From 1965 to today. The heritage of King Seiko lives on.
Two new hi-grade mechanical watches are today added to the King Seiko collection. In their different ways, both express the spirit of the time, 60 years ago, when King Seiko was first created and the area in Tokyo where it was born.
A re-creation of the 1965 King Seiko KSK
In 1965, four years after the birth of the first King Seiko, a second series known as the King Seiko KSK was created. It was this design that defined forever the character of the collection, with its sharp, angular case and high functionality. This new re-creation brings the 1965 KSK back to life in every detail but with a champagne silver dial and gold colour hands and hour markers that evoke the refined elegance of the original series.
Faithful in design to the original but completely up-to date in technology
The new watch combines a flat dial with broad, faceted indexes and sharply edged hands to echo with precision the essential design characteristics of the 1965 original. Just like the original, the sharply faceted lugs feature wide flat planes and razor sharp angles and are Zaratsu polished to a distortion-free mirror finish. The crystal is a boxed-shaped sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface that delivers high legibility from any angle. The lasting beauty of the case is assured by the super-hard coating which protects the watch from scratches.
The case back carries the King Seiko name and the same shield design as the original. The Seiko name and a “W” mark that signifies the KSK’s water resistance appear on the crown. Even the buckle is faithfully re-created.
This new King Seiko KSK re-creation will be available from July 2022 as a limited edition of 1,700 at selected Seiko boutiques and retail partners worldwide.
The magical beauty of the wisteria of Kameido
The Kameido area of Tokyo was home to the Seiko facility that created King Seiko. Nearby this factory is the stunning Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Founded in 1662, this Shinto shrine is today revered as much for its stunning display of wisteria in Spring as it is for its heritage because its wisteria gardens inspired many important 'Ukiyo-e' paintings and woodblock prints made during the Edo period (1603-1867). The dial of this second new King Seiko creation has a sunray finish whose soft purple hues capture the subtlety and beauty of the Kameido wisteria in its delicate gradation from the centre to the edge.
This watch also shares the distinctively sharp and angular design of the 1965 King Seiko KSK. The shape of the case combines with the boxed-shaped sapphire crystal to create a slim, elegant profile on the wrist. An anti-reflective coating on the inner surface of the crystal delivers high legibility from any angle. The bracelet pays homage to the design of the original King Seiko series and its many bevelled surfaces reflect the light in a way that is dynamic and ever-changing. Calibre 6R31 delivers a power reserve of 70 hours and the watch is water resistant to 10 bar.
Re-creation of King Seiko KSK Limited Edition: SJE087
Calibre 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26
Specifications
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw case back
Diameter: 38.1mm, Thickness: 11.4mm
Water resistance: 5 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap
Approximate recommended retail price in AUD: $5,200
Limited edition of 1,700
Seiko Boutique Special Edition: SPB291
Calibre 6R31
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Box shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw case back
Diameter: 37.0mm, Thickness: 12.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Approximate recommended retail price in AUD: $2,900