{"product_id":"king-seiko-hi-beat-5625-7000-kaliber-5625a-suwa-seikosha-edelstahl-nur-datum-marz-1971-frisch-revidiert","title":"King Seiko Hi-Beat 5625-7000 – Caliber 5625A, Suwa Seikosha – Stainless steel, date only – March 1971 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNo day of the week. Just a date window at three o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThat might sound like less, but for many collectors, it’s the deciding factor: a single window hardly disrupts the symmetry of the dial, whereas a day and date side-by-side create a wide block that dominates the right half of the dial. Anyone who appreciates the reduced design of the King Seiko will find it most consistently implemented in the 5625.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eKing Seiko – the line from the other factory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor decades, Seiko maintained two completely separate production facilities that competed against each other: \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa Seikosha\u003c\/strong\u003e in Nagano Prefecture and \u003cstrong\u003eDaini Seikosha\u003c\/strong\u003e in Tokyo. Both developed their own movements, maintained their own model lines, and vied for the top position. Corporate management explicitly encouraged this—whoever built the better movement received the order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn 1960, Suwa introduced the first Grand Seiko. Daini responded in 1961 with the first King Seiko. What followed is one of the most productive rivalries in watchmaking history: the 44KS in 1964, the 45KS with 36,000 beats per hour in 1968, and in parallel, the 52 series from Tokyo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith the 56 series, the situation reversed. The calibers 5625 and 5626 originated from \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same factory that built Grand Seiko. Suwa thus supplied both the Grand Seiko and, under the King Seiko name, its direct in-house competition. The Grand Seiko caliber 5646 and this King Seiko caliber 5625 share the same basic architecture; they were distinguished by fine adjustment, features, and finishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eKing Seiko was therefore never the second choice, but rather the more affordable watch with the same structural foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"Hi-Beat\" – what’s on the dial\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe inscription \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e refers to the high oscillation frequency of the movement: \u003cstrong\u003e28,800 semi-oscillations per hour\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning eight vibrations of the balance wheel per second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe logic behind this is simple. The faster a balance wheel oscillates, the less external disturbances—shocks, changes in position, accelerations while wearing—affect the rate. A fast-oscillating balance returns to its rhythm more quickly. The price is higher wear and a more sophisticated construction, which is why Hi-Beat movements were installed exclusively in top lines at the time of their introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is visible in the seconds hand: it runs noticeably smoother than in a movement with 18,000 or 21,600 semi-oscillations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 5625A caliber\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic with additional manual winding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHacking seconds\u003c\/strong\u003e when the crown is pulled out – for setting the time to the exact second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e25 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e, 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate\u003c\/strong\u003e with quick-set, no day of the week display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eManufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa Seikosha\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 5625 is the date variant of the same movement family from which the 5626 with day and date originates. Less calendar mechanism means fewer moving parts and a slightly flatter movement—this watch measures 9.7 mm in height compared to around 10.5 mm for the day-date models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eRemoving the movement from the front – and a turning point in the fine print\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe case back bears the instruction \u003cstrong\u003eOPEN THRU GLASS, PUSH SET LEVER, PULL STEM.\u003c\/strong\u003e The movement is not removed from the back, but from the front through the removed crystal; the addition is intended for the watchmaker because the setting lever must be pressed before the winding stem can be pulled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe structural reason for this is water resistance: a case that is not opened from the back has one less weak point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhat is written next to it is interesting. The identical cases from the years 1968 to 1969 were stamped \"WATERPROOF\". This specimen from 1971 bears \u003cstrong\u003e\"WATER RESISTANT\"\u003c\/strong\u003e—despite an identical construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe reason lies not in the technology, but in the law: around 1970, the labeling of water resistance was internationally re-regulated, and absolute phrases like \"waterproof\" disappeared from catalogs. At the same time, Citizen replaced the brand name \"Parawater\" with \"Water Resistant\". This watch thus visibly stands on the other side of this turning point—and the lettering confirms the dating to 1971 independently of the serial number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is executed in a light silver tone with a fine radial sunburst finish, which travels across the surface from the center to the outside as light changes. The hour markers are applied, multi-faceted batons with sharp edges and deep black-contrasted flanks; executed as a double index at twelve o'clock. This is complemented by slender polished hands and a fine center seconds hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is sparsely inscribed: \u003cem\u003eSEIKO AUTOMATIC\u003c\/em\u003e to the left of the center, \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e with the Suwa symbol to the right. The date window at three o'clock is framed by an applied border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case follows the design language that Taro Tanaka formulated at Seiko as the \"Grammar of Design\": flat, sharply defined surfaces instead of rounded transitions, angular and elongated lugs, and a flat bezel. Tanaka's principle was that each surface should reflect light in a defined direction—which only works as long as the edges remain crisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith a diameter of 36.9 mm, 41.8 mm lug-to-lug, and only 9.7 mm in height, this watch is one of the flatter King Seikos and wears correspondingly unobtrusively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFirst, what you need to know: \u003cstrong\u003eThe gold medallion on the case back is missing.\u003c\/strong\u003e The circular receptacle in the center of the case back is present, but the insert with the KS emblem is not. This is not an uncommon finding for these models—the medallions are set in rather than screwed on, and over five decades and multiple services, they are regularly lost. Nothing of this is visible on the wrist; however, anyone looking for a King Seiko with an intact medallion should choose a different specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically, the watch is flawless. It was professionally serviced in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026—fully disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. Automatic winding, manual winding, hacking seconds, and the quick-set for the date function perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is well preserved: the sunburst finish runs evenly throughout, the lettering is complete and sharp, the applied indices are firm and show no corrosion, and the date frame is intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case shows age-appropriate signs of wear, more noticeably in places on the bezel edge and the flanks of the lugs. The surface transitions are preserved; the watch has not been over-polished. All case back engravings—reference 5625-7000, serial number 131490, workshop instructions—are complete and clearly legible. The crystal has slight signs of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA new Seiko leather strap is fitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand \/ Line:\u003c\/strong\u003e King Seiko, Hi-Beat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5625-7000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 131490\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 1971\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko caliber 5625A, automatic with manual winding, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, hacking seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suwa Seikosha, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, center seconds, date with quick-set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel, movement removed from the front through the crystal, gold medallion on the back is missing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 36.9 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.8 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (incl. strap):\u003c\/strong\u003e 47 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Seiko leather strap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acrylic glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eService:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring\/summer 2026, Japan – full disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor whom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor anyone who wants a date, but not a day of the week. A single window makes the dial appear calmer than the wide double block of the day-date models—and the 5625 is the more purist version within the King Seiko line. The missing medallion on the back makes it significantly more accessible than comparably preserved specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor collectors who want to map the Suwa side of Seiko history: this movement shares the basic architecture with the Grand Seiko caliber 5646 from the same production facility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for anyone looking for a flat automatic watch for every day. 9.7 mm height at 41.8 mm lug-to-lug and 47 g—that disappears under a shirt sleeve, and after the service, the mechanism runs again exactly as intended in 1971.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a used item. The statute of limitations for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54777355075922,"sku":"A483","price":879.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/8905CBFA-C16B-4564-8859-B6C42E910C03.jpg?v=1789853133","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/king-seiko-hi-beat-5625-7000-kaliber-5625a-suwa-seikosha-edelstahl-nur-datum-marz-1971-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}