seiko was produced between 1961 and 1975, it sat just below the Grand Seiko. Initially, they were built in Seiko’s Daini Seikosha factory but by 1969 they were made in both factories. This 52 series of movement was the successor to the hand-wound 45 caliber and was pitted against the Seiko Suwa's 56 series of chronometers.

These were the first automatic Hi-Beat KS by Daini Seikosha. At a frequency of 28,800 bph, it was less than the 36,000 bph true Hi-Beat, but was regardless, significantly higher than what was the norm of that era.

The 52 caliber held its own in terms of accuracy and precision. The models with the ‘Special’ label were said to be at a standard near or even equal to the GS ‘AA’ standard.

THE WATCH

This KS has a 36mm stainless steel case, which flows over your wrist with a lug to lug length of 41mm and a case thickness of 10mm ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.  On the right side is a signed KS crown. The polished smooth bezel holds a raised crystal above a white dial. Applied baton indexes have chamfered edges that catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock a framed day-date window. Elegant steel hands complemented by a sweeping tapered second hand. At 12 o’clock we have Seiko and Automatic. At 6 o’clock we have an applied KS printed underneath Special. On the reverse, the watch details are engraved into it. Inside an Automatic King Seiko Cal. 5256, 25 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. 

OUR THOUGHTS

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.