Few watchmakers know how to imbue art into their dials like Seiko, whose myriad of models and variants have taken inspiration from nature, pop culture, and its nation’s history. We’ve seen this mostly within the brand’s Grand Seiko sub-label, but it’s now crossing over to the mid-level timepieces with an upcoming release. Now, the Japanese brand’s King Seiko range gets a new iteration, donning a beautiful floral-like pattern on the dial to go along with the updated specs given to the lineup earlier this year.
For those who know Seiko and its top-tier Grand Seiko line, you may or may not be familiar with the recently revived King Seiko range, which is placed somewhere in between the two. The Japanese watchmaker has made some new additions to the label, albeit slowly but surely. Bulking up the case from 38.1mm to a still-modest 38.6mm while also losing 0.7mm in thickness (now 10.7mm), Seiko maintains the overall design ethos of the 1965 original KSK.
Limited to just 600 pieces, this new variant, ref. SJE095, features a stunning white dial that takes after the chrysanthemum — one of Japan’s national flowers and a symbol for longevity and rejuvenation. The pattern is achieved by utilizing a traditional glassware cut known as “kiku tsunagi-mon” that features hypnotizing texture. Housed inside the stainless steel case is the Caliber 6L35 automatic typically used in Seiko’s Presage range, along with the non-limited King Seikos from earlier this year. Boasting 45 hours of power reserve and 50m of water resistance, the timepiece features the King Seiko emblem on the steel caseback and is adorned with a seven-link stainless steel bracelet. There’s also a gray leather strap that comes with it.
Arriving in October, the King Seiko SJE095 “Chrysanthemum” Dial watch will be priced at $3,400. Head over to Seiko’s website to learn more.
