Seiko Release King Seiko 1969 Re-Interpretations and ‘Rising Dragon’ Limited Edition

When the King Seiko family was revived in 2022 it quickly became a personal favourite for its sharp facets and precise, clean display. Since then, the collection has only received updated colourways, until now. With the launch of the Seiko King Seiko 6L 1969 Re-Interpretation we have a completely new model being added to the collection for the first time.

Well, I say completely new, it is of course a re-interpretation of a 1969 reference meaning that we have seen elements of this design in the past. Specifically, it’s based on the 45KS 4502-8020, a famous watch in Seiko’s heritage because it was their first watch to ever achieve chronometer certification. You can see that connection in the new cases of the modern re-interpretations, which are 39.4mm in diameter with sweeping curves and a round design very different to the angular shapes we’ve come to know from King Seiko.

However, while the design of the case is very different to the existing King Seiko models, the layout and style of the dial is familiar. Bar index hour markers surround the edge of the display and a date window sits at 3 o’clock. The hands have been updated, they still have bevelled edges but the taper is not so severe, leading to a flat top and a blunt end as opposed to a triangular shape. Overall, I think the combination of the case and dial works really well, like a dress watch interpretation of the Prospex Turtle.

As for colour, there are four dial options available – three standard editions and one limited. The standard ones are Metropolis Silver, Edo Purple and Forest Green, which are all self-explanatory. The limited edition is called Rising Dragon and it has a teal dial with an additional textured finish that the others lack. It’s a triangular geometric pattern that gives the piece a scale-like appearance. It’s of course a celebration of the fact that it’s the Year of the Dragon, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Seiko brand name. As a self-proclaimed geek, there’s no way the dragon one can’t be my favourite.

Beneath the dials of the King Seiko 6L 1969 Re-Interpretation sits the Calibre 6L35, Seiko’s slimmest automatic movement. It allows the watch to have a thickness of just 9.9mm, much slimmer than the broad curve of the case implies. On a specs front, it has a 45-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -10/+15 seconds per day.

That brings us to the price, which is £2,750 for all four variants, including the 700 piece limited edition. The mid-to-high £2,000 price bracket is an area Seiko are exploring a lot more recently, putting them in competition with brands like Oris and the lower end of Tudor. Considering how much interest there is in Seiko right now, it makes a lot of sense. Although my personal interest remains seated in the original KSK models due to their angular and more svelte appearance that I love.

More details at Seiko Boutique.

​Oracle Time 

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