The story
King Seiko watches from the 1970s represent a pinnacle of Japanese horological craftsmanship, blending precision engineering with elegant design. The first King Seiko was produced in 1965 as a premium line by Seiko, launched to compete with Swiss luxury watches, showcasing exceptional quality and innovative technology. The 1970s marked a transformative era for Seiko, as the brand embraced quartz movements, which revolutionized the watch industry and solidified its reputation for reliability and accuracy.
Characterized by their distinctive styling and robust construction, King Seiko watches often featured striking dials, polished cases, and meticulous attention to detail. The production of King Seiko watches took place in two main factories: Suwa and Daini. Collectors and enthusiasts today value these watches not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance, as they embody a crucial period in the evolution of watchmaking that bridged traditional mechanical craftsmanship with modern advancements.
The dial on this King Seiko had been baked into a wonderful patina of pinks and blacks, presumably having been exposed to direct sunlight for what must have been years. The beauty of the dial was offset somewhat by the fact that the shadows of the hands were also seared into the surface.
The design, of a traditional warrior guarding his town, is intended to allow as much of this dial color through, but put it in a new context, resembling moonlight, or smoke and stars. The village and the mountains are kept as minimalist as possible to take advantage of the negative space. The sword of the Samurai is also intended to replicate the hands of the watch itself, and the sharp indices that indicate the hours on the dial.