Japanese watchmaker Seiko adds a new limited edition to their freshly launched King Seiko collection. The King Seiko Kameido Kikko SPB365J1 watch, a limited edition of 1,200 pieces, celebrates the birthplace of the King Seiko brand, Kameido, with a newly developed signature pressed pattern on the dial designed to look like a collection of turtle shells.
The relaunch of the King Seiko watch collection in 2020 was a huge surprise to everyone, and a happy one at that. Before then, the King Seiko had not been since within Seiko’s portfolio since the 1960’s when the Japanese manufacturer opened both the Grand Seiko Suwa Seikosha factory in Nagano and the King Seiko Daini Seikosha factory in Tokyo. The two factories were pitted against each other to see who could achieve the higher levels of quality, precision and beauty within a timepiece. Both produced gorgeous watches; the inaugural King Seiko appeared in 1961 followed by a KSK model in 1965. It was Grand Seiko however that was chosen as Seiko’s sole flag bearer for their luxury watch manufacture and the company has seen uninterrupted success ever since.
The King Seiko began its return three years ago with an updated version of the 1965 King Seiko KSK watch which was then later joined by a line-up of colourful editions (you can read more the full range here). Every watch beautifully commemorates the King Seiko brand’s history by reviving the familiar sharp angular cases, faceted indexes, seven-link bracelets and iconic textured marker at 12 o’clock. These features also apply to the latest King Seiko watch to join the collection, the King Seiko Kameido Kikko SPB365J1 Limited Edition. This design is inspired by the birthplace of the King Seiko brand, Kameido in Tokyo, which used to be an island shaped like a turtle shell and was called “Kamejima” or “Turtle Island”.
The King Seiko Kameido Kikko SPB365J1 watch stands out for its unique textured dial which honours the district of Kameido. The pattern used is known as “Kikkoumon” and sees an array of hexagonal shapes placed on top of each other and merged together to create a breathtaking play of light and texture. Kikkoumon takes inspiration from the shapes seen on tortoise shells and for centuries has become a symbol of longevity and prosperity in Japan. The pattern is complemented by a beautiful dark brown gradient hue which turns shimmery and golden towards the centre. According to Seiko, the colour used is inspired by the native Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys Japonica.
The rest of the dial maintains all the elements seen on previous King Seiko watches with the applied baton indexes, pyramid-like textured 12 o’clock marker and Zaratsu-polished sword-shaped hands providing time only function. There’s no luminous coating in sight and the slender seconds hand is coloured in a similar bronzed hue to the gradient dial. Powering the King Seiko Kameido Kikko SPB365J1 Limited Edition is the automatic winding, in-house Calibre 6R31 with 24 jewels, a frequency of 21,600vph and a power reserve of 72 hours. We’re also promised an accuracy of +15/-25 seconds per day.
The case of the King Seiko Kameido Kikko watch is also a familiar sight, referencing its 1960’s predecessor with mirror-polished and brushed finishings, faceted lugs, a bevelled bezel and box-shaped sapphire crystal glass. The case is engineered from stainless steel and measures to 37mm in diameter and 12.1mm in height and is set with a knurled crown and closed case back both engraved with the original King Seiko logo. The King Seiko Kameido Kikko Limited Edition is also water resistant to 100 metres. Finally, the design is available with both a leather strap and bracelet option. The stainless steel bracelet is of a 7-link construction and closes by a three-fold clasp with push button release. The additional leather strap is crafted from LWG-certified sustainable calf leather and closes by a steel buckle.
If you’d like to learn more about the new King Seiko Kameido Kikko watch and secure one of the 1,200 limited edition pieces for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 37mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screwed
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Calibre 6R31, automatic winding, in-house
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Brown gradient with “Kikkoumon” pattern
- Strap: Seven-link steel bracelet and additional black leather strap
- Limited: 1,200 pieces
- Reference: SPB365J1
- RRP: £1,600
