King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Satined Silver Ref. SDKS003

Since its establishment in 1881, Seiko has been a tireless watch artisan and manufacturer with a wide array of watches under several brands and sub-labels. While the Grand Seiko may first come to mind when it comes to quality in-house watches, the sub-brand named King Seiko is another household name synonymous with Japanese watch manufacturing precision back in the 1960s. Under Taro Tanaka’s design guidelines, Seiko distinguished its watchmaking from the Swiss style as its watch cases had to be shaped without distortion, its bezels simple, and its watch hands flat and sharp. Seiko’s watchmaking philosophy is evident in the King Seiko collection until today. King Seiko is a crucial series for Seiko, hence it still remains in Seiko’s permanent collection to this very day. We warmly welcome the King Seiko collection once again with the vintage Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Satined Silver Ref. SDKS003. 

Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Satined Silver Ref. SDKS003 / SPB281

The 37mm sized case of the SDKS003 is sharp and angular with a height of 12.1mm and the lug-to-lug distance being 43.6mm. This 37 mm sized case would be well proportioned even for wearers with larger wrists. With the case meticulously done with brushed and polished Zaratsu-finishings, the wearer cannot help but fondly recall the original King Seiko 44-9990. This timepiece’s faceted lugs have been modified straight from the 1965 model. The boxed sapphire crystal also evokes nostalgic memories of the 1960s. The same King Seiko emblem that came with the original one is a decorative culmination of both crown and caseback. 

Seiko's Caliber 6R31

Sterling polished indices adorn the satined silver dial of the SDKS003. This matte silver dial is of a muted tone that alludes to the refined elegance that this timepiece represents. Moreover, the workmanship on each marker is so dexterously completed that they exude a luminous glow when they reflect light. Just like the 44-9990, the marker at 12 is twice the width of the rest and reveals a fine pyramid-like pattern on the top surface. Without a date indication, the dial remains clean and balanced. Moreover, the hour and minute hands are flat with a Zaratsu-polished, faceted surface, along with a needle-thin seconds hand.

Unbelievably refined with strikingly defined angles

Additionally, this timepiece is outfitted with the in-house caliber 6R31 which is closely linked to the 6R35. With 24 jewels, the 6R31 runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. Such a movement is accurate to run within +15/-25 seconds per day, just like its dated cousin, the 6R35.

An old-school stainless steel multi-link bracelet, similar to the one on the original 1965 model, adds to the vintage feel of the SDKS003. The faceted links from case to folding buckle boast an elegant finish with polished bevels.

37mm watch size ideally worn with formal attires

Fortunately, the King Seiko Mechanical is very well priced between the average top-end of Seiko and below Grand Seiko’s entry-level models, providing tremendous value for watch enthusiasts.  The combination of a flat dial with faceted indexes and broad, sharp hands enables the wearer to parade elegance on the wrist. We are confident that this exquisite timepiece would not disappoint both the wearer and enthusiast alike.