![King Seiko SJE095](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c6ES4PXtdYK4FAkda9pF9Z-415-80.jpg)
Relaunched in 2020 and fitting between the Seiko and Grand Seiko brands, King Seiko has just added a new watch to its lineup, and it features a dial inspired by the chrysanthemum flower.
The chrysanthemums is recognised as one of the national flowers of Japan, representing longevity and rejuvenation. The flower was used to inspire the intricate detailing on the dial of the new King Seiko SJE095, with its fine, intersecting lines called kiku tsunagi-mon, which signify a chrysanthemum pattern that connects with itself.
As well as this watch dial, it’s a pattern that is associated with edo-kiriko glassware, a form of traditional cut glass that is a popular craftwork in Japan.
Inspired by the 1965 King Seiko KSK and its sharp, angular case, the new watch has a unisex, 38.6 mm stainless steel case with box-shaped sapphire crystal and a screw-down case back.
Water resistant to 50 metres, the watch is powered by a Caliber 6L35 automatic movement with 26 jewels and 45 hours of power reserve, plus a date complication at the traditional three o’clock position.
The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet and an additional grey leather strap with a pattern designed to complement the textured dial. Subtly retro in its design, the timepiece features many sharp angles, especially on the brushed lugs, faceted hands and, as with the 1960s originals, the ‘King Seiko’ shield engraved onto the case back.
Less commonplace than its mainstream Seiko and high-end Grand Seiko siblings, the Grand Seiko mechanical watch brand arrived in 1961 but disappeared soon after in 1975. The sub-brand was reintroduced at the start of this decade and now sells limited-edition timepieces that fall between the two other divisions of the Seiko family.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Limited to just 600 examples worldwide, the King Seiko SJE095 is priced at £3,000 and will be available at select Seiko Boutiques from October this year.
Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.
-
Omega’s latest Paris 2024 watch takes Olympic gold, silver and bronze
Official Olympic timekeeper Omega has announced another Paris 2024 special, called the Bronze Gold Edition
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
OMEGA X Swatch celebrates this year’s supermoon with limited edition MoonSwatch
The MoonSwatch is back – and it’s Super Blue!
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Omega debuts two Olympic-themed watches that look like gold medals
Omega is announced as Official Timekeeper for the Olympics and celebrates with two new watches
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Feel old yet? SpongeBob SquarePants celebrates 25 years with Spinnaker watches
Spinnaker x SpongeBob SquarePants is the watch collaboration you didn’t see coming
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Montblanc’s new Bohème watch is a watercolour-inspired masterpiece
Montblanc adds to its Bohème collection with three new watches
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Ulysse Nardin’s new dive watch is a gemstone lovers’ dream
Ulysse Nardin updates its dive watch collection with limited edition chrysocolla gemstone dial
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Casio celebrates 50 years of watchmaking with new Casiotron
Casio marks half-century with revived Casiotron
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Dior gives its Chiffre Rouge watch a stunning rainbow upgrade
The Dior Chiffre Rouge Rainbow is an colourful, asymmetrical masterpiece… but it’ll cost you
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published