Two new products have been added to the King Seiko collection, which Seiko revived for the first time in about 60 years last year. Shall we take a look at the two models with different charms?
Seiko released its first King Seiko model in 1961, and four years later, in 1965, the aka King Seiko KSK was ambitiously announced. The King Seiko KSK, which refined the design of the previous generation King Seiko to a more luxurious level, was a big hit with perfection comparable to that of the Grand Seiko model at the time. Last year, Seiko released a re-creation limited edition (SJE083J1) that faithfully reproduces the legendary King Seiko KSK. A re-creation limited edition (SJE087J1) is about to be released.
The 2022 version of King Seiko KSK Re-Creation Limited Edition is presented in a stainless steel case treated with Seiko’s proprietary case hardening technique, Super-hard coating. It boasts a slightly stronger scratch-resistance than regular 316L steel. The case measures 38.1mm in diameter and 11.4mm thick, the same size as the previous Re-Creation Limited Edition (SJE083J1). The case, which closely resembles the appearance of the original King Seiko KSK, is carefully finished with Zaratsu polishing technique applied to the upper and Grand Seiko lines of replica Seiko.
The sunray-finished champagne-colored dial also retains its original look. In particular, the characteristic appliqué index shape at the 12 o’clock position with irregularities on both sides was reproduced as it is. It is a definite point on the dial, which may seem plain. Details such as the faceted appliqué bar indexes and the sword-like hands extending like a sword recreate the King Seiko of the past and are elements that share a design tradition with Grand Seiko. At the bottom of the dial, the King Seiko logo and the DiamondShock 26 jewels are printed with the original fonts restored.
The movement is equipped with an in-house automatic caliber 6L35 (frequency 4 Hz, power reserve 45 hours). As a next-generation automatic caliber that debuted as a presage model in 2018, it was possible to increase the frequency based on the existing 6R15 as a base and make the caliber thinner by about 1.3mm (thickness 3.7mm). As a result, the thickness of the case was also reduced. In fact, even though it could have been made thinner than the current specification, it was not possible because the front glass used a box-shaped sapphire crystal that protruded upward to reproduce the original model’s plexiglass.omega fake watches
The case is water resistant to 50m, and you can see the ‘W’ initials mark in the center of the crown, meaning water resistance. This is also a reproduction of the original details. Although the movement is not exposed in the form of a screw caseback, you can see the gold medallion inspired by the shield, just like the original King Seiko KSK. In addition, the detail laser engraved with specifications on the rim surrounding the perimeter faithfully reproduces the vintage model. A mocha-brown crocodile leather strap without stitching was fastened with a steel pin buckle made in the same shape as the original King Seiko KSK.
The King Seiko KSK Re-Creation Limited Edition (SJE087J1) is limited to a total of 1,700 pieces worldwide, and the retail price is set at 3,300 Euros (EUR) in Europe.
Another new King Seiko product is the boutique special edition, which is not a limited edition but can only be found in select Seiko boutiques worldwide. This model is attractive with a pale purple (purple) dial. You can see the design trend of the serious Seiko group company on the various color dials in recent years. According to the brand, the dial design was inspired by the flowers of Wisteria, a tree that symbolizes the Kameido area of Koto-ku, Tokyo, where the factory that produced King Seiko watches in the 1960s is located, according to the brand.
The diameter of the steel case is 37mm and the thickness is 12.1mm including box-shaped sapphire crystal. Five other new King Seiko products launched this year – SPB279 (silver dial), SPB281 (light gray dial), SPB283 (charcoal gray dial) ), SPB285 (brown dial), SPB287 (red dial) – the transient size is the same. It is also the same as releasing it in the form of a basic steel bracelet (additional interchangeable leather straps are provided). The movement is equipped with an in-house automatic caliber 6R31. A variation of the automatic work hose 6R35 widely used in the current Seiko Sports lineup without the date disc, the balance vibrates 21,600 times per hour (3 Hz) and the power reserve is guaranteed for about 70 hours. Like the original King Seiko KSK, it adopts a screw caseback that does not expose the movement, but continues the collection’s tradition by engraving a special shield-shaped engraving in the center of the caseback. The case waterproof specification is 100m, so you can wear it more comfortably in everyday life.
The King Seiko Boutique Special Edition (SPB291J1) is a regular model, not a limited edition, but it can be purchased only at selected Seiko boutiques worldwide, and will be released globally in July along with the limited edition products you saw earlier. Retail price is 1,850 EUR. A domestic release is also expected, but the exact time and price are yet to be determined.
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