King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Charcoal Black Ref. SDKS021

Since its establishment in 1881, Seiko has been a prolific watch manufacturer with a stunning array of watches under several brands and sub-labels. While many think of the name Grand Seiko when it comes to quality in-house watches, the sub-brand named King Seiko was another household name alluding to 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. Until today,Seiko’s watchmaking philosophy is evident in the King Seiko collection. King Seiko is a crucial series for Seiko, hence it still remains in Seiko’s permanent collection to this very day. We hail the King Seiko collection once again with the retro and elegant Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Charcoal Black Ref. SDKS021.

Seiko King Seiko Mechanical Automatic Charcoal Black Ref. SDKS021

Firstly, the 38.3mm sized case of the King Seiko is sharp and angular with a height of 11.7mm and the lug-to-lug distance being 46mm. Even if a wearer has big wrists, the 38mm sized case would be balanced and well proportioned. Moreover, the case is painstakingly done with brushed and polished Zaratsu-finishings, closely resembling the original King Seiko 44-9990. This timepiece’s faceted lugs have been adapted straight from the 1965 model. The boxed sapphire crystal transports the wearer back to the heyday of the 1960s. Both the crown and the caseback are completed with the same King Seiko emblem that came with the original one.

Sterling polished indices adorn the sunburst dial of the SDKS021. This charcoal black coloured dial is of a tone that alludes to the refined elegance that this timepiece represents. The dial has a vertical hairline finish to give it the appearance of aging.

Seiko's Caliber 6R55

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. With a date indication, the dial remains utilitarian for everyday wear. Moreover, the vintage-tone hour and minute hands are flat with a Zaratsu-polished, faceted surface, along with a needle-thin seconds hand.


Additionally, this timepiece is outfitted with the in-house caliber 6R55 which is closely linked to the 6R35 but now with a date display. With 24 jewels, the 6R55 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.

Unbelievably refined with strikingly defined angles

A retro stainless steel multi-link bracelet, akin to the one on the original 1965 model, adds to the  vintage feel of the SDKS021. The faceted links from case to folding buckle boast an elegant finish with polished bevels.

Fortunately, the King Seiko Mechanical is affordably 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 luxuriate in the refined mien of the watch. Surely, this sophisticated knockout with the sunburst silver dial would certainly be value for money.