Seiko has announced a new addition to their King Seiko lineup, and it’s their most radical release yet. Okay, maybe radical is a bold word choice for what is essentially a line of simple, sedate, and elegant dress watches, but this reinvention of the tonneau-cased King Seiko 45KCM offers us our first glimpse at what a King Seiko lineup may look like beyond the shadow of the King Seiko KSK.
If you’ve been paying any attention to King Seiko since the marque was relaunched in 2020, then a lot of the details here will come as no surprise. In many ways, this latest launch follows the same recipe as other recent King Seiko releases, and in particular shares a lot in common with last year’s SJE089/SJE091 King Seiko KSK update.
As I mentioned up top, the new King Seiko KS1969’s big differentiator comes in the form of an elegant tonneau case. I’m a big fan of this case shape, which often offers a tremendous ratio of wrist presence for wearability (just ask anyone who’s ever worn a Doxa Sub300). The new King Seiko is presented in somewhat of a Goldilocks size, with a diameter of 39.4mm, a thickness of 9.9mm (though I’m unclear on if this includes the box sapphire crystal), and a lug-to-lug of 43.6mm.
Seiko also claims that the watch has a low center of gravity which, paired with the curved case, will keep the watch close to the wrist. All of this should make the KS1969 incredibly comfortable for a wide range of wrists. The vintage-inspired multi-link brick bracelet has also been redesigned, with shorter links that will allow for a better fit. The previous version of this bracelet was already a lovely option, but Seiko has been on a run of subtle improvement across their model line recently, and I’m looking forward to the new wear experience this watch promises.
All of this slimness and wearability comes courtesy of the movement used in the KS1969, the Seiko Caliber 6L35. This is the same slimline movement used in last year’s King Seiko KSK, and it also serves as the base caliber for the CR01 automatic found in the Credor Locomotive introduced last week. The main selling point of the 6L35 is the relatively thin architecture, with the 6L35 measuring almost 2mm thinner than the familiar 6R35.
The movement also boasts a greater than typical accuracy when compared to other Seiko movements, with the new watch rated to +15/-10 seconds a day — a noticeable improvement on the +25/-15 seconds promised in previous King Seiko releases equipped with 6R movements. A 45-hour power reserve and magnetic resistance up to 4,800 A/m round out the package.
Four references make up the initial offering for the King Seiko KS1969. Three of these — the SJE109, with a Tokyo-inspired silver dial; the SJE111, with an “Edo Purple” dial; and the SJE113, with a nature-inspired green dial — are all additions to the standard collection. The fourth option, the SJE115, is a limited edition and continues the celebration of Seiko’s 100th year as a brand. The SJE115 sets itself apart with a textured scale motif across its blue-green dial, along with a gold Seiko wordmark.
The King Seiko KS1969 SJE109, SJE111, and SJE113 will be available starting in July 2024 for €3,200. The 100th Anniversary SJE115 will be available starting in July 2024 for the same price in a limited edition of 700 pieces. King Seiko
