King Seiko, a legendary name in Japanese watchmaking that immediately evokes quality and refinement. This prestigious collection, launched in the early 1960s, was born from a friendly rivalry between two subsidiaries of the Seiko group – Daini and Suwa – each seeking to create the most precise and elegant watch in Japan.
Facing the illustrious Grand Seiko from Suwa, positioned as the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, King Seiko represented Daini’s response, offering high-end pieces with assertive design and sophisticated movements. Historically reserved for the Japanese domestic market, these watches were distinguished by exceptional manufacturing quality, just a notch below Grand Seikos in terms of price and finishing.
After the glorious era of the 1960s-1970s, King Seikos disappeared during the quartz revolution in 1975. But to the surprise of collectors, Seiko orchestrated a true contemporary renaissance of the line starting in 2020, reviving this heritage with modern models inspired by the classics of yesteryear.
In this article, we will examine the origin and history of King Seiko watches, their main generations and technical innovations, compare them to Grand Seikos, and then offer you a practical guide for discerning collectors wishing to acquire these long-overlooked watchmaking jewels outside Japan.
Sommaire
Origins of King Seiko: Context and Renaissance
At the turn of 1960, Seiko decided to compete with Swiss watchmaking in the high-end segment. The manufacture then adopted an original strategy: to have its two subsidiaries, Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha, work in emulation, each developing its own prestigious watch.
Thus, in 1960, the first Grand Seiko appeared (produced by Suwa), followed in 1961 by the first King Seiko (produced by Daini). King Seiko established itself from the outset as a luxury watch line with an assertive style, positioned just below Grand Seiko.
King Seikos share with Grand Seikos the quest for chronometric precision and attention to detail, while asserting their own personality โ often a bit bolder in design. This internal competition stimulated innovation: Daini and Suwa took turns refining movements, adjustments, and designs, benefiting Seiko as a whole. For example, as early as 1968, both branches introduced Hi-Beat calibers with high frequency (36,000 vibrations/hour) for their flagship GS and KS models, competing with the best Swiss chronometers.
Unfortunately, the rise of quartz in the early 1970s sounded the death knell for mechanical King Seikos. In 1975, Seiko simultaneously stopped production of King Seiko and Grand Seiko to focus on quartz watches (under the names King Quartz, Grand Quartz, etc.). It wasn’t until 1988 that the Grand Seiko name reappeared on a watch, and more than four decades for King Seiko to be reborn. In 2020, Seiko surprised everyone by relaunching King Seiko in its Prestige collection. These contemporary models โ such as the limited edition “KSK” 1965 reissue in 2021 โ incorporate iconic elements (angular mirror-polished cases, clean dials, historic KS logo) while integrating modern automatic calibers. King Seiko has thus become, in the current hierarchy, Seiko’s premium offering (below the independent Grand Seiko brand), seducing enthusiasts with its refined heritage.
Historical Generations of King Seiko
Let’s now delve into history and explore the main generations of King Seiko, each marked by technical and aesthetic advancements. From the very first manual King Seiko to the exuberant King Seiko Vanac of the 1970s, we will detail movements, frequencies, designs, production periods, and key innovations.
The First King Seiko (1961) โ The Manual Pioneer
The very first King Seiko, reference J14102, left the Daini Seikosha workshops in 1961. It was the immediate response to Suwa’s Grand Seiko launched the previous year. Visually, this original King Seiko displays a sober and elegant style: a steel case of ~35 mm with classic rounded lines, a silver dial with fine applied baton indexes, and polished dauphine hands.
The โKing Seikoโ logo proudly adorns the dial, symbolizing Seiko’s new royal lineage. Under the hood, we find a 54A manual winding caliber (25 jewels) beating at 18,000 vph โ a traditional frequency offering about 45 hours of power reserve. This uncomplicated movement (no date or central seconds on the first models) is renowned for its robustness and precision for the time. Some rare variants feature a small eight-pointed star symbol on the dial, indicating a โSpecial Dialโ (SD) signifying that the indexes are solid 18K gold โ a prestige detail that would become a code on other high-end Seikos of the sixties.
