King Seiko

King Seiko Watches

Experience the regal allure of King Seiko, where precision, heritage, and style unite in every timepiece. Crafted with passion and worn with pride, many models showcase an almost chronometer-grade performance, establishing King Seiko as a symbol of Japan's dedication to watchmaking excellence.

King Seiko History

In the early 1960s, almost eight decades after the establishment of Seiko, the Japanese Giant watchmaker decided to create two lines of high-precision luxury watches that could rival Swiss timepieces. This led to the establishment of two independent subdivisions: Grand Seiko in the Nagano Prefecture and King Seiko in the Daini Seikosha factory in Tokyo, Japan.
King Seiko engaged in friendly competition with Seiko's other luxury brand, Grand Seiko, and this rivalry fueled innovations and advancements in craftsmanship, setting both brands on a quest for excellence. The first King Seiko watch was introduced in 1963, known as the "King Seiko KSK". By 1969, King Seiko was firmly positioned as the secondary, entirely domestic, high-end brand within the Seiko family.
The first King Seiko, featuring a manual winding movement, made its debut in the year 1961, and four years later, a second series known as King Seiko KSK was introduced. The model was characterized by its manual winding movement, high accuracy, timeless design, sharp angular steel case, and fine details.
The 1965 models garnered acclaim for their classic aesthetics, high-end hand-wound mechanical movement with hacking function, and balanced proportions that appealed to collectors and enthusiasts.
After the initial introduction and production of King Seiko watches in the 1960s and early 1970s, the brand experienced a hiatus in the production of new models for some years. During this time, Seiko focused on other watch lines and technologies, including quartz watches and the Grand Seiko brand.
After over half a century, King Seiko made a triumphant return with the launch of King Seiko KSK SJE083 towards the end of 2020. It was a direct reinterpretation of the 1965 King Seiko 44-9990 and more King Seiko watches that beautifully demonstrate the brand's enduring excellence in mechanical watch craftsmanship followed.
Today, King Seiko is an integral part of Seiko's portfolio, representing the brand's commitment to quality and design excellence in the world of horology.

King Seiko Collections

From vintage classics to modern tributes, King Seiko collections offer a captivating blend of heritage and precision. They include:

King Seiko SPB Collection

The King Seiko SPB Collection pays homage to the brand's rich history while embracing modern advancements in watchmaking technology. Five different models under the references SPB279, SBP281, SPB283, SPB285, and SPB287 currently make up this collection, and all draw inspiration from the 1965 King Seiko 44-9990.
The classic and elegant watches are all equipped with high-precision mechanical movements. They also feature clean dials in captivating colors, well-balanced proportions, and a focus on timeless aesthetics that makes them suitable for various occasions.

King Seiko SJE Collection

Like the SPB collection, the SJE Collection pays homage to King Seiko's historical models while incorporating modern innovations. The focus is still on high-precision mechanical movements, classic and timeless design aesthetics, and a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship.
The meticulous finishing on SJE watches is a hallmark of the collection. From the mirror polishing to the hairline finishing, every detail is executed with precision. Most watches here are produced in limited quantities, enhancing their exclusivity and collector's appeal.

How Much Do King Seiko Watches Cost?

King Seiko watches fall within the mid to high-end range of Seiko watches, and entry-level models typically start at around $1,700, while limited edition models, or those crafted from premium materials, range from $2,500 to $3,000. The table below shows the prices of some models and their unique features.

Best Selling King Seiko Watches

Crafted from high-quality materials and precision movements, the best-selling King Seiko watches exude a sense of grace that transcends trends. Here are three of the brand's most popular watches.

King Seiko SPB283

At 37mm in diameter and 12.1mm in thickness, the SPB283 offers a more restrained and understated style, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional look.
In alignment with Taro Tanaka's "Grammar of Design", the hour and minute hands sport a flat, Zaratsu-polished, faceted finish complemented by a slender seconds hand. The watch is powered by Seiko's in-house Caliber 6R31, which runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. The movement is precise, maintaining accuracy within a range of +15 to -25 seconds per day.

King Seiko SJE089

With a 38.6 x 10.7mm stainless steel case polished to perfection, the SJE089 carries the legacy of King Seiko while exuding a sense of luxury and refinement.
Blending vintage charm with modern precision, the heart of the SJE089 beats with a high-end slim automatic movement, the Caliber 6L35. It ticks at 28,800 vph and offers a power reserve of 45 hours. The silver-colored dial is uncluttered with faceted hour and minute hands, which create a harmonious symphony of legibility and aesthetics.

King Seiko SPB287

The SPB287 is a visual masterpiece that evokes feelings of passion and sophistication with its cherry red dial. Honoring the King Seiko legacy, the 37mm stainless steel case features sharp and angular facets with alternative brushed and polished finishings.
With a nod to tradition, this dial is clean and balanced, with polished dauphine hands that create a play of light and shadow on the dial. A stainless steel multi-link bracelet completes the retro-like appeal of the SPB287.

