King Seiko 56KS 5621-6000
A little less serious
The Tamago makes gentle mockery of taking watches too seriously. Its rounded, radially brushed case seems a world away from the sharp-edged Seiko Style references, yet the attention to shape is every bit as deliberate. It is one of the most endearing watches in my collection.
The nickname means “egg”, although I often see a pebble: something compact, smooth and quietly improbable around a very orderly dial. The time-only display leaves that composition wonderfully undisturbed.
Let it drape
The mesh bracelet is part of the experience. I find this watch works best worn a little loose, allowing the bracelet to drape around the wrist. Pull it tight and the connection to the case starts to look awkward.
Under the playful exterior is the dependable 5621. In one spell of wearing it I recorded virtually no daily deviation. The appearance may be frivolous; my experience of the timekeeping has been anything but.
The watch
| Reference | 5621-6000 |
|---|---|
| My example | October 1970 |
| Family | King Seiko · 56KS |
| Manufacture | Suwa Seikosha |
| Movement | 5621 · automatic, time only |
| Beat rate | 28,800 vibrations/hour · 4 Hz |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Case width, without crown | 34.9 mm |
| Thickness, including crystal | 11.0 mm |
Dimensions measured on this example.