Since its establishment in 1881, Seiko has been a prolific watch manufacturer with an immense assortment of watches under several brands and sub-labels. While many think of the name Grand Seiko when it comes to quality in-house watches, the sub-brand named King Seiko was another name synonymous with Japanese watch manufacturing precision back in the 1960s. With Taro Tanaka setting Seiko’s design guidelines, the brand distinguished its watchmaking from the Swiss style as its watch cases had to be shaped without distortion, its bezels simple, and its watch hands flat and sharp. Until today,Seiko’s watchmaking philosophy can be seen in the King Seiko collection. The very fact that King Seiko remains in Seiko’s permanent collection bears testimony to its significance for the brand. Today, we welcome the King Seiko collection once again with the new Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Tobacco Brown Ref. SDKS007. 

Firstly, the 37mm sized case of the King Seiko Mechanical is sharp and angular with a height of 12.1mm and the lug-to-lug distance being 43.6mm. Even if a wearer has big wrists, the 37 mm sized case would appear well defined and proportioned. Furthermore, the case is meticulously done with brushed and polished Zaratsu-finishings, resembling the original King Seiko 44-9990. Its faceted lugs have been adapted straight from the 1965 model. The boxed sapphire crystal lends a nostalgic reminiscence of the 1960s. Both the crown and the caseback are completed with the same King Seiko emblem that came with the original one.

Impeccable polished indices bedeck the sunburst brown dial of the SDKS007. The workmanship on each markers are skilfully executed that they glow iridescently when reflections take place on them. Similar to the 44-9990, the marker at 12 is twice the width of the rest and boasts a fine pyramid-like pattern on the top surface. Without a date indication, the dial remains clean and balanced. Moreover, the hour and minute hands are flat with a Zaratsu-polished, faceted surface, along with a needle-thin seconds hand.

Besides, this timepiece is outfitted with the in-house caliber 6R31 which is closely linked to the 6R35.With 24 jewels, the 6R31 operates at a frequency of 21,600vph. Such a  movement is accurate to run within 15/-25 seconds per day, just like its dated cousin, the 6R35.

A retro stainless steel multi-link bracelet, very much like the one on the original 1965 model, tops up the vintage feel of the SDKS007. The faceted links from case to folding buckle enjoy a brushed finish with polished bevels. A wearer who wants a full vintage feel swap out an alternative vintage-styled leather strap.

Price-wise, the King Seiko Mechanical is priced between the average top-end of Seiko and below Grand Seiko’s entry-level models, packing tremendous value for Enthusiasts.   The combination of a flat dial with faceted indexes and broad, sharp hands give the watch a refined feel with a modern touch. Good job, Seiko! If you want to enjoy the King Seiko philosophy in your upcoming timepiece, this stunner with the Tobacco brown dial would certainly be value for money. Kudos to Seiko bringing back the K.S. line once again!