King Seiko, once a rival to the mighty Swiss watchmakers, faded in the 70s. But now, it's back! Is it ready to challenge its luxurious sibling, Grand Seiko? In this review, we'll compare the new King Seiko SBP279 to my Grand Seiko, examining:
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Today, we're comparing two Seikos: the new King Seiko and a Grand Seiko, in five key areas: history, design, wearability, movement, and price.
History: From Rivals to Tiers
Seiko's story in the 1960s is legendary. They challenged Swiss dominance in observatory trials, with some rumors of internal competition between Seiko factories. While both King Seiko and Grand Seiko achieved high accuracy, Grand Seiko became the brand's luxury focus in the late 1980s. King Seiko faded, but it's back!
Design: Classic King Seiko With Modern Touches
The new King Seiko SBP279 comes in five dial colors. The silver sunburst dial is most historically accurate, referencing the 1960s 44KS. It's simple and elegant, with a stylized "King Seiko" at 6:00. However, some might find the "automatic" text below unnecessary.
Compared to the Grand Seiko SBG415 with its textured, cloud-like dial, the King Seiko's design feels a bit less inspired. The Grand Seiko also has a thinner, higher-quality sapphire crystal.
Wearability: Size Matters
The King Seiko (37mm) is smaller than the Grand Seiko (40mm), making it a better fit for some wrists. The King Seiko's case emphasizes flat, polished surfaces, while the Grand Seiko has less dramatic lugs. Both bracelets lack micro-adjustments, affecting a perfect fit.
Movement: A Big Difference
The Grand Seiko's 9R65 Spring Drive is a marvel. This technology combines a mainspring with a quartz regulator for exceptional accuracy and a smooth sweep. The King Seiko's 6R31 movement, however, falls short. While well-made, its accuracy is lower than expected for a King Seiko name historically known for chronometer-grade movements.
Price: Value Proposition
The King Seiko ($1,700) is significantly cheaper than the Grand Seiko ($6,000). The King Seiko offers great value with its size, design, and bracelet, but the movement is a sticking point.
Hey everyone, Max here from WatchCrunch! Are you tired of shallow watch discussions online? Do clunky forums leave you cold? Well, join us at [invalid URL removed], a modern platform built for watch lovers to talk watches!
Today, we're comparing two Seikos: the new King Seiko and a Grand Seiko, in five key areas: history, design, wearability, movement, and price.
History: From Rivals to Tiers
Seiko's story in the 1960s is legendary. They challenged Swiss dominance in observatory trials, with some rumors of internal competition between Seiko factories. While both King Seiko and Grand Seiko achieved high accuracy, Grand Seiko became the brand's luxury focus in the late 1980s. King Seiko faded, but it's back!
Design: Classic King Seiko With Modern Touches
The new King Seiko SBP279 comes in five dial colors. The silver sunburst dial is most historically accurate, referencing the 1960s 44KS. It's simple and elegant, with a stylized "King Seiko" at 6:00. However, some might find the "automatic" text below unnecessary.
Compared to the Grand Seiko SBG415 with its textured, cloud-like dial, the King Seiko's design feels a bit less inspired. The Grand Seiko also has a thinner, higher-quality sapphire crystal.
Wearability: Size Matters
The King Seiko (37mm) is smaller than the Grand Seiko (40mm), making it a better fit for some wrists. The King Seiko's case emphasizes flat, polished surfaces, while the Grand Seiko has less dramatic lugs. Both bracelets lack micro-adjustments, affecting a perfect fit.
Movement: A Big Difference
The Grand Seiko's 9R65 Spring Drive is a marvel. This technology combines a mainspring with a quartz regulator for exceptional accuracy and a smooth sweep. The King Seiko's 6R31 movement, however, falls short. While well-made, its accuracy is lower than expected for a King Seiko name historically known for chronometer-grade movements.
Price: Value Proposition
The King Seiko ($1,700) is significantly cheaper than the Grand Seiko ($6,000). The King Seiko offers great value with its size, design, and bracelet, but the movement is a sticking point.
King Seiko vs Grand Seiko: A Detailed Comparison
Feature King Seiko Grand Seiko History Established in the 1960s, known for high-accuracy movements. Faded in the late 1980s, relaunched in 2016. Established in the 1960s, Seiko's luxury arm. Known for precision engineering and craftsmanship. Design More modern take on classic elements. Various dial colors available. Focuses on intricate details and high-quality finishing. More textured dials. Case Size 37mm (better for smaller wrists) 40mm (may be large for some) Movement 6R31 (basic automatic, decent accuracy) 9R65 Spring Drive (innovative, exceptional accuracy, smooth sweep) Price $1,700 (affordable luxury) $6,000 (luxury watch) Strengths Value proposition, comfortable size, attractive design Technological innovation, superior movement, premium materials Weaknesses Movement falls short of brand's historical reputation Higher price point
Additional Notes:
- Both watches lack micro-adjustments on their bracelets.
- King Seiko design may not appeal to purists who prefer the original simplicity.
Final Thoughts: Potential Unfulfilled
The King Seiko is a great watch at its price point. However, the movement feels like a missed opportunity. It doesn't live up to the legacy of the King Seiko name. Hopefully, future models will address this.
Do you care about the King Seiko's movement? Let us know in the comments!
Bonus Wrist Shot: As promised to Omega Nut, here's a wrist shot with his dog, Buster!
| Feature | King Seiko | Grand Seiko |
|---|---|---|
| History | Established in the 1960s, known for high-accuracy movements. Faded in the late 1980s, relaunched in 2016. | Established in the 1960s, Seiko's luxury arm. Known for precision engineering and craftsmanship. |
| Design | More modern take on classic elements. Various dial colors available. | Focuses on intricate details and high-quality finishing. More textured dials. |
| Case Size | 37mm (better for smaller wrists) | 40mm (may be large for some) |
| Movement | 6R31 (basic automatic, decent accuracy) | 9R65 Spring Drive (innovative, exceptional accuracy, smooth sweep) |
| Price | $1,700 (affordable luxury) | $6,000 (luxury watch) |
| Strengths | Value proposition, comfortable size, attractive design | Technological innovation, superior movement, premium materials |
| Weaknesses | Movement falls short of brand's historical reputation | Higher price point |
Additional Notes:
- Both watches lack micro-adjustments on their bracelets.
- King Seiko design may not appeal to purists who prefer the original simplicity.
Final Thoughts: Potential Unfulfilled
The King Seiko is a great watch at its price point. However, the movement feels like a missed opportunity. It doesn't live up to the legacy of the King Seiko name. Hopefully, future models will address this.
Do you care about the King Seiko's movement? Let us know in the comments!
Bonus Wrist Shot: As promised to Omega Nut, here's a wrist shot with his dog, Buster!
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