Three New High-End King Seiko Watches with Colourful Textured Dials

An important name in the history of the Japanese watchmaker, King Seiko was, at some point, the incarnation of what the Daini Seikosha production site could do best and became a rival for Grand Seiko. The name fell into oblivion before returning in 2020 when Seiko Watch Corporation decided it was time to see King Seiko printed on again on the dials of sharp, high-end watches. This has been done with two distinct collections: the first high-end recreations were released in limited numbers, followed by more accessible & modernized models with the taste of the past but not the same mechanics. Last year, Seiko presented two non-limited, slimmer, and high-end King Seiko models – the SJE089 and SJE091 – used as a base for today’s three new models.

For more details about the past and present of the King Seiko name, we encourage you to look at our recent coverage of the brand’s sub-collection. Today, we won’t re-write the entire history again but instead focus on what we have in our hands: the new textured and colourful King Seiko SJE103, SJE105 and SJE107.

These three new King Seiko references are all about the new dials. As such, we’re looking at the same technical base as the aforementioned SJE089 and SJE091, released in May last year. As a reminder, these watches marked the debut of higher-end models in the permanent collection, alongside the more accessible versions we’ve reviewed in the past (also see here and here), but also as a continuation to the limited edition SJE083 and SJE087. However, these non-limited edition references are slightly more modern in design than the limited versions, which were faithful re-editions of the KSK models.

The King Seiko SJE103, SJE105 and SJE107 share the same case as the SJE089 and SJE091 of 2023, with signature faceted lugs and flat flanks just like the original KSK, but in more contemporary proportions. The case is now 38.6mm in diameter and a pleasant 10.7mm thick. The lug-to-lug measurement of 45.8mm and the 19mm lug width accentuate the dressy vocation and provide great comfort. The surfaces alternate between brushed and polished finishings, the case has sharp angles all around, and the updated crystal construction makes it slimmer on the wrist. The finishing is clean (Zaratsu surfaces) and neat, as you’d expect from a Seiko watch in this price range. The 50m water-resistance is sufficient for an elegant-ish watch.

What matters most with these three new references are the dials. In the same vein as what we’ve seen with the ref. SPB365, Seiko brings textures and colours to the higher-end King Seiko collection. All are strongly inspired by Japanese culture and, more precisely, by traditional patterns used during the Edo Period – known as one of Japan’s most prolific times for art. Each dial expresses a uniquely Japanese pattern and combines it with a gradient colour.

The first model (ref. SJE103) relies on a deep red dial inspired by the blooming of plum blossoms. The second model, probably the most feminine and original of the three (ref. SJE107) features a combination of a wisteria-flower pattern and a soft light purple gradient tone, expressing the famous wisteria of Kameido. Finally, the dark blue edition (ref. SJE105) features a turtle shell pattern symbolizing King Seiko’s roots in Kameido, and the colour is inspired by the Sumida River. All three watches come with applied markers, which are brushed on the top and polished on the sides, including the classic KS 12 o’clock marker with knurled pattern. The hands are beautifully executed with a brushed top and bevelled edges.

All three models are worn on an appealing bracelet with a certain vintage charm. Composed of seven links, the flat surfaces are brushed, and all the links are deeply faceted to give a nice depth effect on the wrist. It is closed by a triple-folding clasp. Inside the case is the slimline calibre 6L35, a thin automatic movement beating at 4Hz and boasting 45h of power reserve. The movement is hidden under a closed back with an embossed King Seiko emblem.

Available from 1 October 2024, the new King Seiko SJE103, SJE105 and SJE107 will be priced at EUR 3,400. For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.