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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer

1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer Ref. 5626-7040

Partially verified

This 1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer, reference 5626-7040, is a stainless steel automatic wristwatch produced by Seiko's Daini factory. The timepiece is characterized by a cushion-shaped monoblock stainless steel case measuring 36mm in diameter with an 18mm lug width. It features a deep, inky blue sunburst dial with matte rectangular indices, stick hands, and a day-date window displaying both English and Kanji characters. The watch is powered by an automatic, chronometer-grade movement with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The watch is presented on its original King Seiko stainless steel bracelet, which contains 18 links. The auction description notes the case back features the King Seiko medallion and chronometer rating, and indicates that the watch is functioning, though its previous service history remains unknown.

Front view of the 1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer ref. 5626-7040, showing the blue sunburst dial and stainless steel monoblock case.
Front view of the 1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer ref. 5626-7040, showing the blue sunburst dial and stainless steel monoblock case. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
5626-7040
Catalogue / lot identifier
KSKO56267040
Source-reported date
1971
Source-reported place
Japan
Source-reported serial
15XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The watch is housed in a cushion-shaped monoblock case constructed from stainless steel. It measures 36mm in diameter and has a lug width of 18mm. The auction description reports that the case is in excellent condition.

The case back features the King Seiko medallion and specifies the chronometer rating of the watch. It is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, which comprises 18 links and is reported to show some stretch. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist of up to 7 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The cushion-shaped monoblock case is in excellent condition, measuring 36mm in diameter with an 18mm lug width.”
  • “The case back is also in excellent condition with minimal signs of use visible and featuring the King Seiko "medallion" and chronometer rating.”
  • “The watch is finished with its original King Seiko stainless steel bracelet.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a deep, inky blue sunburst dial. The dial shows signs of aging across its surface. It is furnished with matte-finished rectangular hour indices and matching stick hands.

Positioned at the three o'clock position is a day-date aperture. The day wheel is dual-language, offering both English and Kanji character settings for the day of the week.

Evidence for this section
  • “The deep, inky blue sunburst dial has aged to an incredible finish that conjures images of a night sky.”
  • “The matte finished rectangular indices and stick hands sit nicely upon the dark blue background, as does the day-date window, which features both English and Kanji figures for the days.”

Movement and Functionality

The reference 5626-7040 is equipped with an automatic, chronometer-grade movement. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

No information regarding the history of servicing for this movement is available.

Evidence for this section
  • “The “Hi-Beat” name is due to the automatic chronometer-grade movement, which beats at a frequency of 28,800bph and offers incredible precision from within the watch’s monoblock case.”
  • “Watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 7041T mark printed at the bottom of the dial?
  • How does the Daini factory's 5626 movement compare to the contemporary 5626 movements produced by the Suwa factory?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1971 King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer Ref. 5626-7040
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter36mm“measuring 36mm in diameter”
Lug width18mm“with an 18mm lug width.”
Movement frequency28,800 bph“beats at a frequency of 28,800bph”
Bracelet lengthUp to 7 inches“will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.”
Date windowEnglish and Kanji“features both English and Kanji figures for the days.”

Visible details

  • The dial surface exhibits texture or spotting consistent with the described aging.
  • The day-date window shows a day in Kanji characters followed by the numerical date.
  • The stainless steel bracelet has a multi-link design attached to the lugs.

Research qualifications

  • The exact condition of the internal movement is unverified beyond current operation.
  • The specific extent of bracelet stretch is not quantified beyond the provided description.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کینگ سیکو King Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer رفرنس 5626-7040

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3afa77f755

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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