{"product_id":"king-seiko-hi-beat-5626-7000-kaliber-5626a-suwa-seikosha-vergoldetes-gehause-mit-goldmedaillon-januar-1969-frisch-revidiert","title":"King Seiko Hi-Beat 5626-7000 – Caliber 5626A, Suwa Seikosha – gold-plated case with gold medallion – January 1969 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOn the case back sits a round gold medallion with the lettering SEIKO, below it the letters \u003cstrong\u003eKS\u003c\/strong\u003e and the logo of the Suwa factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNot every Seiko received this medallion. It was reserved for top-tier lines and is today one of the first things collectors look for on the back of a King Seiko. On worn examples, it is often rubbed smooth or the embossing has vanished. Here, it is completely intact.\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 series, and competed for the top position. Management explicitly encouraged this—whichever factory built the better movement received the contract.\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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith the 56 series, the dynamic reversed: The caliber 5626 originated from \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa\u003c\/strong\u003e—the very 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 5626 share the same basic architecture; they were differentiated by fine adjustment, features, and final finishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eKing Seiko was therefore never the second choice. It was the more affordable watch based on the same engineering foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"Hi-Beat\" – what’s on the dial\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe lettering \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e denotes the high oscillation frequency of the movement: \u003cstrong\u003e28,800 semi-oscillations 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, accelerations while wearing—affect timekeeping. A fast-oscillating balance wheel returns to its rhythm more quickly. The price for this is higher wear and more complex construction, which is why Hi-Beat movements were installed exclusively in top-tier 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\"\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 (stops the second hand when pulling the crown) – for second-accurate setting\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\u003eDay and date\u003c\/strong\u003e with quick-set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay wheel is bilingual\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. A detail not found on European watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFront-loading movement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe case back carries 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 not removed from the back, but from the front after removing the crystal. The addition is directed at the watchmaker: 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—which is why Seiko did not imprint \"WATER RESIST\" here, but \u003cstrong\u003e\"WATERPROOF\"\u003c\/strong\u003e. The price for this was increased effort in the workshop: during every service, the dial side is exposed. This is precisely why 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\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe material specification on the case back reads \u003cstrong\u003eSGP BACK ST. STEEL\u003c\/strong\u003e: SGP stands for Seiko’s own gold-plating process, which was used on the premium lines; the back section is made of stainless steel.\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 grain that scatters light instead of reflecting it—this keeps it highly legible in any lighting. The hour markers are applied, multi-faceted gold batons with sharp edges; at twelve o'clock, they are executed as a double index. Complementing these are slender gold-colored hands and a fine central seconds hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is sparsely labeled: \u003cem\u003eSEIKO AUTOMATIC\u003c\/em\u003e at the top, \u003cem\u003eKS HI-BEAT\u003c\/em\u003e with the Suwa logo at the bottom. The calendar window at three o'clock is framed in an applied gold border and displays the day of the week and date side-by-side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 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 crisp. The edge lines are preserved here; the watch has not been over-polished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically flawless. The watch was professionally serviced in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026—fully disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. The automatic mechanism, 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: uniform grain, lettering complete and sharp, applied indices firm and free of corrosion, the calendar frame intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTo be frank: \u003cstrong\u003eThe gold plating is relatively heavily worn in several places.\u003c\/strong\u003e This primarily affects the lugs, the case edges, and the bezel edge; on the undersides of the lugs, there are some greenish traces of oxidation. If you are expecting a flawless gold-plated case, this watch is not for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCounterbalancing this is what remains intact: the gold medallion on the back with complete embossing, all case back engravings clearly legible, the case edges unpolished, and the dial in excellent condition. For a 56 King Seiko, these are the exact points that determine collector value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe crystal is clear with slight signs of wear. Fitted is a brown leather strap with a crocodile grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe serial number 910441 allows for dating according to the Seiko scheme: the first digit indicates the last digit of the production year, the second the month. 9 - 1 equals \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 1969\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 56KS series was introduced in 1968; this example thus dates from the first full year of production.\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 910441\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e January 1969\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 A\/h, 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 Gold-plated (SGP), stainless steel case back, gold medallion with KS insignia, movement removed from the front through the crystal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 36.1 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.4 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.6 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 44 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown leather strap with crocodile grain\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\"\u003eWho is this for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor those starting a King Seiko collection. A 56KS Hi-Beat with a preserved gold medallion and untouched case edges in stainless steel regularly costs many times more; the worn gold plating makes this example accessible without missing anything technically or historically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor anyone looking for a watch that is not supposed to look brand new. The case shows that the watch has been worn for fifty-six years—and the movement runs after the service as if it were just the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for collectors who want to represent 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\"\u003eWith a diameter of 36.1 mm, a height of 10.4 mm, and a lug-to-lug of 41.6 mm, it wears discreetly and also fits narrower wrists.\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, no water resistance can 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":54776625332562,"sku":"A512","price":749.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/C53EC70A-9944-4082-99FE-CF19564B49A4.jpg?v=1789838485","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/king-seiko-hi-beat-5626-7000-kaliber-5626a-suwa-seikosha-vergoldetes-gehause-mit-goldmedaillon-januar-1969-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}