{"product_id":"king-seiko-hi-beat-5626-7000-kaliber-5626a-suwa-seikosha-edelstahl-ks-signierte-krone-juni-1970-frisch-revidiert","title":"King Seiko Hi-Beat 5626-7000 – Caliber 5626A, Suwa Seikosha – Stainless steel, KS-signed crown – June 1970 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePull out the crown, and the seconds hand stops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThat sounds trivial. In 1970, it was not. A hacking seconds feature meant that you could set the watch to the exact second according to a time signal—and thus that the accuracy of the movement could actually be put to use. A watch that runs within two seconds a day but is thirty seconds off when setting it is of no use to anyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt is precisely this level of rigor that distinguishes a King Seiko from the watches below it.\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 spot. The company’s management explicitly encouraged this—whoever built the better movement received the commission.\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 vibrations per hour in 1968, and the 52-series from Tokyo running in parallel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith the 56-series, the situation reversed. Caliber 5626 comes from \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same factory that built the Grand Seiko. Suwa thus supplied both the Grand Seiko and, under the King Seiko name, its direct in-house competitor. The Grand Seiko caliber 5646 and this King Seiko caliber 5626 share the same basic architecture; they were distinguished by fine adjustment, equipment, 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 \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e lettering denotes the high oscillation frequency of the movement: \u003cstrong\u003e28,800 vibrations per hour\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning the balance wheel oscillates eight times 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, or acceleration while wearing—affect the rate. A fast-oscillating balance returns to its rhythm more quickly. The price for this is higher wear and a more sophisticated construction, which is why Hi-Beat movements were reserved exclusively for the 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 vibrations per hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCaliber 5626A\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 – for setting to the exact second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e25 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e, 28,800 vibrations per hour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay and date\u003c\/strong\u003e with quick-set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBilingual day wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japanese and English\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 bilingual day wheel follows the Japanese calendar convention: Sunday in red, Saturday in blue. In the photo, Saturday 土 is visible in blue—a detail not found on European watches that reveals the watch's origin at a glance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFront-loading movement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe case back bears an instruction rarely seen: \u003cstrong\u003eOPEN THRU GLASS, PUSH SET LEVER, PULL STEM.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe movement is removed not from the back, but from the front after the crystal is removed. The added text is for the watchmaker: the set lever must be pushed 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—which is why Seiko stamped it \u003cstrong\u003e\"WATERPROOF\"\u003c\/strong\u003e instead of \"WATER RESIST.\" The price for this was the effort in the workshop: the dial side is exposed during every service. Many of these watches today bear marks of improper handling on the dial. This is not the case with this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe signed crown\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe crown features the embossed \u003cstrong\u003eKS emblem\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is more than decoration: signed crowns are wear parts that were regularly replaced with simple spare parts during repairs over five decades. A King Seiko with an original, clearly legible KS crown is therefore rarer than one with an intact dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is finished in a light silver tone with a fine radial sunburst pattern that moves across the surface under changing light. The hour markers are applied, multi-faceted batons with sharp edges; at twelve o'clock, they are rendered as a double index. These are complemented by slender polished hands and a fine central seconds hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial lettering is sparse: \u003cem\u003eSEIKO AUTOMATIC\u003c\/em\u003e at the top, \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e with the Suwa symbol at the bottom. The calendar window at three o'clock is framed with an applied border and shows the day of the week and date side by side.\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 lugs, and a flat bezel. Tanaka's principle was that every surface should reflect light in a defined direction—which only works as long as the edges remain sharp. They are preserved here; the watch has not been over-polished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAt 37.1 mm in diameter, it is slightly more generous than most Seiko models from these years, yet remains compact on the wrist due to the 41.5 mm lug-to-lug distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFirst, the flaw, so it is not overlooked: \u003cstrong\u003eThe gold medallion on the case back is damaged.\u003c\/strong\u003e A portion of the plating has broken off. This is clearly visible in the photos. Anyone looking for a King Seiko with an intact medallion should choose a different example—this point is the only reason this watch is offered significantly below the price level of comparable pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eApart from that, the watch is in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically flawless: it was professionally serviced by a watchmaker in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026—fully disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. The automatic movement, manual winding, hacking seconds, and the quick-set for day and date function perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is very well preserved: even sunburst finish without spots, discoloration, or fading; lettering is complete and sharp; applied indices are firm and free of corrosion; the calendar frame is intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case shows only slight, age-appropriate signs of wear. The facets on the lugs and the transitions between the polished and brushed surfaces are preserved. The KS-signed crown is original and clearly legible. All case back engravings—reference 5626-7000, serial number, workshop instructions—are complete and sharp. The crystal is clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA new Seiko leather strap is fitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe serial number 061108 allows for dating according to the Seiko scheme: the first digit indicates the last digit of the production year, the second the month. 0 – 6 results in \u003cstrong\u003eJune 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e.\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 5626-7000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 061108\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e June 1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko Caliber 5626A, 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, central seconds, day and date with quick-set, bilingual day wheel (Japanese\/English)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel, KS-signed crown, gold medallion (damaged), front-loading movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 37.1 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.5 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 49 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 crystal\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 those looking for a stainless steel King Seiko with an original signed crown and a very well-preserved dial and case—and who are willing to accept a damaged medallion on the back. It is invisible while on the wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor collectors who want to document the Suwa side of Seiko history: this movement shares the basic architecture with the Grand Seiko caliber 5646 from the same factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for anyone who wants to wear a mechanical watch every day. Automatic with manual winding, hacking seconds, quick-set for day and date, plus a case designed for water resistance—functionally, this watch lacks nothing after fifty-five years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period 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":54776711217490,"sku":"A506","price":919.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/4629CC90-E153-4DE1-BF57-451EE06AED05.jpg?v=1789845298","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/king-seiko-hi-beat-5626-7000-kaliber-5626a-suwa-seikosha-edelstahl-ks-signierte-krone-juni-1970-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}