New dials and dimensions for the King Seiko 110th Anniversary
Borna BošnjakThough the story of Seiko began almost 150 years ago, the first wristwatch wouldn’t come until three decades later, in 1913 with the Seiko Laurel. The brand recently paid homage to that exact piece with a modern re-issue, but the celebrations didn’t stop there. Despite the fact that King Seiko is no longer the brand that used to compete in the same space as their Suwa rivals, Grand Seiko, their design and finishing is reminiscent of higher-end Seiko models of the past. The collection that began as a 6L-powered re-issue of the 44-9990, continued as with several regular production models fitted with mid-range movements, with a few more special editions along the way. As part of the 110th anniversary celebrations, Seiko is updating its King Seiko line-up with a special King Seiko 110th anniversary model, as well as three dial iterations in a brand new 39mm size.
A King Seiko to celebrate a milestone – SPB365
Leave it to Seiko to find any excuse to create a stunning dial. Whether it be as significant as 110 years since their first wristwatch or simply the changing of seasons, you can count on it being well-executed. The SPB365 continues its trend, with a kikkouman dial pattern inspired by that found on hexagonal scales on the shell of a tortoise. Not only does a tortoise symbolise longevity and prosperity, but it also relates to Tortoise Island, an area in the Kameido section of Tokyo where the King Seiko line was born. Together with the smoked gradient finish and razor-sharp indices and hands, including the knurling on the double index at 12, it takes King Seiko signatures and pairs them with Seiko’s recent obsession with intricate dials.
The case is identical to previously revived KS models, with a 37mm diameter, 12.1mm in height and a compact lug-to-lug of 42.5mm. The finishing of King Seikos of old is carried over into the revived models, with wide, polished facets alternating in brushed and polished finishes. The bracelet is flat, with highly polished chamfers that reflect the light without interfering with its uniform surface, and the old King Seiko logo appears on the crown and caseback. My one gripe with the case since King Seiko’s revival is the omission of a golden medallion embedded into the caseback – hint, hint, Seiko.
Movement-wise, the 37mm Kikkouman features the in-house 6R31 calibre. This movement comes from a long line of upgraded and re-worked movements with their original design dating back to the 1970s, including the 7S, 4R and finally, 6R variants. It features a solid 70-hour power reserve and a slow beat rate of 21,600 vph, with Seiko providing an accuracy range of -15/+25 seconds per day.
King Seiko 110th Anniversary SPB365 pricing and availability:
The new King Seiko 110th Anniversary SPB365 is available now from Seiko, limited to 1,200 pieces. Price: A$2,800
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | King Seiko 110th Anniversary |
| Reference Number | SPB365J |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 12.1mm (T) x 42.5mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 10 bar |
| Dial | Kikkoumon-patterned fumé brown |
| Crystal(s) | Box-domed sapphire with AR coating |
| Strap | Multi-link stainless steel bracelet Additional smooth leather strap with deployant |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Movement | In-house calibre 6R31, 21,600 vph, 24 jewels, stated accuracy -15/+25 s/d |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, limited to 1,200 pieces |
| Price | A$2,800 |
A re-proportioned new trio – SPB369, SPB371, SPB373
Brand new for the King Seiko line is the new trio of 39mm models. The new size isn’t the only difference, however. The stubby lugs are now wider, expanding the size of the brushed surface, while the upper portion of the bezel is brushed, instead of completely polished. The cases still have solid casebacks, and are water resistant to 100 metres.
The 39mm collection includes three dial variations. The broad, faceted markers and sharp dauphine hands are unchanged, though the marker at 3 o’clock is truncated to make space for a framed date window. The textured, linen off-white would be my pick of the bunch. More in line with existing King Seiko models are the green and blue-equipped sunburst variants. You’ll also notice the 6 o’clock dial text has changed from AUTOMATIC to AUTOMATIC 3 DAYS. Not so sure about that move.
One final change is the new 6R55 calibre, now featuring 72 hours of power reserve as opposed to the 70 hours in the smaller model. The specs are otherwise unchanged, beating at 21,600 vph and featuring 24 jewels.
New King Seiko collection models pricing and availability:
The King Seiko SPB369, SPB371, SPB373 are available now as Seiko boutique and e-commerce exclusives, shipping in March and April. Price: A$2,800
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | King Seiko |
| Reference Number | SPB369J SPB371J SPB373J |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.9mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 10 bar |
| Dial | Cream linen Sunburst blue Sunburst green |
| Crystal(s) | Box-domed sapphire with AR coating |
| Strap | Multi-link stainless steel bracelet |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Movement | In-house calibre 6R55, 21,600 vph, 24 jewels, stated accuracy -15/+25 s/d |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now, boutique exclusives |
| Price | A$2,800 |