Produced in limited quantities until 1963, the King Seiko J14102 is now rare and highly sought after. It represents the starting point of the KS adventure and the first expression of this philosophy: to offer, alongside Grand Seikos, watches combining high chronometric precision and careful design, embodying the best of Japanese watchmaking expertise. Released at a high price for the time (several times the cost of a standard Seiko), the first King Seiko attests to Seiko’s audacity in tackling the luxury mechanical segment.
King Seiko 44KS (1964-1968) โ The โGrammar of Designโ Era
In 1964, Daini introduced a major new generation: the King Seiko 44KS. Its name comes from the caliber it houses, the 44A, an evolution of the previous movement. Still manual winding, this 44A caliber maintains 18,000 vph but adds a calendar complication on some references (the 44-9990 is dateless, while the 44-2000 and later 44-8000 integrate a date at 3 o’clock).
The great novelty of this generation lies in the case design. Under the impetus of designer Taro Tanaka, Seiko formalized its famous โGrammar of Designโ during this period: an aesthetic language made of flat surfaces and sharp angles capturing light.
The King Seiko 44KS thus adopted a case with faceted lugs and sharp edges, alternating mirror polish and brushing โ a resolutely modern style that contrasted with the roundness of 1950s watches. This case of about 36 mm, with its screw-down back featuring a gold โKSโ medallion, would become emblematic of the KS and GS of the late 60s.
The 44KS dial features wide, beveled indexes and slender dauphine hands, offering excellent legibility and a clean aesthetic. Some versions bear the “Chronometer” mention following chronometer certification by Japan, but Seiko quickly abandoned this designation on dials after 1966 to avoid confusion with Swiss standards.
Technically, the manual 44A caliber gained sophistication: it integrated a hacking seconds mechanism โ rare at the time โ allowing the hand to be stopped during setting for precise time adjustment. The date, on the 4402-8000 models, had a semi-instantaneous change. Winding remained manual daily, as Seiko had not yet introduced automatics to the KS range at this stage. Produced until 1968, the King Seiko 44KS enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability and precision. It also marks the assertion of the KS style with its clean geometric shapes, which would strongly influence the contemporary Grand Seiko โ62GSโ and โ44GSโ.
Find your King Seiko 44KS on Catawiki (an icon of Japanese watch design often up for auction)
King Seiko 45KS (1968-1970) โ The Manual High-Frequency
While Suwa developed automatic Grand Seikos, Daini responded in 1968 with the King Seiko 45KS. This new series took a significant technical step: its manual caliber 45 (4500/4502) was a Hi-Beat oscillating at 36,000 vph, thus doubling the frequency of the first KS. This high frequency โ 10 vibrations per second โ allowed for better running stability and made the 45KS among the most precise watches of their time. The dateless (4500-7000) and date (4502-7000) references also offered easier setting thanks to a quick date change device. The 4502A caliber with 25 jewels featured hacking seconds and an instantaneous date change at midnight โ a mechanical feat that avoided waiting for a slow calendar scroll.
Aesthetically, the 45KS adopted the angular “Grammar of Design” style case initiated by the 44KS, refining it further. The 36 mm steel case saw its polished facets highlighted by even sharper edges.
The dial, often silver sunburst or sometimes textured (some versions called โlinenโ with a linen pattern), displayed the KS Hi-Beat logo and the small symbol of the designing factory: a stylized lightning bolt (Daini’s logo) on the 45KS models. On the back, the gold King Seiko medallion was present. The 45KS sometimes bore the “Chronometer” mention on the very first examples from 1968-69, but from 1970 onwards, Seiko gave up official certifications for King Seiko. In terms of production, the 45KS series was relatively brief: until about 1970, as Seiko was already preparing for the arrival of high-performance automatic movements.
