Marrying tradition and innovation, Seiko unfolds a chronicle with its most recent masterpiece: King Seiko, a narrative that immerses us deep into the heart of Tokyo‘s rich history, where the King Seiko saga began in the 1960s. With a tasteful nod to one of Japan’s most cherished symbols, the chrysanthemum, this new release showcases the impeccable craftsmanship synonymous with the brand.
The spotlight-stealing feature of this watch is undoubtedly its mesmerizing dial. King Seiko has drawn from Japan’s storied past, making the chrysanthemum the centerpiece of this artistic endeavor. More than just a flower, the chrysanthemum, with its vibrant petals, encapsulates longevity and rejuvenation, two virtues that resonate deeply within Japanese heritage. This blooming symbol is creatively transformed into the kiku tsunagi-mon pattern on the watch’s dial, which mirrors the connected essence of the chrysanthemum.
This intricate design finds its roots in the Edo-kiriko glassware, a timeless Japanese craft treasured for centuries. Edo-kiriko, a term that evokes images of multifaceted objects, remains renowned for the delicacy and precision with which artisans carve multifaceted patterns into glass.
Delving into the watch’s construction, we are teleported to the past. The design draws heavily from the 1965 King Seiko KSK. A timepiece that, with its angular case and reliable functionality, shaped King Seiko’s reputation during its early days. These sharp-edged cases, adorned with broad, flat surfaces and distinct angles, have been meticulously polished to catch and reflect light in the most enchanting manner. The hour and minute hands, too, embody Seiko’s unmatched manufacturing quality, effortlessly complementing the watch’s chrysanthemum-inspired aesthetics.
The heartbeat of this timepiece, Seiko‘s slender Caliber 6L35, ensures that this watch is not just about aesthetics but also about top-tier performance. Remarkably, this latest offering is slimmer than its 1965 predecessor, the original King Seiko KSK. This slim profile is achieved without sacrificing automatic winding or the convenient date window, a testament to Seiko’s commitment to advancing their craft.
For those intrigued by the specs, this limited edition watch offers 28,800 vibrations per hour, an impressive 45-hour power reserve, and houses 26 jewels. Encased in a stainless steel body, the watch is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, enhanced with an anti-reflective coating. The screw case back adds an extra layer of sturdiness. With a diameter of 38.6mm and a thickness of 10.7mm, this King Seiko timepiece offers a balanced blend of heft and elegance. Its 5-bar water resistance and 4,800 A/m magnetic resistance only cement its position as a reliable luxury piece.
This King Seiko comes with an additional leather strap and is priced at a suggested retail of $3,400. Limited to just 600 pieces, it promises exclusivity and is expected to grace select retailers by October 2023.
Click on this link to read this article in French version
