King Seiko "Kameido-Kikko" automatic brown dial steel bracelet 37 mm

110 Years of Japanese Watchmaking

The story of Seiko begins in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opens a clock repair and sales store in Ginza, a year after the death of the Meiji Emperor and at the beginning of the Taishō era. In 1892, he established a factory called Seikosha to produce his own clocks. At that time, at the beginning of the Taishō era, pocket watches were still so popular that only a few wristwatches were imported into Japan. However, Kintaro Hattori was not content to simply follow the trend, and was determined to enjoy a "head start" on any other competitor, challenging himself to create Japan's very first wristwatch. And his efforts paid off in 1913, when he introduced the Laurel to the world. Although in its early days the company could only produce 30 to 50 watches a day, this model represented absolute exclusivity: for the first time, Seiko enjoyed an incredible advantage over its competitors.

Thereafter, many innovations would advance Japanese watchmaking: in order to move upmarket, King Seiko was created in 1961, with the aim of designing a watch that combined precision, durability, comfort and design. In 2023, Seiko celebrates the 110th anniversary of its first wristwatch with this commemorative King Seiko, a limited edition model of 1,200 pieces.

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 SPB365 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 with a "turtle" dial

This reference SPB365 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.

Like the 44-9990, the marker at 12 o'clock is twice as wide as the others and features 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.

The textured dial plays with light in a captivating way. This reveals a traditional Japanese geometric pattern - known as Kikkoumon - based on the hexagonal shape of the tortoise shell. Each hexagon is actually a series of three interlocking hexagons, each deeper than the last. This depth is accentuated throughout the dial by a gradual darkening from the center toward the bezel.

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. A butterfly folding clasp is also included. In addition to the steel bracelet, the watch also comes with a leather strap made by a Leather Working Group certified tannery.

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-fashioned frequency and then modern power reserve.

In brief:

• A modern reinterpretation of the 1960s King Seiko, elegant and innovative
• A sublime textured dial
• The King Seiko crest on the case back and engraved on the crown