Seiko Watch Corporation has enhanced the prestigious King Seiko series by adding two new model with self-winding mechanical movements.

King Seiko Reference SJE087J1: Recreation 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.

Inspired by this icon, the new re-creation (reference SJE087) features a champagne silver dial and gold color hands and hour markers that evoke the refined elegance of the original series. It has a 38.1mm diameter case made of stainless steel.

Thanks to the ultra-thin Caliber 6L35, this automatic wristwatch retains the original’s slim profile. Inspired by the essential design characteristics of the 1965 model, reference SJE087 comes with a flat dial with broad, faceted indexes and sharply edged hands. Displaying the hour, minute and seconds indications with three centre hands and the date at 3 o’clock, the 26 jewel movement of this watch provides a power reserve of 45 hours.

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 lug width is 20mm and the lug to lug length is 44.7mm. Its boxed-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface delivers high legibility from any angle. The case is treated with the super-hard coating which protects the watch from scratches.

The screw-in stainless 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.

King Seiko SPB291J1: Boutique Special Edition

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 center to the edge.

This watch also shares the distinctively sharp and angular design of the 1965 King Seiko KSK. The shape of the 37mm diameter stainless steel 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 self-winding Caliber 6R31 delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. It drives the centrally positioned hour, minute and seconds hands.

Inspired by the design of the original King Seiko series, the bracelet feature numerous beveled surfaces that reflect the light in a way that is dynamic and ever-changing. A light gray leather strap with purple stitching is offered in addition to the steel bracelet. The lug width of this model is 19mm.

Secured with a screw-in case back in steel, this watch is water resistant to 10 bar (100 meters).

This new King Seiko watch will be available from July 2022 exclusively at the Seiko boutiques worldwide.

Technical details

Model: Re-creation of King Seiko KSK Limited Edition, Reference SJE087J1

Movement
Caliber 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26

Case
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

Strap
Crocodile strap

Edition
Limited edition of 1,700 pieces

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,300

Model: King Seiko “Seiko Boutique” Special Edition, Reference SPB291J1

Movement
Caliber 6R31
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24

Case
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

Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €1,850