King Seiko Chronometer 5606-8061 – Officially Certified Hi-Beat (Suwa, July 1975)

Rare and historically significant King Seiko chronometers from the late phase of Suwa-Seikosha production, reference 5606-8061 , equipped with an officially certified chronometer caliber 5606A. These models marked the pinnacle of Seiko precision manufacturing in the 1970s – a time when Seiko competed internationally with Swiss chronometers and set standards through its Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines.

This example was manufactured in May 1975 and engraved on the case back as 20年勤続記念("Commemoration of 20 years of service") – a service anniversary watch awarded to a long-serving employee of中部機械製作所 (Chubu Kikai Seisakusho) , a machine-building company in Japan.

Technical data

• Model: King Seiko Chronometer 5606-8061
• Caliber: 5606A Hi-Beat Automatic (officially certified chronometer)
• Frequency: 28,800 A/h
• Stones: 25 Jewels
• Elevator: automatic with manual winding and stop-seconds function
• Display: Date and day of the week (bilingual Japanese/English)
• Case: Stainless steel (Suwa Seikosha)
• Glass: Hardlex mineral glass
• Diameter: 36.7 mm (excluding crown)
• Lug-to-lug: 39.8 mm
• Height: 9.4 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight (including new, period-correct NOS leather strap): 48 g
• Serial number: 57xxxx → July 1975
• Factory: Suwa Seikosha, Japan

Condition

Original, unpolished condition with authentic patina. The silver sunburst dial with the inscription “Chronometer Officially Certified” is in excellent condition and shows only minimal signs of age. The movement runs precisely, and the day/date mechanism functions perfectly. The case shows age-appropriate wear, and the crystal is clear. The fitted brown NOS leather strap (with a period-typical texture) is unworn.

Historical context

The King Seiko Chronometer models were conceived in the early 1970s as Japan's answer to the Swiss chronometer competitions. They were an expression of the technical rivalry between Seiko's two manufacturing facilities – Suwa and Daini Seikosha – and were produced alongside the Grand Seiko watches . Few King Seiko models received official chronometer certification, as this certification was discontinued in 1973 in favor of the new Grand Seiko standards. Consequently, the last certified 5606-8061 models, like this one, are highly sought after today.

Collector relevance

• Officially certified chronometer (rare dial feature)
• High-frequency Hi-Beat movement 5606A with stop-seconds function
• Limited edition service watch from a Japanese mechanical engineering company
• Suwa-Seikosha production – last generation before the discontinuation of the King Seiko line
• Original condition with authentic engraving

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Notice
As this is a pre-owned watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.