King Seiko Movements

King Seiko employs two families of automatic movements, the 6R and 6L series. The Seiko 6L35 stands out as a more premium caliber when compared to its 6R counterparts, aligning closely with the renowned ETA 2892-A2 in terms of both performance and size. This movement allows Seiko to craft slimmer watch cases.
However, it offers a lower power reserve of around 41 hours as against the 70-hour power reserve of the 6R series. The 6L series also runs at 28,800vph, while the 6R movements tick at 21,600vph, making the former more accurate.

King Seiko Watch Colors

Whether your heart leans towards the rich and mysterious, the bold and daring, or the timeless and classic, King Seiko embraces a palette of colors for you to choose from. The prominent colors found in several models include pure white, classic silver, deep black, warm brown, and champagne. Unconventional and funky colors like rich green, purple, royal blue, and cherry red are found in fewer models and add to the diversity of the brand.

King Seiko Watch Materials

King Seiko watches are crafted with a focus on quality and durability, using a range of premium materials. Stainless steel is the prevalent choice for King Seiko watch cases and bracelets. Many King Seiko watches feature sapphire crystal as the watch face, while a high-quality leather strap is used for a touch of elegance and comfort in a few models.

King Seiko Watch Types

King Seiko primarily produces dress watches characterized by their classic and refined designs, making them ideal for formal occasions. Taro Tanaka, with his design principles, marked a distinct departure for King Seiko from the traditional Swiss style. King Seiko watches employ two specific finishing techniques on its watches: "Mirror Finishing" and "Hairline Finishing."
Mirror finishing involves carefully polishing the surfaces of the watch to achieve a finish that resembles a mirror, while hairline finishing consists of creating a linear brushed texture on specific parts of the timepiece. The mirror finishing technique is often found on high-end King Seiko models, as they exude luxury and sophistication.

Buying King Seiko Watches

You can purchase new and genuine King Seiko watches directly from the official Seiko website. You can also get them from authorized dealers and Seiko boutiques worldwide.
Several retailers and e-commerce platforms do sell King Seiko watches, but make sure to verify the authenticity of the watch and the credibility of the seller before making a purchase.
Buying from an authorized dealer is the best way to guarantee a genuine King Seiko watch, enjoy warranty protection, access expert advice, and receive reliable customer service. As an authorized dealer, Exquisite Timepieces carries all King Seiko collections, each with different models, including the latest releases, limited editions, and various variations.

Caring For Your King Seiko Watch

Purchasing a King Seiko watch is an important investment, and like any valuable possession, it's essential to care for it properly to ensure it lasts for a long time. No matter how diligently you care for your watch, the passage of time will reveal the need for expert watch repair.
This is a natural part of the watch ownership experience, and choosing a reputable and experienced watch repair service is necessary to preserve the beauty, precision, and value of your King Seiko watch for years to come.
Whether it's a routine service, battery replacement, basic service, case/bracelet cleaning & polishing, or complex repair, trust Exquisite Timepieces Watch Repair Service for quality, reliability, and unmatched expertise. We are committed to preserving the integrity and longevity of your King Seiko timepiece, ensuring that it continues to impress for years to come.

King Seiko FAQ

Does King Seiko still exist?

Yes, King Seiko still exists and is a part of the Seiko Corporation. There was a long period when King Seiko ceased production; however, the brand was revived and reintroduced with new models in the 21st century.

Is King Seiko the same as Grand Seiko?

No, King Seiko and Grand Seiko are separate and distinct brands under the Seiko Corporation. However, both brands were launched by Seiko to diversify its product offerings and enter the high-end watch market.

When was the last King Seiko made?

The exact date of the last original King Seiko watch made before the long hiatus is unknown. The brand was revived towards the end of 2020 with the release of the King Seiko KSK SJE083 and continues production to date.

Find your new King Seiko watch with Exquisite Timepieces

If you are ready to join the league of discerning individuals who choose King Seiko, you should be able to make your purchase with confidence and a sense of assurance. Investing in a King Seiko watch is an important decision, and we recognize the significance of that choice.
At Exquisite Timepieces, we are committed to making your investment experience not only safe but also memorable. Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the personal touch of our boutique, we're here to elevate your watch-buying experience.
We curate an exclusive selection of King Seiko watches, each a testament to Seiko's legacy of innovation. We go the extra mile to make your watch-buying experience seamless by offering free insured shipping on purchases of $1,000 or more. No need to worry about additional costs or the safety of your prized timepiece during transit-Exquisite Timepieces have you covered.
Our commitment to authenticity, unparalleled selection, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction make us the ideal partner in your horological pursuit. Visit Exquisite Timepieces online or in person to explore the world of King Seiko watches.