King Seiko automatic red dial steel bracelet 37 mm

A collection born in the 1960s

From the first Grand Seiko in 1960 to the automatic chronograph in 1969, the 1960s was a decade of unprecedented progress for Seiko, both in terms of technical developments and design creativity. It laid the foundation for Seiko's future success in the field of prestige watches. Alongside Grand Seiko, another series in particular demonstrated the company's ability to create high-precision, beautifully designed and perfectly finished mechanical watches. It was called King Seiko. In addition to its precision, it offered a robust yet elegant design that symbolized the high quality of its construction. Now, after more than half a century, the King Seiko collection is back with timepieces that showcase the high quality of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking.

A design inspired by the "Grammar of Design"

This SPB287 has a distinctive, protruding and angular design inspired by the KSK 44-9990 from 1965. This model is from the second collection that had been created. It is this line that defined the true character of King Seiko. Indeed, it follows the design guidelines set by Taro Tanaka. Tanaka set Seiko apart from the traditional watchmaking style by defining a simple but effective set of rules: "Design Grammar". In essence, this meant that cases should be shaped and finished without distortion, bezels should be simple and hands should be pointed and mostly flat. These rules are still an integral part of Grand Seiko's watchmaking language and philosophy and apply to this new King Seiko collection as well.

A vintage look

This reference SPB287 has a case that is constructed in such a way that, when assembled with the boxed-shaped sapphire crystal, it gives this watch a slim and elegant feel. The powerful, faceted lugs have sharp angles and large flat surfaces with mirror and brushed finishes, creating a precision effect. The crown and case back feature the new King Seiko emblem, the design of which is inspired by the original KSK.

As for the red dial, it has a sunburst finish and features applied and polished hour markers. Like the 44-9990, the marker at 12 o'clock is twice as wide as the others and has a thin pyramid pattern on its upper side. And like the original, it has no date indication, keeping the dial clean and balanced. In keeping with the "Grammar of Design," the hour and minute hands are flat, with a Zaratsu polished faceted finish, combined with a very thin seconds hand.

For the record, the plum red "Garyu-bai" dial of this timepiece is inspired by the birthplace of the first King Seiko in Kameido located in Tokyo, famous for its plum orchards. The "Garyu-bai" was the most popular plum tree of all, named for its dragon-like shape lying on the ground. This specific tree inspired one of Ukiyoe artist Utagawa Hiroshige's last masterpieces "Plum Garden at Kameido", later reproduced by Van Gogh in the famous "Japonaiserie Flowering Plum Orchard"

To complete the very retro look of this King Seiko, this model is equipped with a multi-link steel bracelet paying homage to the design of the original series. Its many beveled surfaces reflect the light in a dynamic and ever-changing way. We can also note the presence of a butterfly folding clasp.

A Manufacture caliber

This King Seiko is of course powered by a movement entirely manufactured by the brand: the caliber 6R31. This is a new generation of 6R movement, and more precisely the 6R35 without the date function. It oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a comfortable power reserve of 70 hours. An interesting mix of old-school frequency and then modern power reserve.

In brief:

• A modern reinterpretation of the 1960s King Seiko, elegant and innovative.
• A sublime red sunray dial Garyu-Bai
• The King Seiko crest on the case back and engraved on the crown