SpotlightA Modern Revival: The New King Seiko KS1969 And 100th Anniversary Special Edition Dress Watches

The 1960s were a transformative decade for the renowned Japanese watch brand, Seiko. This era marked significant milestones, from the introduction of the first Grand Seiko in 1960 to the groundbreaking automatic chronograph in 1969. During this period, alongside the Grand Seiko, Seiko developed another exceptional series known as King Seiko (KSK). The watches from the King Seiko line stood out not only for their precision but also for their elegant design. Following the successful reintroduction of the King Seiko collection for Seiko’s 140th anniversary, the brand have continued to expand this line with various editions. This year, Seiko proudly announces a new addition to the collection—the King Seiko KS1969. Inspired by a vintage 1969 design, this new release is set to be one of Seiko’s most daring and innovative yet.

A Modern Twist: New Dial Colours And Slim Movements

Breaking away from the iconic shadow of its predecessors, the King Seiko KS1969 introduces three new versions: silver (SJE109), purple (SJE111), and green (SJE113). Each watch features a 39.4mm steel case inspired by the King Seiko 45KCM from 1969, maintaining the vintage watch’s distinctive curved silhouette.

The green dial features a gradient that captures the natural greenery of Tokyo

The purple dial pays homage to 'Edo purple', a traditional Japanese colour from the Edo period

The silver dial is textured to evoke the modern cityscape of Tokyo, the birthplace of King Seiko in 1961

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While preserving the classic contours of the original 1969 timepiece, the new edition incorporates numerous modern enhancements. These include a new multi-row bracelet with a combination of mirror-polishing and brushed finishing. The dials are offered in three fresh hues: silver, purple, and green. Powered by the slimline Calibre 6L35 movement, these watches achieve a sleek and comfortable thickness of just 9.9mm, seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary functionality.

Combining tradition with contemporary Tokyo elements, the three dials offer a modern touch. The silver dial is textured to reflect the modern-day cityscape of Tokyo, where the King Seiko collection originated in 1961. The purple dial is inspired by ‘Edo purple’, a traditional Japanese colour cherished during the Edo period. The vignette green dial features a gradient design that captures the natural greenery that has adorned parts of the city for centuries.

A Limited-Edition Offering: Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary King Seiko KS1969 (SJE115)

To mark the glorious century of the Japanese watch brand, a commemorative limited edition has been unveiled—the Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary King Seiko KS1969 (SJE115). Since its inception in 1881, Seiko have consistently innovated, adhering to their founder’s philosophy of being ‘Always one step ahead of the rest’. This forward-thinking approach led to the introduction of the first wristwatch with ‘Seiko’ on the dial in 1924—signifying the official beginning of the Seiko brand.

The limited-edition King Seiko KS1969 (SJE115) shares the same specifications as the other new releases but stands out with its unique light blue-green dial with a 'dragon scale' motif

The 100th Anniversary King Seiko KS1969 (SJE115) is a limited edition of 700 pieces, sharing the same specifications as the main collection but with a unique touch. It features an aquamarine-hued dial with a textured pattern inspired by dragon scales, symbolising Seiko’s progress into the next century. The dragon, representing the animal sign for 2024 in the Japanese zodiac, adds cultural significance to this special edition—celebrating both Seiko’s rich heritage and its future.

The commemorative timepiece will be available in July 2024 at select Seiko Boutiques and retail stores worldwide.