King Seiko 56KS 5626-5040
Shadows at the same scale
The 5040 looks playful, but there is a useful discipline behind that first impression. The shadows cast by its details and the black accents on the dial seem to tell the same story. Squint a little and they begin to belong to one composition.
The softly squared outline gives the watch its TV-like character. Within it, the dial has a remarkably subtle linen texture. It provides depth without competing with the larger shapes.
Right at the edge
The day and date sit strikingly close to the edge of the dial. In a more ordinary round composition that arrangement might feel crowded; here it participates in the very particular proportions of the display.
This November 1971 example has become an unexpected favourite among the photographs I share. I understand the appeal. It manages to be inviting, slightly odd and formally precise at the same time.
The watch
| Reference | 5626-5040 |
|---|---|
| My example | November 1971 |
| Family | King Seiko · 56KS |
| Manufacture | Suwa Seikosha |
| Movement | 5626 · automatic, day and date |
| Beat rate | 28,800 vibrations/hour · 4 Hz |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Case width, without crown | 34.9 mm |
| Thickness, including crystal | 9.9 mm |
Dimensions measured on this example.