This is a Japanese-made watch to be proud of. A review of the recently reissued "King Seiko."

Seiko has revived the historic King Seiko model, which was born in 1961, in 2022 and is now offering it as a regular model. The former King Seiko, which led the domestic luxury watch market at the time, has been reborn as a practical watch that is suitable for modern times, making it a watch that Japan can be proud of.

King Seiko as your travel companion

　I received an offer to write a test report on the King Seiko. This was a dream come true, as it was one of the new releases for 2022 that particularly caught my eye. Furthermore, I had a business trip planned to Geneva, Switzerland during that period, so I immediately decided to make it my travel companion.

　I had previously seen the King Seiko at exhibitions and during photo shoots. The first thing that appealed to me was its size. While Japanese-made watches are also trending larger in diameter, this one is a comfortable 37mm. The sunray-finish color dial is not ostentatious, and the finish of the hands and indexes is impeccable. But it wasn't just the hardware that attracted me; it was the way it looked that attracted me most of all.

　The original first model was produced in 1961 at the then Daini Seikosha Kameido Factory. With the Tokyo Olympics approaching, large-scale urban redevelopment was underway at a rapid pace. The cityscape, with the addition of Tokyo Tower, the Shinkansen, and the Shuto Expressway, was likely changing daily.

　Born in Tokyo and aimed at city dwellers, the King Seiko is a perfect example of "Kazemachi Roman." It's not nostalgia at all, but rather a universality that overlaps nostalgia with the near future, almost like hearing the song "Gathering the Wind." This feeling was renewed when I received the King Seiko.

The relaxation brought by deliberate bracelet play

　The new King Seiko features a box crystal with sharp, multifaceted lugs that make a strong impression. The design exudes urban sophistication and is based on the so-called "KSK" model that was introduced in 1965.

　First, I adjusted the links to fit the bracelet to my wrist. This is the real feeling of wearing it, something that cannot be judged just by putting a sample on your wrist.

　The small case and the perfect angle of the lugs make for an excellent fit. The clasp has a wide opening, but the clasp fits neatly in the center. I have thin wrists, so with single-opening clasps, the folding part can sometimes get in the way of my wrist, but this one fits perfectly.

　The bracelet has a hairline finish on the surface and polished facets, giving it a sparkling, high-quality feel. The multiple links not only give it a sense of solidity, but also allow for smooth movement and a relaxed fit. It would have been possible to improve precision even further. However, by deliberately leaving some play in the movement, it allows for a sense of unity without stress, even when worn for long periods of time.

The newly created original design is truly a rebirth

　When traveling abroad, it's on the plane that you're surprisingly conscious of the time. It's a hassle to have to check the time on a monitor, so the quickest way to check is with your watch on your wrist. Unfortunately, the King Seiko isn't luminous, so you have to rely on a reading light or something similar in the dark. However, if it were luminous, it would give the watch a more sporty impression, ruining the chic harmony.

　And while it's not luminous, it's still highly legible. The hour and minute hands are flat and chamfered, whereas the previous KSK model had flat and chamfered hands. The new hands have a sharper design with a bent angle on each side.

　The index at 12 o'clock reproduces the original lighter cut, while the other indexes have a new stripe engraved on the top of the trapezoid. This original design unique to the new model asserts a clear individuality. The simple three-hand design also makes it easy to adjust the date to match the time difference, which is a plus.

　Due to time zone adjustments during travel, the crown will need to be operated more frequently than usual. Although it is not a screw-down type, it is water resistant to 10 bar and, of course, is equipped with the second hand regulation device that gave the original "KSK" its name. Winding is light and easy, with a reliable feel at your fingertips.

　The caliber 6R31 installed in the watch has a long power reserve of approximately 70 hours, but I never really experienced its power reserve. It is a versatile caliber used in Seiko Presage and other watches, and its accuracy is likely to be sufficient for practical use.

The timeless style makes you proud of your Japanese-made watch

　Normally, I only wear a watch when I'm out, and even then I switch it out, picking up a different one depending on my mood at the time, but that's not the case when I'm on a business trip. In my hotel room, my watch serves as my clock, and I'm with the same watch every time I'm awake, from a relaxed breakfast to a business meeting or a slightly more formal dinner. It's an experience you don't often get to have in your daily life, and one that can only be had while traveling.

　To sum up, I had a very enjoyable week with the King Seiko. It fit perfectly under my jacket sleeve during the interview, and was perfectly functional as a practical tool. At dinner, the hands and indexes sparkled beautifully against the black dial in the candlelight on the table.

　Unfortunately, I was caught in a light rain while strolling around the city during my free time, but I didn't mind wearing the bracelet version. Geneva is home to many prestigious watch brands, and it's not uncommon to see watch enthusiasts wearing complications. Even in such a setting, I didn't feel intimidated, and in fact, I even felt like showing off my Japanese-made watch.

　I'd like to try the strap design next time. There are five different variations, and although they're not interchangeable, they're not difficult to change with a simple tool. If you keep a spare on hand, you can enjoy them even more depending on the occasion and purpose.

　It's not flashy, but you can discover different charms with each use. What I felt from the King Seiko is that it is timeless and ever-changing. That's why I would like to call it a rebirth rather than a reproduction.