Nevertheless, the King Seiko 45KS is often considered the pinnacle of the manual line โ with its highly accomplished 45 high-beat movement (which would serve as the basis for the most precise Grand Seiko V.F.A. chronometers) โ and it remains a choice piece for collectors for its reliability and chronometric precision.
King Seiko 56KS (1968-1975) โ The Advent of the Automatic
1968 marked a turning point: for the first time, Seiko equipped the King Seiko line with an automatic movement. It was the 56KS caliber (5600 family) produced by Suwa that inaugurated this era. The choice of Suwa’s expertise (previously more associated with Grand Seiko) illustrated the end of strict segmentation: henceforth, both factories collaborated and shared their advancements for both KS and GS. The automatic 5626 caliber (28,800 vph, 25 jewels, with auxiliary manual winding and hacking seconds) thus powered the new King Seikos from 1968 onwards. This movement integrated a day and date display, equipped with quick correction via the crown. It should be noted, however, that the date change was no longer instantaneous as on the 45KS, but progressive around midnight, a simpler mechanism but one that required not setting the date during the critical window (to avoid damaging the ratchet).
The King Seiko 56KS came in numerous references until 1975 (5625-7000, 5626-7040, etc.), offering various case variants โ from classic round to the “tonneau” shapes typical of the 70s. The basic design remained true to the KS spirit: beautiful sunburst dials, often marked โKS Hi-Beatโ (as the 28,800 vph frequency is considered high-beat at Seiko, although lower than the 36,000 of the previous manual KS), applied faceted indexes, and a KS logo underlined by the lightning bolt (or Suwa’s swirl depending on the assembly plant).
The case retained a gold medallion, now sometimes made of solid 14K gold on certain references (which added value but made them susceptible to theft or the medallion falling off). The 56KS were offered with or without chronometer certification until 1970. After that date, Seiko simply sold them as standard โHi-Beatโ, except for a few special editions (see 52KS). Despite their excellence, the 56KS had a weakness known to collectors: the quick day-date change mechanism, containing nylon components, proved fragile if mishandled. Many vintage 56KS thus have a partially defective calendar due to handling errors. Nevertheless, a well-maintained King Seiko 56KS offers the charm of a reliable, precise, and very wearable vintage automatic (fairly flat ~37 mm case), combining the best of the KS worlds and Suwa’s advancements.
King Seiko 52KS โSpecialโ (1971-1975) โ The Ultimate Chronometer
Parallel to Suwa’s 56KS, the Daini subsidiary did not stand idle and developed its own series of high-performance automatic calibers โ the 52KS family. Introduced from 1970-71, the 5245 (date) and 5246 (day/date) movements equipped a final generation of King Seiko called King Seiko โSpecial Chronometerโ. These watches, produced until 1975, represent the pinnacle of precision at KS. The 52 calibers are automatics running at 28,800 vph, compact (25.6 mm diameter), integrating hacking seconds, bilingual English/Kanji day display (for the 5246), and manual winding. Regulated more strictly in the factory, they were unofficially certified to be at least equivalent to the best GS of the time (it is said they met the tolerances of the Grand Seiko โSpecialโ). To reflect this status, the dials bore the inscription โSpecialโ or โOfficially Certified Chronometerโ on the first examples. Very quickly, however, Seiko had to remove the โChronometerโ mention for the export market (due to constraints from the Swiss Chronometry Bureau); later models only retained the โSpecialโ star and the KS logo.
An emblematic example is the King Seiko Special ref. 5245-6000 from 1971, recognizable by its monocoque case (one-piece case without a removable back, access to the movement is from the front once the bezel and crystal are removed). This monocoque case improves water resistance (fewer water entry points) but means there is no applied circular medallion: instead, the back bears engraved inscriptions (name, reference, serial number) and a small recessed KS logo. On the front, the silver dial features superb polished indexes and the mention โKS Special Hi-Beatโ above 6 o’clock. The production of these 52KS was relatively limited: Daini made it their โprestige seriesโ until the end, even with limited gold-plated editions. Today, the King Seiko Special are among the most sought-after, as they combine KS charm with outstanding precision and relative rarity. They embody, in a way, the swan song of King Seiko at the dawn of the quartz era.
