Up Close with the King Seiko Kameido Kikko Limited Edition
Monday - 27 February 2023
The new King Seiko Kameido Kikko watch is limited to just 1,200 pieces worldwide and boasts a stunning turtle shape-inspired golden brown gradient dial that pays homage to the roots of the original King Seiko Manufacturer founded in Kameido, Tokyo.
If you’re looking for a midway point between a budget-friendly Seiko watch and a high-end Grand Seiko watch, the King Seiko is the stop to get off at. The King Seiko watch was revived recently and has now been brought back to signify the 110th anniversary of Seiko in what is set to be a series of unveilings that mark this special celebration. The King Seiko was the Japanese company’s “other child” and was born out of a somewhat competitive relationship between Daini Seikosha and Suwa Seikosha. The foundations of Grand Seiko originate from Nagano and soon became an expression of Seiko’s most finely distilled timepieces, whilst the Kameido manufacture in Tokyo focussed more on developing luxury watches that appealed to a larger scope of fans. It is, therefore, fair to say, that from the very beginning Grand Seiko watches and King Seiko watches were born with very different purposes and clientele in mind. Both, however, captured the advances of Seiko watch manufacture during the 1960s. Many believe that the true King Seiko died back in the mid-1970s when the Daini Seikosha’s factory closed. Others simply prefer to believe it has been in a state of slumber until most recently when Seiko re-tuned its focus back towards the popular design codes of this famous watch.
The 110th Anniversary King Seiko watch is named the Kameido Kikko Limited Edition (reference SPB365J1) and has been manufactured in a limited supply of just 1,200 pieces worldwide. It pays homage to the birthplace of King Seiko and boasts a stunning new dial pattern. The dial technique is named after King Seiko’s birthplace, Kameido and features a repeated hexagonal shape, designed to look like turtle shells.
The King Seiko DNA
Seiko watches from the King Seiko line all share several characteristics that commemorate the brand’s history and its role in producing these incredibly robust, ready-to-role wristwatches. All King Seiko watches can be classed as a revival of the original King Seiko KSK watch from 1965. The new line has gained itself a rather cult-like following, similar to the King Seiko fan base from decades ago. Angular cases and a bracelet that is akin to a Jubilee are just a few examples of these characteristics. King Seiko watches also feature a special hallmark at the 12 o’clock location on their dials – a marker that is twice the thickness of the rest of the hour markers to enhance readability.
The new King Seiko “Kameido-Kikko” Limited Edition watch
The new King Seiko “Kameido-Kikko” Limited Edition watch measures a diameter of 37mm and is crafted from stainless steel. The top of the case is sealed with a piece of scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass which forms a protective shield over the top of a uniquely textured dial inspired by the Kameido district in Tokyo. Golden brown tones emanate from the centre of the gradient dial, whilst deeper brown tones reach out to the periphery of the dial. The repeated textured shapes on the surface of the dial evoke the shells of turtles in a nod to Kameido, an island that used to take the shape of a turtle, acquiring its name “Turtle Island”. The turtle is also a worshipped animal in many East Asian countries, where it is considered a symbol of longevity and good luck. Even the golden brown tones of the dial are inspired by the Mauremys Japonica – a species of Japanese pond turtle.
The case of the new King Seiko Kameido Kikko Limited Edition watch measures a height of 12.06mm and is water resistant to 100 meters. Inside the case is an automatic and manual winding movement – the Calibre 6R31, which performs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour and produces a 72-hour power reserve. It also offers a bi-directional rotor, a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m and comprises 24 jewels.
The new King Seiko Kameido Kikko Limited Edition watch is fitted on a stainless steel 7-link bracelet with a three-fold clasp design and a push button release mechanism. The additional strap supplied with this special limited edition purchase is a black LWG-certified sustainable calf leather band with a stainless steel clasp.
If you’d like more information on the new King Seiko Kameido Kikko Limited Edition SPB365J1 and would like to purchase one of the 1,200 pieces available, you can check out the watch on the Jura Watches product page here, or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453.
