New: King Seiko SJE095

Seiko continues to focus on their high end King Seiko, and releases a new reference with a patterned dial in the same dial and bracelet style as the previous one. Here is the new King Seiko SJE095.

Press Release information with commentary in italics.

New: King Seiko SJE095

The King Seiko SJE095 will carry a retail price in Europe of EUR 3,500 inclusive of VAT. Limited edition of 600 pieces.

Commentary

Joining the four references introduced earlier this year, the new SJE095 is a line extension of the King Seiko collection. In the February release, there were 3 references in 39mm and 1 in 37mm. The 39mm models had plain coloured dials, while the 37mm model had a dial with dégradé style bronze hued dial embossed with a geometric pattern resembling the markings on the shell of a tortoise. In this new reference, the embossed patterned dial is now used on the 39mm case. The pattern is the chrysanthemum with intersecting lines in a style known as kiku tsunagi-mon. This style is quite similar, but perhaps not as intricate as the hand made ones used by Daizoh Makihara on his hand made Kikutonagimon Sakura.

The base watch remains the same as the design used in the 1965 King Seiko KSK, which re-introduced in 2020 as the 140th Anniversary Limited Edition Re-creation of King Seiko KSK. And is the same design as the Feb 2023 models in 39mm.

A different movement has been selected for this novelty, which is now the Caliber 6L35 instead of the 6R31 used in the SPB365. The 6L35 is the same as the one used in the 2020 Anniversary model.

In terms of pricing, we can see that this new 39mm SJE095’s retail price of EUR 3,500 is in line with and a derivative of the 2020 Anniversary SJE083 which carried a retail of EUR 3,400. The EUR 100 increase perhaps pays for the additional leather strap. And thus is a very modest and very reasonable pricing by Seiko, especially as the new dial is more complicated than the Anniversary edition, and the edition size is reduced from 3,000 pieces to just 600. Compared to the 1,200 piece SPB365, the SJE095 is considerably more expensive than the EUR 2,000 but with a different movement.

Release details

A new slim wristwatch with an intricately patterned dial captures the spirit of the Tokyo area, where King Seiko was born in the 1960s.

The patterned white dial is based on the chrysanthemum, recognized as one of the national flowers of Japan. Representing longevity and rejuvenation, the chrysanthemum holds great significance in Japanese culture. The auspicious flower is expressed through a pattern of finely intersecting lines called kiku tsunagi-mon, which, in Japanese, signifies a chrysanthemum pattern that connects with itself. This pattern is especially associated with edo-kiriko glass- ware, a form of traditional cut glass considered to be one of the most popular craftworks from Japan. Edo-kiriko, which translates to “faceted objects of Edo,” is renowned for its intricate beauty and its unique designs achieved through the skillful cutting of glass into multiple facets.

The watch’s construction is inspired by the 1965 King Seiko KSK, whose sharp, angular case and high functionality helped define King Seiko’s character when it was introduced. The cases are angular and faceted, with large, flat planes and sharp angles, and they have been polished to reflect light pleasingly. Together with the case, the new creation’s faceted hour and minute hands demonstrate the high quality of modern Seiko manufacturing and harmonize with the precision and beauty of the chrysanthemum pattern so central to Japanese culture and one of its traditional craftworks.

Powered by Seiko’s slimline Caliber 6L35, the new watch is thinner than the original King Seiko KSK, despite having automatic winding and a date window, thanks to enhancements in the case construction.

The watch will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide as a limited edition from October 2023.

King Seiko SJE095 Specifications

Caliber 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26

Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating Screw case back
Diameter: 38.6mm, Thickness: 10.7mm
Water resistance: 5 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Additional leather strap included
Recommended retail price in Europe: €3,500
Limited edition of 600