King Seiko Vanac (1972-1975) โ The Funky Audacity of the 70s
In 1972, as fashion turned colorful and geometric, Seiko launched an original sub-series within King Seiko: the KS Vanac. Under this exotic name (whose exact origin remains mysterious, as no official explanation was given by Seiko), we find King Seikos adopting a resolutely โfashionableโ and avant-garde style.
Angular cases with sometimes hexagonal shapes, integrated metal bracelets extending from the case, faceted crystals like precious stones, and especially brightly colored dials with bold appliques โ the Vanac range is a true concentrate of 1970s design. Technically, most Vanacs housed Suwa’s automatic 5626 hi-beat day/date caliber (so we return to the 56KS, proof of its proven reliability). However, Seiko endowed some Vanacs with special features, such as lacquered indexes or highlighted with black for a strong visual effect. Intended for the Japanese market, Vanacs targeted a younger, trendier clientele, contrasting with the more austere image of the โclassicโ KS.
They nevertheless remained true King Seikos in terms of quality: steel cases sometimes gold-plated, 70m water resistance, and careful finishing.
Produced until 1975, the Vanacs were the last mechanical King Seikos launched before the range was discontinued. Their pronounced โseventiesโ look may have been disconcerting at the time, and they sold in modest volumes. As a result, they are quite rare today, especially in good condition with all original parts (integrated bracelet, intact faceted crystal โ often replaced with a standard one if broken). Notable Vanacs include versions with purple, emerald green, or gold dials, often decorated with patterns or iridescent reflections.
Long shunned by purists for their exuberance, King Seiko Vanacs have recently seen a resurgence of interest โ riding the wave of funky vintage โ and constitute a distinct collector’s item, a marriage of King Seiko quality and the retro-futuristic design of the 70s.
King Seiko vs Grand Seiko: Fraternal Duel
Since their origins, King Seiko and Grand Seiko have often been compared, perceived as โrival sistersโ at the top of the Seiko range. What was the design philosophy of one compared to the other? What notable technical or aesthetic differences? And how are they perceived today by enthusiasts? Let’s dive into this comparison.
Design Philosophy: Grand Seiko (GS) was conceived from the start as the ultimate showcase of Seiko’s expertise โ watches designed to compete with the best Swiss chronometers, without compromise on precision, finishing, and elegance, and sold at a high price. King Seiko (KS), on the other hand, followed a similar approach to quality but with a touch of challenger spirit and audacity. It is often said that GS embodied Japanese tradition and classicism, whereas KS allowed for a bit more experimentation in design while maintaining a nearly equivalent performance level. Internally, Suwa and Daini engaged in healthy competition through GS and KS, motivating each other to innovate. For example, when Suwa introduced the automatic Grand Seiko 61GS at 36,000 vph in 1968, Daini immediately proposed the manual King Seiko 45KS at 36,000 vph. Similarly, when Grand Seiko released ultra-precise โV.F.Aโ (Very Fine Adjusted) versions, King Seiko produced its rigorously regulated โSpecialโ chronometer series. In short, KS and GS shared the quest for excellence, with KS simply positioning itself half a step below in terms of brand prestige.
Movements and Complications: Technically, King Seikos often inherited (sometimes with a delay of a few months) the same advancements as Grand Seikos. During the 60s, GS used the highly precise calibers 3180 then 44GS (manual) and 62GS (automatic). KS, for their part, had the equivalent manual calibers 44KS then 45KS, and the automatic 56KS which was actually a cousin of Suwa’s automatic 61GS (both sharing the 5600 caliber base, with different finishes and adjustments).
