King Seiko 5246-5030 Review

King Seiko 5246-5030, a true hidden gem among the vintage King Seikos as it was not even found in the regular JDM catalog. This will be a mini review with the main focus in comparing Suwa and Daini’s last high end mechanical movements. This unique King Seiko was only seen within the international catalog, which did not carry the KS moniker and was actually coded 5246-5039. However the JDM variant (5246-5030) also existed, which included the KS moniker and the fan favorite Kanji day wheel. Interestingly, there are also two LM models using the same case found in the JDM catalog, but they seem to be more of the Vanac style.

Sizing and Wearability:

Measuring at 34mm in diameter and 40mm lug to lug, this TV case style watch wears like a 38mm round watch. With thickness of only 9.5mm partially from a minimally raised acrylic crystal. Interestingly, the lug width measures in at 18mm but the original bracelet actually flares out to 20mm with an indented design. The bracelet then tapers down to 16mm at the clasp with the period appropriate retro look.

Movement:

Caliber 52 was Daini's answer to Suwa's 56. It can trace its lineage from the Daini 51 movement (which also played a role in Suwa's 56 construction). When the 56 came on to the scene, its standout feature was having a small and thin automatic movement while having the convenience feature like dual quickset for the day date. The caliber 56 measured 25.6mm in diameter and 4.25mm in height. The caliber 52 one upped it with 25.6mm in diameter but only 3.95mm in height. It also made the date change instantaneous rather than a gradual change over. Although the later version 5256 did not have this feature, it did however allow the user to change the date during the so-called "danger zone" by placing a spring-loaded pawl.

The infamous plastic rocker wheel found in the 56 series was also remedied in the 52 with a metal piece. Like the caliber 56, production ended in 1978 (last seen in the 1977 catalog). One interesting quirk about the caliber 52 was that it introduced a micro adjuster screw, allowing regulation from outside the case. The gear train is much more classical compared to the 56, as in all the gear train was placed on one side of the movement.

The 52 has achieved everything the 56 did and then some. It was thinner, and had a more linear architecture, which should not be overlooked because Daini was able to achieve what Suwa did without over complicating things. Due to being a Daini creation, the caliber 52 never made its way into any GS, which is a shame. However, its brilliance would not be overlooked when its lineage eventually found its way to the 4S and then the 9S in modern GS.

Case and Dial:

A full yellow gold watch with the bracelet is definitely not for everyone. This look exemplifies the brash excess lifestyle that’s in the media depicting the 70s and 80s. The dial also has a grid like design. It is vertically divided by the darker mid portion and horizontally divided by the lighter portion. The markers are well polished and give off more of the flashy look.

Overall: 

As both Suwa and Daini fully embraced the quartz revolution, they left behind a fascinating story within their last mechanical movements. After Suwa and Daini ended their competition, and the dust settled after quartz completely dominating worldwide, what did these two rivals learn when they sat down together and got back to work? The next most significant innovation in horology, the evolution of quartz technology with the Spring Drive.

Resource:

http://www.kingseiko.info/KSKS.html

http://www.egalizer.hu/targyak/orak/kings.htm

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/kfwStZNgXus