Robert-Jan Broer’s 2016 account of buying a King Seiko 5625-7000 for €250 is a snapshot of one vintage-watch find—not evidence that the model can still be bought for under €300. The watch is appealing for its compact case and automatic date movement, but any present-day example should be judged on its own condition, originality, service history and seller terms.
What is the King Seiko 5625-7000?
The 5625-7000 is an automatic, date-equipped member of King Seiko’s 56KS family. In his August 4, 2016 Fratello article, Broer described its case as the same as, or closely related to, that of the hand-wound 45-7000. He reported an approximate 36 mm diameter and a mineral crystal. The article does not state a lug width, so check the individual watch before buying a replacement strap.
For context, collector reference site KingSeiko.info says the first King Seiko appeared in 1961, automatic King Seikos followed in 1968, and the 56KS family was produced until 1975. The site’s database lists 158 distinct cataloged models across King Seiko families, while noting that its coverage is incomplete; that figure is neither a production total nor an official Seiko count.
What does the 5625A movement offer?
Broer identified the movement in his example as Seiko caliber 5625A, an automatic fitted with fine regulation. The review gives its rate as 28,800 vibrations per hour, distinguishing it from the 36,000 vph hand-wound King Seiko models he discusses. Treat these as the review’s descriptions of the model and comparison, rather than independent measurements of a watch you may encounter.
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According to the article, the crown’s first position advances the quick-set date and its second position sets the time. On a vintage watch, operate the crown gently and do not force a setting that feels stuck or abnormal.
What did the “under €300” example actually cost?
Broer said he paid €250 for his particular watch in 2016. That price explains the title of his article, but it is a dated individual purchase, not a current market value, typical price, or assurance that another 5625-7000 is available below €300. Current listings, condition, seller quality and total landed cost are not established by that account.
Rank #2
- STUNNING BLUE DIAL: this rugged sports watch features a beautiful Manta Ray-patterned blue dial, with Lumibrite dial indicator hands and markers for low light and a magnified day/date calendar
- BLACK BEZEL: this versatile men’s watch features a black ceramic unidirectional bezel with distinctive scalloped edging, for elapsed timing
- AUTOMATIC & MANUAL: SRPF77 automatic watches for men power up with your natural movements, and feature the ability to wind manually, with 41 hours of reserve power
- WATER-RESISTANT: these rugged stainless steel dive watches for men feature a deep blue silicone strap and are both stylish and robust, following ISO standards for scuba, and are water-resistant to 200 meters
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable 4R36 caliber, these precise men’s wrist watches ensure the most accurate timekeeping
What should you check before buying one?
A running vintage watch is not automatically a recently serviced or dependable one. Broer noted dial smudging on his example, wanted to replace its strap and planned cleaning and service. He also relayed his watchmaker’s view that older Seikos often arrive with worn parts; that observation is a reason to ask questions, not proof that every 5625-7000 needs repair.
- Dial, hands and markers: Look closely for staining, damage, corrosion or mismatched replacements. The Fratello account specifically flags rust on hands or markers as a concern.
- Case and crown: Inspect for major dents and check whether the crown appears original, two details highlighted by the review. Ask the seller to disclose replaced or refinished parts.
- Movement behavior: Ask whether the watch winds, runs, sets and changes the date as expected. A seller’s statement that it runs does not establish service condition.
- Service evidence: Request dated service documentation and details of work performed. If records are absent or unclear, factor an inspection by a vintage-watchmaker into your decision.
- Fit and completeness: Verify strap fit against the specific watch; the review provides no lug-width measurement. Confirm what is included and whether any parts have been changed.
- Transaction terms: Check the seller’s return policy and calculate the full landed cost, including shipping and any applicable import charges, before comparing listings.
How does the 5625-7000 fit King Seiko history?
The 56KS automatic line sits within a broader King Seiko story that began earlier: KingSeiko.info dates the first model to 1961 and automatic examples to 1968. That collector reference is useful historical context, not Seiko’s official historical documentation. Fratello’s author noted that official documentation for the early rivalry between Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha was not readily available in the languages he could consult, so colorful accounts of that rivalry should not be treated as settled corporate history on the strength of these sources alone.
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