Seiko's New Reimagining of a Legendary Watch Is Steeped in Japanese Lore

Seiko has a certain taste for revivals and subcollections. So when the Japanese watchmaker rolled out its new King Seiko series last year, it just made sense. This run of timepieces celebrates some of the brand’s finest tickers from the 1960s, and manages to mix the utilitarian with the elegant. And now, to help commemorate Seiko's 100th anniversary, it has reimagined one of its most legendary watches and unveiled the King Seiko KS1969 .

Based on the King Seiko 45KCM from 1969, the new KS1969 adopts the curved contours of the original, reworking them with modern themes. The new design is thin (9.9mm thick) and features a rounded, box-shaped glass. The ergonomic thought process can be seen reiterated throughout the design, such as in the multifaceted index at 12 o’clock, which is designed with a pattern that evokes the feather fletching of an arrow, familiar from traditional Japanese archery.

The watch is powered by the slimline Caliber 6L35, which has a power reserve of 45 hours. The movement features 26 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and still allows the watch to keep its slim appearance.

The new multi-row bracelet features shorter links and mirror-polished-and-brushed finishing created to give a subtle sparkle when the watch reflects light. On the case back, the King Seiko “shield” returns.

The KS1969 comes in three colors (silver, purple, and green), each signifying differing elements of Japan. The textured silver dial looks to reference the modern cityscape of Tokyo. The purple dial is meant to bring to mind the traditional Japanese color known as “Edo purple.” The green dial features a gradation meant to capture the plant life that has covered parts of Tokyo over the years.

Additionally, in honor of its 100th anniversary, Seiko has unveiled a limited edition King Seiko KS1969 with a textured light blue-green dial that’s inspired by a rising dragon. All four of the King Seiko KS1969 watches cost $3,100.

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