One of the most surprising watch releases of last year was the revival of the King Seiko. It was a design first introduced during the 1960’s, created in competition with the legendary Grand Seiko model to deliver Seiko’s highest levels of precision and aesthetics. Following the success of the five models launched last year as well as a couple of limited editions, the Japanese watch manufacturer has now created two new non-limited edition King Seiko KSK 6L watches with slimmer cases and an equally slender 6L automatic winding movement.
The history of the King Seiko is nothing short of extensive, but in brief, the watch was designed as part of an internal rivalry against Grand Seiko. Two Seiko factories battled it out to create Seiko’s most advanced timepiece in both technology and aesthetics. The Suwa Seikosha factory launched the Grand Seiko first in 1960 which was shortly followed by the King Seiko by the Daini Seikosha factory. Both watches were launched to the general public but ultimately it was only the Grand Seiko that would survive the entire last half-decade. This doesn’t take away from the value of the King Seiko however, which boasted incredible high-precision movements, slim, faceted cases and refined dials. Last year in 2022, Seiko announced the return of the King Seiko as part of a series of faithful limited edition models and a range of more accessible and modernised non-limited editions. Today, we’re welcomed to two new King Seiko KSK 6L SJE089J1 and SJE091J1 watches which share their price point with previous modernised models but the most of the specs of the limited recreations.
At first glance, the new King Seiko KSK 6L watches look relatively similar to the limited editions of last year. There’s the same perfectly round stainless steel case, sharp faceted lugs and finely linked stainless steel bracelets. Their sizing however is slightly different. The lugs are slightly slimmer and the box-shaped sapphire crystal has been reduced in height. Last year’s models were 38.1mm in diameter and 11.4mm tall while the new SJE089J1 and SJE091J1 watches sit on the wrist at 38.6mm wide and 10.7mm high. The cases are still mirror-polished and come equipped with screwed steel case backs and 50 metre water resistant ratings.
The dials of the King Seiko KSK 6L watches are as equally refined, finished in silver (SJE089J1) or black (SJE091J1). There are some minor differences to see here including a more traditional font used on the King Seiko logo at 6 o’clock which sits above printing for “Automatic” to refer to the movement. The hands are sharp and sword-shaped and as is the case with most King Seiko watches, the markers are polished and bevelled with the 12 o’clock marker tripled up and knurled. The hardware for the silver-dialled King Seiko SJE089J1 is entirely polished while the black-dialled King Seiko SJE091J1 opts for a subtle hairline finish on the hands and markers for better legibility.
Powering the King Seiko KSK 6L watches is, as the name suggests, one of the brand’s 6L movements sometimes seen within the slim and dressy Seiko Presage line. They elect the classic 6L35 automatic winding movement with a 3.7mm height, a frequency of 28,800vph and a power reserve of 45 hours. Seiko also attests the movement has an accuracy of 10/+15 seconds/day. It delivers classic hours, minutes, seconds and date.
The King Seiko KSK 6L SJE089J1 and SJE091J1 watches are non-limited editions and retail at £2,900. If you’d like to learn more about these new models and order them for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 38.6mm x 10.7mm
- Case Material: Polished stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Non-screwed
- Case Back: Screwed, solid steel with King Seiko logo
- Water Resistance: 50 metres
- Movement: Calibre 6L35 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Silver or black with sword-shaped hands, applied faceted markers, date at 3 o’clock
- Strap: Seven-link stainless steel bracelet
- Buckle: Triple folding clasp with push-button release
- References: SJE089J1, SJE091J1
- Limited: No
- RRP: £2,900
