SpotlightImperial Legacy: Introducing The New Elegant King Seiko Timepieces
The Japanese watchmaker expands its iconic King Seiko collection by adding two slim and modern iterations, inspired by their rich horological heritage
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Launched in the 1960s, the King Seiko model is perhaps one of the most elegant timepieces from the Japanese watchmaker Seiko (we are not factoring in Grand Seiko here since that come under the brand’s fine watchmaking umbrella). The King Seiko was developed by the brand with the idea of offering high-quality, value-for-money watches with a classic dress-watch vibe to a larger clientele, without turning it into a timepiece for the masses. That’s why quality was always a supreme consideration while crafting these watches that stood put for their sharp lines and elegant wrist presence before going into hibernation sometime around the mid-70s. However, Seiko revived this line last year, owing to the crazy fan following that the 1965 King Seiko KSK model enjoys among horology enthusiasts for its sharp, angular case, high functionality, ample water-resistance, and a hacking seconds function.
Of course, the new iterations carry all the features found in the vintage model but have been developed in accordance with modern enhancements of contemporary watchmaking. Just like the two new versions of the classic KSK—each powered by the slimline Calibre 6L35 fitted with 26 jewels. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it supplies a power reserve of 45 hours, and marks the movement’s first appearance in the main King Seiko collection.
Both the versions come in a 38.6mm stainless-steel case mounted on a matching steel bracelet and are water-resistant to 50m. The case design is now more refined with slimmer and faceted lugs, with large, flat planes and sharp angles. The surfaces are polished to achieve a distortion-free, mirror finish, causing the cases to reflect light in a pleasing manner that complements the new dials. The combination of an angular case with a flat dial with faceted hands effectively captures the refinement of the original 1965 KSK. Not only are these models slimmer when compared with the previous limited-edition King Seiko watches that also used the 6L35 movement, but they are also 0.2mm thinner than the original King Seiko KSK, despite having automatic winding and a date window at three o’clock. Here, the modern case construction along with the box-shaped crystal whose height has been reduced, have largely contributed towards achieving these proportions.
These watches feature two elegant dial option hues—one is silver-coloured and features a new sunray finishing technique, resulting in a look that is even closer to the original. The other is a beautiful black, which looks extremely sophisticated framed by the new case design. They showcase the ‘King Seiko’ signature at six o’clock along with faceted hour and minute hands that look stately against this fine backdrop. These have been achieved due to high-quality manufacturing, in sync with the King Seiko legacy. Presented on stainless-steel bracelets that complement the overall design aesthetic, these versatile timekeepers shine the spotlight on Seiko’s watchmaking brilliance.
The brand has also added another new timepiece to this line, which is a fine showcase of traditional Japanese artistic techniques, as depicted by this watch. This new slim timekeeper features an intricately patterned dial, which captures the spirit of Tokyo in the 1960s—when the King Seiko saw the light of day. The white dial is based on the chrysanthemum—recognised as one of the national flowers of Japan because it represented the Imperial family. It also symbolises longevity, rejuvenation, and goodwill and holds great significance in Japanese culture.
The flower motif is replicated through a pattern of finely intersecting lines called ‘kiku tsunagi-mon, which, in Japanese, signifies a chrysanthemum pattern that connects with itself’. This exquisite pattern is associated with edo-kiriko glassware—a traditional cut-glass technique, renowned for complex and unique designs achieved through the skillful cutting of glass into multiple facets.
And like the other King Seiko models, this one, too, features sharp, angular lines, which have been polished to reflect light at the right angles, thereby enhancing the design details on the dial. It is also powered by the same Calibre 6L35 that promises utmost precision as one gets absorbed by the beauty of this art piece for the wrist.
