1973 King Seiko 5625-7113 Gold Plated 56KS
The 5625’s contoured case is pure "Grammar of Design" - the 5625 example here is also a chronometer model, with chronometer certification. Seiko's Grammar of Design was implemented in Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines from 1967 onwards, making these watches instantly recognizable as status symbols in the hierarchical Japanese business world of the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, King Seiko's were - and are - held in high regard in Japan, and often gifted by Japanese corporations as awards for decades of service within them. We love watches like this, and each has a special and usually unique story to tell.
Information:
Reference: 5625-7113
Year: 1973
Serial: 381XXX
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Baton Indices, Window and Dauphine Hands
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Case Size: 38mm x 11mm thickness x 42mm Lug to Lug
Lug Width: 18mm
Case Metal: 18k Gold Plated Stainless Steel
Movement: 5625 - Automatic - Serviced 6/26/24 - One Year warranty
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Box and Papers: No box or papers - Watch Only
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.25”
Condition: Excellent vintage shape
Case is in great shape with light normal micro wear. Strap is in like new shape. Dial, hands, and crystal are in perfect shape. Serviced 6/26/24 - One Year warranty
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
