If you’re reading a Revolution article, we’re making a wild assumption that you already know all about Seiko and its high-end sibling, Grand Seiko. That’s a given. You might not be as familiar with King Seiko, a very nice sub-group of watches that straddles the middle ground between Seiko and Grand Seiko, yet exists under the auspices of the larger Seiko name. The name is old, it first debuted in 1961, but since 2022 the brand has been releasing a few models every year — sensitive reinterpretations of historic designs, and this latest release is no different.

The King Seiko KS1969 is a quartet of watches, based on a design from 1969 (the model name is a bit of a giveaway in this regard), called the 45KCM. This original model featured a distinctive cushion-shaped case profile with broad, polished flanks. The new collection honors this late-60s spirit, while updating the overall package in line with modern tastes. The case is very comfortable on the wrist, at 39.4mm across and has hair under 10mm thick, with a fantastic retro-style bracelet that is, thankfully, built to 2024 levels of quality.

We’re off to a good start with the slim lines and nostalgic shapes of the KS1969, but, as is so often the case with Seiko watches, it’s the dial where the magic happens.

Of the four models, SJE109 is the most conservative option, a silver opaline finish with a subtle texture. If you’re looking for a version of this watch that is as faithful to 1969 as possible, this is the reference for you. However, if you want a little more flair, consider the pair of SJE111 and SJE113. The first boasts one of the most spectacular purple dials I’ve seen on a watch in some time, with the washi-paper-inspired texture realised in a vibrant hue that shimmers in the light from deep aubergine to ultraviolet. Seiko says the color is ‘Edo purple’, which became very popular in the Edo period as sumptuary laws around who could where what relaxed. While the history of the hue makes for a great press release, the fact of the matter is that it’s just a great-looking watch with a big personality, and that’s all you need.

If purple is a little loud for your tastes, tone it down with SJE113, a rich olive green dial evoking the natural greenery of Tokyo. All these dials have blocky hands and hour markers, though the double-wide 12 marker has an interesting detail that evokes the fletching of an arrow.

Finally, SJE115 is a limited edition watch celebrating 100 years of Seiko as a brand (the name was first used on a wristwatch dial in 1924), with a light, icy-blue dial with the Seiko name in gold and a textured pattern inspired by a dragon’s scales. This piece is limited to 700 pieces.

Every single watch is powered by the 6L35, a high-grade Seiko automatic with a slimmer profile that is roughly analogous in size and specs to the ETA 2892-A2. It’s a fitting movement for this nostalgic daily dress option, a watch that proves that the King Seiko line is worthy of its place in watchmaking’s royal court.

Discover the King Seiko KS1969 watches here.

Tech Specs: Seiko King Seiko KS1969

Movement: Self-winding Caliber 6L35; 45-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; central seconds; date
Case: 39.4mm × 9.9mm; stainless steel; water-resistant to 50m
Bracelet: Steel
Price: EUR 3,200
Availability: July 2024