Model: King Seiko Hi-Beat Ref. 5626-7040 (Grey Dial)
Overview:
The King Seiko 5626-7040 is a beautifully proportioned example of Seiko’s high-grade mechanical watchmaking from the early 1970s. This particular example features the considerably less common grey sunburst dial, giving the otherwise restrained King Seiko design a distinctive appearance that can shift from light silver-grey to deep charcoal depending on the surrounding light.
This example remains in original unpolished condition, preserving the sharp case geometry and contrasting surfaces that are such an important part of vintage King Seiko design.
History:
Manufactured in 1972 by Seiko’s Suwa factory in Japan, the 5626-7040 belongs to the 56KS generation of King Seiko. The series was developed during an important period for Seiko, when the company’s Suwa and Daini factories were producing increasingly sophisticated mechanical watches and competing at the upper end of the Japanese watch market.
The 56KS generation combined high-frequency automatic movements with thin cases and the sharply defined geometric styling associated with Seiko during this era. The 5626 variants added both day and date functionality, creating a practical everyday watch while retaining the precision and finishing expected from the King Seiko name.
Specifications and Condition:
Overall: Excellent Vintage Condition
Case: Original Unpolished Condition
Crystal: Clean
Dial: Clean, Original Grey Dial
Movement: Just Serviced & Running Well
Movement:
Seiko Caliber 5626 Automatic
28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Dimensions:
Approximately 36.5mm Case Diameter
Approximately 42mm Lug-to-Lug
Approximately 10mm Thickness
18mm Lug Width
Stainless Steel Case
Design Details:
Original Unpolished Case Geometry
Contrasting Brushed and Polished Surfaces
King Seiko Medallion Caseback
High-Frequency 56-Series Automatic Movement
Manufactured by Suwa Seikosha in 1972
Closing Note:
The 5626-7040 is an excellent representation of King Seiko during the height of Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking in the early 1970s. Its high-frequency automatic movement, sharply faceted case and restrained proportions encapsulate much of the design and engineering philosophy that made vintage King Seiko watches so distinctive.
This example is particularly compelling for its less commonly encountered grey dial and original unpolished case. With the sharp factory geometry still preserved and the movement having just received a service, it offers an increasingly difficult-to-find combination of originality, condition and mechanical readiness in a vintage 56KS.
