Birthday Watch November 1969! King Seiko 5625-7040 Chronometer 56KS HI-BEAT SUWA 25J Automatic Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: 56KS Chronometer
Year of Production: November 1969
Movement: 5625
BPH: 28,800
Number of Jewels: 25
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Stick Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Hi-Quality Marumen Brand Milanese Mesh SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the Seiko 5625 movement made its debut in 1969, the same year Seiko introduced their quartz range to the world due to the insatiable demand for such watches.

The Seikosha DAINI factory produced the first King Seiko in 1961 to compete with the Grand Seiko made by the Seikosha SUWA that made its debut in 1960. However, the King Seiko 56KS range was produced by the SUWA factory because it is the same movement as the Grand Seiko 56GS! That is why, this is a highly sort-after Collectible timepiece because it is a Grand Seiko in disguise! And it is almost non-existent because Seiko ceased production of King Seiko's in 1975 to allow the emergence of the Grand Seiko as the undisputed high-end Seiko timepiece.

So, for Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a King Seiko 56KS Chronometer Officially Certified SUWA in stunning condition. Furthermore, this is a Japan Domestic Model (JDM) and most importantly, this model number on the dial and case-back tally's 100% which is the Holy Grail for watch enthusiasts! Thus, to say this is a Collectors Item is an understatement!

As already mentioned, there are also King Seiko's from DAINI that began King Seiko production before the SUWA factory, so one must be extremely vigilant as to what KS they are purchasing because the 56KS is more pricey.

This November 1969 is most certainly from the first few batches produced and most certainly the first chronometer produced.

This seldom seen King Seiko Chronometer has a beautiful Ivory-White sunburst dial in pristine condition because it was subjected to a thorough cleaning; hence, the 3D-styled baton markers, hands, date window and Chapter Ring are in superb condition as well.

Its typical cylindrical shaped case also underwent a deep cleaning and was buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The original crystal was given a good rub and is in good condition albeit a few minor scratches present.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The date quickset works flawlessly via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level to adjust the date and time respectively.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 19 September 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing, and should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 5625 movement, it has 25 Jewels and operate at 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) giving it superb accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 213 in a straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the acceptable tolerance is -20 to + 40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A hi-quality Marumen Milanese Mesh SS bracelet is provided and is extremely comfortable to wear. It too was subjected to ultrasonic immersion and a good polish after that. The Buyer is given the option to choose a different design and coloured leather strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch in near mint condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of the case-back gold medallion, documentation and original box, so an after-market box / case is provided.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for special someone born in the month of November 1969! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after November 1969 Collectible King Seiko 5625-7040 Chronometer Hi-Beat Automatic Watch in superb condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!