The main difference lay in the degree of finishing and factory regulation: traditionally, Grand Seiko movements were adjusted in a slightly higher number of positions/temperatures to achieve stricter running tolerances. However, some KS โSpecialโ calibers were adjusted just as finely (the 5245 Special had an advertised precision comparable to GS). Regarding complications, KS and GS offered the essentials (quick date, day/date on some, hacking seconds). Note that GS offered an ultra-precise GS 45 โmeca-quartzโ model as early as 1967 (caliber 4580 V.F.A. at ยฑ2 s/day) โ a feat that KS did not directly match, remaining in the realm of โclassicโ high precision of ยฑ5 to 10 s/day.
Finishing and Aesthetics: Grand Seiko has always emphasized a very clean, almost austere aesthetic, with light dials, sharply defined Zaratsu-polished indexes, and few frills. King Seiko, while remaining sober, sometimes allowed for more originality: more frequent use of textured dials (โlinenโ patterns, etc.), slightly different indexes or logos (e.g., the KS logo topped with a lightning bolt or star), and in the case of the Vanac, an explosion of colors and facets.
On the cases, GS and KS often shared the same language (many KS and GS from the late 60s are hard to distinguish from afar as their angular cases are so similar). GS perhaps aimed to be a tad more refined in details (softer corners on some cases, or for example the famous solid gold lion logo inlaid on the case backs of 60s GS, whereas KS sported a โKSโ crest, usually gold-plated). Overall, KS finishes, especially on the Special or Chronometer versions, are almost at the GS level โ Seiko did not skimp on quality, in order to honor the King Seiko name.
Perceived Value and Collection: At the time, in Japan, Grand Seikos enjoyed slightly higher prestige and a higher catalog price (hence their lower distribution). King Seiko was the โsecond lineโ of prestige, more accessible, which paradoxically earned it slightly wider commercial success in the domestic market in the 60s. Nowadays, for international collectors, the Grand Seiko name is much better known and highlighted (especially since GS became an autonomous brand in 2017). Vintage Grand Seikos thus often reach much higher prices than their King Seiko equivalents, especially for cult references (Grand Seiko โFirstโ 1960, โ62GSโ automatic, โ45GS VFAโ etc.).
However, vintage King Seikos have seen their value climb in recent years, as enthusiasts discover they offer timekeeping quality and finishing almost equivalent to GS, for a long time at a lower price. In short, a savvy collector knows that acquiring a King Seiko 45KS or 56KS represents excellent value for money compared to a Grand Seiko from the same era. In terms of current value, well-preserved manual hi-beat King Seikos often trade around โฌ500 to โฌ800 (while an equivalent Grand Seiko 61GS can exceed โฌ1000). Special or rare KS models (First, Vanac, Special Chronometer), however, see their prices trending upwards, partially catching up to GS.
In conclusion of this fraternal duel, it can be said that King Seiko and Grand Seiko pursued the same goal โ Japanese watchmaking excellence โ by taking parallel paths. Grand Seiko has left a stronger mark on international history, but King Seiko is not simply a โlittle sisterโ: it is a lineage in its own right, with its technical triumphs (hi-beat, special chronometers) and its slightly more adventurous style, fully deserving the recognition of enthusiasts. Today, the revival of King Seiko alongside Grand Seiko breathes new life into this exciting duel, much to the delight of collectors.
King Seiko Collector’s Guide
Vintage King Seikos are attracting growing interest. But collecting these watches requires a discerning eye to identify the best pieces and avoid disappointments. Here is an expert guide covering the most sought-after models, relative rarity, authenticity points to check, known mechanical weaknesses, as well as price ranges in 2025 on the market (indicative data in USD and EUR). As a bonus, a summary table synthesizes key information.
