Since its establishment in 1881, Seiko has been a prolific watch manufacturer with a stunning array of watches under several brands and sub-labels. While many think of the name Grand Seiko when it comes to quality in-house watches, the sub-brand named King Seiko was another household name alluding to Japanese watch manufacturing precision back in the 1960s. Under Taro Tanaka’s design guidelines, Seiko distinguished its watchmaking from the Swiss style as its watch cases had to be shaped without distortion, its bezels simple, and its watch hands flat and sharp. Until today,Seiko’s watchmaking philosophy is evident in the King Seiko collection. King Seiko is a crucial series for Seiko, hence it still remains in Seiko’s permanent collection to this very day. We hail the King Seiko collection once again with the retro and elegant Seiko Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Sunburst Silver Ref. SDKS001. 

Firstly, the 37mm sized case of the SDKS001 is sharp and angular with a height of 12.1mm and the lug-to-lug distance being 43.6mm. Even if a wearer has big wrists, the 37 mm sized case would be  balanced and well proportioned. Moreover, the case is painstakingly done with brushed and polished Zaratsu-finishings, closely resembling the original King Seiko 44-9990. This timepiece’s faceted lugs have been adapted straight from the 1965 model. The boxed sapphire crystal transports the wearer back to the heyday of the 1960s. Both the crown and the caseback are completed with the same King Seiko emblem that came with the original one.

Impeccable polished indices decorate the sunburst silver dial of the SDKS001. This lustrous dial reminds the wearer of the vintage look of the 60s once again. The workmanship on each marker is skilfully executed so that they glow iridescently when they reflect light. Just like the 44-9990, the marker at 12 is twice the width of the rest and reveals a fine pyramid-like pattern on the top surface. Without a date indication, the dial remains clean and balanced. Moreover, the hour and minute hands are flat with a Zaratsu-polished, faceted surface, along with a needle-thin seconds hand.

Additionally, this timepiece is outfitted with the in-house caliber 6R31 which is closely linked to the 6R35. With 24 jewels, the 6R31 runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. Such a movement is accurate to run within 15/-25 seconds per day, just like its dated cousin, the 6R35.

A retro stainless steel multi-link bracelet, akin to the one on the original 1965 model, adds to the  vintage feel of the SDKS001. The faceted links from case to folding buckle boast an elegant finish with polished bevels.

Fortunately, the King Seiko Mechanical is affordably priced between the average top-end of Seiko and below Grand Seiko’s entry-level models, providing tremendous value for watch enthusiasts.  The combination of a flat dial with faceted indexes and broad, sharp hands enables the wearer to luxuriate in the refined mien of the watch. Surely, this sophisticated knockout with the sunburst silver dial would certainly be value for money.