1970s Seiko Hi-Beat Chronometer square watch 5626-5020, Rare chronometer Seiko.
This is a lesser known Seiko from the 1970s. It was designed for export to the US market. This specific piece dates to 1972. It has all the hallmarks of a 1970s designed watch with its large, chunky television case and top faceted glass.
The quality of this piece sits somewhere between a King Seiko and a Grand Seiko with it's high grade chronometer movement. The cal 5626 was part of the executive line of the early 1970s.
The movement was upgraded from the KS56 and adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, in line with BO Chronometer standard of -3/+8 seconds per day. The movement benefits from hacking and manual winding, as well as having a beat rate of 28,800.
The crystal is a NOS replacement and the crown is original. Sadly the bracelet is non-original on this watch. The day and date function as they should when passing 12 and via quickset.
The crown can slip out if it is pulled too hard, however this hasn't effected setting or usage, as it slips back in easily. The method of holding it in is prone to wear.
The movement is keeping time to -10 a day with an amplitude of 290 and a beat error of 0. Service history is unknown.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
An original dial which was a deep bronze tone. However with age it has lightened with a relatively even spotted patina. The hour markers are in good condition with minimal corrosion. The signing is clear and unworn apart from the "E" on Chronometer.
Hands:
The hands are original and have no signs of wear or corrosion. The Lume is slightly dirty with age.
Glass:
The crystal is a NOS replacement and is in perfect condition.
Crown:
The crown is original and has a very clean coin edge. It is in very good condition. The crown can slip out if it is pulled too hard, however this hasn't effected setting or usage, as it slips back in easily. The method of holding it in is prone to wear.
Case:
The case is made of stainless steel and is in good condition for the age, with multiple light surface scratches but no deep scratches or nicks.
Caseback:
The case back It is made of stainless steel and is in good condition with only light surface scratches and one nick to the back.
Strap:
A NOS 1970s Stainless Steel band, non original.
Movement:
The movement was upgraded from the KS56 and adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, in line with BO Chronometer standard of -3/+8 seconds per day. The movement benefits from hacking and manual winding, as well as having a beat rate of 28,800. The movement is keeping time to -10 a day with an amplitude of 290 and a beat error of 0. Service history is unknown.
Case dimensions
Case width: 35mm
Case width with crown: 37.5mm
Case length: 34mm
Case length lug to lug: 41mm
Case Depth: 12mm
Lug width: 20mm