- Most Sought-After Models: The King Seiko โFirstโ J14102 (1961) tops the list โ a true historical piece, extremely rare, which can fetch high prices if in near-original condition. Next are the King Seiko 45KS (1968-70) for their exceptional manual hi-beat movement; examples with a โChronometerโ dial or in mint condition can exceed โฌ/$800. The King Seiko 5245/5246 Special (1971-73) are also highly valued because they are rare and technically accomplished โ expect around โฌ/$1000 for a Special Chronometer in good condition. Notably, the Vanac series, long underestimated, is seeing its value rise for variants with original colors (a gold Vanac model with a purple dial can approach โฌ/$500 to โฌ/$600). Finally, certain particular references like the King Seiko Chronometer 5626-7040 (1970, with Chronometer inscription before this mention was removed) are sought after as the โlast KS chronometersโ.
- Rarity: Generally, since King Seikos were only sold in Japan, their initial distribution was limited. Among them, the rarest is the King Seiko First (perhaps a few thousand examples). The 44KS and 45KS are slightly more common but were produced in smaller numbers than the 56KS (the latter being automatics, Seiko manufactured a larger number in the early 70s). The 52KS Special Chronometers are relatively rare as they were only produced for ~4 years. As for the Vanacs, they were a fraction of the total KS production over 3 years โ some color/bracelet combinations are almost never seen today. On the current second-hand market, King Seiko 56KS are most frequently found (often with a malfunctioning day or date), followed by 45KS. The First and Specials are typically hunted through specialized auctions or collector networks.
- Authenticity โ Dials and Markings: This is a crucial point. Many King Seikos have undergone โredialsโ or replacements with non-compliant parts. It is therefore necessary to know the original attributes. For example, a King Seiko 45KS dial should not bear the mention โOfficially Certifiedโ after 1969; similarly, a 56KS dial post-1970 should not display โChronometerโ (Seiko having ceased inscribing it following new Swiss rules). Be wary therefore of inscriptions inconsistent with the serial number year. Logos and indexes must be well-applied and compliant: on Daini KS, one expects to see the small stylized lightning bolt (โก) on the dial or case back, while on Suwa KS, the swirl (โผ) may appear on the crown or movement. โSpecial Dialโ (SD) dials with an 8-pointed golden star (18K) or โApplied Dialโ (AD) with a triangle โ ๏ธ are a plus, but beware of fake symbols glued on later. The case back must feature either the King Seiko medallion (crowned โKSโ crest) in a gold plate, or โ for monocoque cases โ clear engravings. A missing or smooth medallion is a sign of a heavily polished or tampered watch. Also check the crown signature: original KS have either a crown with a raised โSeikoโ logo or the โKSโ symbol. If you see a crown signed โGSโ on a King Seiko, it is possibly a replacement crown from a Grand Seiko (restoration error). Finally, the hands must match the model: for example, the 45KS feature faceted dauphine hands with a counterbalance, whereas a flat or incorrectly sized hand would betray a substitution.
- Mechanical Weaknesses: Despite their quality, some King Seikos have weaknesses to watch out for. The best known concerns the auto caliber 5626 (King Seiko 56KS): its quick day change mechanism is made of plastic and can break if one attempts to set the day during the transition (usually between 9 pm and 3 am). Many vintage 5626s have this problem (day no longer jumps or gets stuck). Fortunately, specialized watchmakers can replace the part with an equivalent (sometimes remanufactured in brass). The 5246 calibers have a monocoque construction making maintenance more complex: ensure the watch has its front gasket and that water resistance has been tested after servicing, otherwise sweat can seep in over time. Manual 45KS do not like violent shocks: their high frequency means a shock can deregulate the fine adjustment lever. Avoid wearing them for intense physical activities. Finally, pay attention to the case back medallions: they are glued on the 44KS/45KS/56KS and can detach if the watch is heated (e.g., during polishing). Preserving the original medallion is vital for value, so some collectors prefer not to polish the case back too much to keep the original glue intact.
