King Seiko 52KS 5246-6000
Black sheep, officially certified
The dark dial concentrates the 6000’s bright elements. Hands, markers, lettering and the day-date frame sit in a deep field, surrounded by that generous polished bezel. The case has the same rounded confidence that draws me to the lighter 5245-6000.
It is generally called a black dial. In strong sunlight I have sometimes seen a very dark blue in it. That is part of the experience of this particular watch, rather than a reason to give it two identities.
A bright perimeter
The bezel reads as a clear ring of light around the dial. Below it, the lugs broaden into rounded shoulders, their brushed upper surfaces contrasting with the polished outer edge. The transition from the circular dial to the strap is unusually full.
On the dark face, the thin minute marks are easy to distinguish from the stronger hour markers. The broad day-date aperture has enough visual weight to balance the lettering without breaking up the centre of the dial.
The watch
| Reference | 5246-6000 |
|---|---|
| My example | November 1972 |
| Family | King Seiko 52KS |
| Manufacture | Daini Seikosha |
| Movement | 5246A · automatic, day and date |
| Beat rate | 28,800 vibrations/hour · 4 Hz |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Case width, without crown | 35.5 mm |
| Thickness, including crystal | 9.5 mm |
Dimensions measured on this example.
A shared outline
The date-only 5245-6000 and this day-date 5246-6000 belong together visually. Both use the rounded 6000 case language and the prominent bezel. The change in dial colour and calendar display does a great deal to alter their expression.
The lighter watch lets the linen texture occupy the face. Here the dark field puts the edges and reflective elements first. I enjoy having both versions available to test how much of a watch’s character comes from its dial.
