King Seiko Hi-Beat Ref. 5625-7000 – December 1969 – Daini Seikosha – with caseback medallion – serviced

The same reference and production month as a watch we've already sold – but with one difference that cannot be retrofitted: This watch still bears the golden case back medallion.

The case back is embossed with 5625-7000, PUSH SET LEVER, PULL STEM, WATERPROOF, STAINLESS STEEL, serial number 9D1828 and JAPAN A; the golden KS medallion sits in the center. The crown features the original golden KS signet.

The 56KS in the Seiko lineup

The King Seiko originated in the early 1960s as an in-house competitor to the Grand Seiko. While Suwa Seikosha manufactured the Grand Seiko, Daini Seikosha was responsible for the King Seiko – a competition between two factories within the same group that significantly advanced the precision and manufacturing quality of both lines within a few years.

The caliber 5625A is a true Hi-Beat movement with 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour and 25 jewels, equipped with automatic winding and quick-set date. It belongs to the 56-movement family, which Seiko also used in higher-quality versions for top models – anyone wearing this watch has the design basis of the highest quality level on their wrist.

The 5625-7000 marks the transition into the late 1960s, a time when Seiko dominated international chronometer competitions. It is considered one of the last purely mechanical peak achievements before the dawn of the quartz era.

The case back medallion

For reference 5625-7000, the golden medallion in the case back is remarkably often missing – it comes loose over the decades, and replacements are unobtainable. This example has it completely intact, with clearly preserved embossing and an undamaged KS logo.

Design

The silver dial features a fine sunburst finish that radiates light from the center, giving the dial depth without appearing restless. Slender, multi-faceted applied indices with polished flanks sit atop it, along with matching hands.

Below the SEIKO AUTOMATIC signature are the KS signet and the HI-BEAT designation with the lightning bolt symbol. At 3 o'clock is the framed date window. The design follows the "Grammar of Design" developed by Taro Tanaka for Seiko: clean lines, sharply cut surfaces, a case edge that reflects light in a continuous line.

With 36.6 millimeters without crown, 10.1 millimeters in height, and 41.5 millimeters lug-to-lug, the watch has classic proportions. It is delivered on a new black leather strap with a crocodile embossment.

Dating

The serial number 9D1828 dates the watch to December 1969 according to the usual Seiko system. The first digit indicates the year, the following letter the month, with D standing for December.

Condition and Overhaul

In February 2026, the watch was completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated by a watchmaker in Japan.

The dial is original and excellently preserved: The sunburst finish is even, with no stains, discoloration, or flaking. All applied indices are firmly seated, the hands are undamaged, the date changes correctly and is neatly positioned in the window.

The crystal is clear and free of damage that would impair readability. The case shows age-appropriate signs of wear and polishing, more pronounced on the lugs than on the surfaces; the characteristic edges are preserved. The case back is lightly scratched but with fully legible embossing; the golden KS medallion is undamaged. The crown features the original KS signet. The leather strap is new and unworn.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: King Seiko
• Reference: 5625-7000
• Serial Number: 9D1828
• Date of Manufacture: December 1969
• Movement: Seiko Caliber 5625A, automatic
• Jewels: 25 Jewels
• Frequency: 28,800 A/h (Hi-Beat)
• Functions: Hour, minute, central second, date with quick-set
• Case: Stainless steel, screwed back with golden KS medallion
• Diameter without crown: 36.6 mm
• Height: 10.1 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 41.5 mm
• Lug Width: 18 mm
• Weight including strap: 52 g
• Crown: original with KS signet
• Dial: silver with sunburst finish, faceted applied indices
• Strap: new black leather strap
• Manufacture: Daini Seikosha
• Origin: Japan
• Overhaul: February 2026, complete overhaul in Japan

For whom?

For collectors looking for a King Seiko in the most complete condition possible and who know how rare it is for the case back medallion to have survived. For buyers who want to wear an automatic watch with a Hi-Beat movement daily. And for anyone who prefers Japanese understatement to a loud appearance.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

The original designation "WATERPROOF" refers to the watch's condition when new. Due to its age, no current water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.