- Price Ranges (2025): The King Seiko market remains more affordable than that of Grand Seiko, but prices are rising. At the entry-level, a King Seiko 56KS automatic in decent condition (some scratches, calendar function needing service) trades around โฌ300-โฌ400 ($350-$450). 56KS in excellent condition, serviced, gravitate more towards โฌ600 ($650). Manual King Seiko 45KS range between โฌ500 and โฌ800 ($550-$900) depending on condition, presence of the medallion, and a possible rare dial. Chronometer or early series versions can reach โฌ1000 ($1100). King Seiko Specials (5245/5246) often exceed โฌ1000 and approach โฌ1500 ($1200-$1600) if particularly well-preserved with box/papers. The King Seiko โFirstโ J14102, almost impossible to find, sells according to auctions: examples have gone for around โฌ800-โฌ1000 ($900-$1100) in average condition, and surely more in perfect condition. Finally, the Vanacs, long inexpensive, see transactions around โฌ400-โฌ500 ($450-$550) โ some NOS variants can surprise at โฌ700+. In sum, with โฌ600 one can still afford a very nice vintage King Seiko in 2025, whereas an equivalent Grand Seiko would cost double.
Summary Table of Main King Seiko Models
| Model (Year) | Movement | Frequency | Features | Estimated Price 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KS โFirstโ J14102 (1961) | Cal. 54A manual, 25j | 18,000 vph | No date, dial often SD (gold indexes) Rare, first Daini model | โฌ800โโฌ1200 ($900โ$1300) |
| King Seiko 44KS (1964โ68) | Cal. 44A manual, 25j (4402 with date) | 18,000 vph | โGrammar of Designโ case, hacking seconds Gold medallion case back, sometimes Chronometer | โฌ400โโฌ700 ($450โ$800) |
| King Seiko 45KS (1968โ70) | Cal. 4500/4502 manual, 25j | 36,000 vph (Hi-Beat) | Hacking seconds, instant date (4502) โHi-Beatโ inscription, Daini lightning logo | โฌ600โโฌ900 ($650โ$1000) |
| King Seiko 56KS (1968โ75) | Cal. 5625/5626 auto, 25j | 28,800 vph (Hi-Beat) | Bilingual day/date, auto+manual winding 8 Hz frequency, Suwa or Daini logo | โฌ300โโฌ600 ($350โ$650) |
| King Seiko 52KS Special (1971โ75) | Cal. 5245/5246 auto, 25j | 28,800 vph | โSpecialโ Chronometer, monocoque case Day/date (5246), high precision | โฌ1000โโฌ1500 ($1100โ$1600) |
| King Seiko Vanac (1972โ75) | Cal. 5626 auto, 25j | 28,800 vph | Various funky styles (colored dials, faceted crystals) Integrated steel bracelets, Japan only | โฌ400โโฌ600 ($450โ$650) |
Conclusion
Legacy of an era when Seiko challenged Swiss master watchmakers on their own turf, King Seikos embody the subtle alliance of chronometric precision and assertive Japanese design. Alternately classic, sporty, or avant-garde, they marked the watchmaking history of Japan from 1961 to 1975. Long overshadowed by their glorious Grand Seiko sisters, they are now returning to the forefront, driven by an enthusiasm for quality vintage watches and the revival orchestrated by Seiko.
For the discerning collector, a King Seiko offers the pleasure of a fine and robust piece, endowed with a rich technical soul (hi-beat movement, impeccable hand finishing) and a unique aesthetic oscillating between sobriety and audacity. Whether you are seduced by the purity of a 45KS โHi-Beatโ, the rarity of a Special Chronometer, or the disco charm of a Vanac, King Seikos will find a place of choice in your collection โ while connecting you to a fascinating chapter of Japanese watchmaking history. In short, King Seikos are no longer yesterday’s โoutsiders,โ but rediscovered queens of time, ready to reign on the wrists of enlightened enthusiasts.
Pour bien s'habiller, il faut comprendre le vรชtement, mais aussi la marque et sa stratรฉgie.