Seiko Watch Corporation is celebrating the 110th anniversary of the Japan’s first wristwatch this year. To mark this historical milestone, the Japanese watchmaking conglomerate has already announced commemorative editions from its Presage and Prospex ranges as well as from the Grand Seiko brand. Now, the company presents the new King Seiko SPB365 watch to mark 110 years since Japan’s first wristwatch, the Laurel.
Kintaro Hattori opened a shop in Ginza to sell timepieces in 1881, thus beginning the history of Seiko. In 1913, his company produced Japan’s first wristwatch, the Laurel.
Celebrating the 110th anniversary of the Laurel, the new King Seiko watch (reference SPB365) draws inspiration from Seiko’s rich technological and design heritage.
King Seiko Watch with Kikkoumon Dial
The gradient dial of the King Seiko 110th anniversary commemorative model has a traditional Japanese geometric pattern known as Kikkoumon, which is based on the hexagonal shape of the tortoise shell. In Japanese culture, the tortoise symbolizes longevity and prosperity, and the six-sided chelonian shape is further associated with samurai armor, as an auspicious pattern signifying strength and victory.
Moreover, the Kikkoumon is a nod to the 1960s origins of King Seiko, which was born at a facility in the Kameido section of Tokyo, once known as Kameshima, an area bounded by rivers and streams and known as “Tortoise Island.”
The dial pattern has tremendous depth and texture – each hexagon is in fact series of three inset hexagons, each deeper than the last – and this depth is further expressed on the entire dial through a gradual darkening from the center to the edges.
It features the same elegant 37mm case and a seven-link bracelet seen in other King Seiko watches over the past year. The sharpness and angularity are inspired by the classic 1965 King Seiko KSK.
The Kikkoumon patterned dial, in combination with the faceted indexes and razor-edged hands, endows the anniversary King Seiko watch with a refined and striking presence, and the bold, angular lugs feature both mirror polished and hairline finishing.
The King Seiko SPB365 model houses an automatic movement with 70 hours of power reserve. The solid stainless steel case-back is engraved with the limited edition number.
A box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial side. Each watch comes with an additional leather strap with a King Seiko clasp.
This Kameido-inspired commemorative watch will be available from February 2023 as a limited edition of 1,200 at select Seiko Boutiques and retail partners worldwide.
Technical details
Model: King Seiko SPB365, Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Edition
Movement
Caliber 6R31 automatic
Frequency: 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
Additional leather strap with material sourced from LWG certified tanneries
Edition
Limited edition of 1,200 pieces
Price
Recommended retail price in Europe: €2,000
