Seiko recently marked its 100th Anniversary with the King Seiko Limited Edition, a timepiece that celebrates a century of Seiko’s innovation and craftsmanship. Originally launched in 1961, King Seiko quickly became one of Seiko’s most distinguished collections, renowned for its sleek, elegant profile. The SJE115 honors Seiko’s rich legacy, which dates back to the brand's founding in 1924, following the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake.
The King Seiko SJE115 is not just any ordinary watch; it’s a tribute to Seiko’s journey. Inspired by the rising dragon—symbolizing prosperity and the fulfillment of wishes—this exceptional watch is limited to just 700 pieces. Each one is engraved with a unique serial number, further adding to its exclusivity.
Design Inspiration: A Nod to King Seiko's Legacy
Drawing inspiration from King Seiko’s late 1960s designs, this timepiece boasts a specially crafted slim case with beautifully curved edges. Despite its compact appearance, the SJE115 maintains an impressive thickness of just 9.9mm, making it one of the slimmest Seiko models available. Its light blue-green dial features the "Urokomon" pattern—a series of interlocking triangles that resemble dragon scales. This pattern elevates the watch, paying homage to Japan's rich cultural heritage.
King Seiko SJE115: Key Features
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Case Dimensions: 39.5mm width, 9.7mm thickness, 43.2mm lug-to-lug, 18.6mm lug width, and a 31.5mm crystal diameter. The watch weighs 126.76 grams.
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Case Material: Stainless steel with a curved, soft profile that recalls the design of the KS1969. The lugs and side profile feature a high-polish finish for added elegance.
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Crystal: Box-style sapphire crystal that protrudes slightly above the bezel, featuring an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface for enhanced legibility at any angle.
- Crown: Positioned at 3 o’clock, the non-screw-down crown features the refreshed King Seiko logo on the tip.
Dial Design: A Nod to Tradition
The SJE115’s dial is a stunning light blue-green tone, with a motif inspired by the "Rising Dragon"—a symbol of prosperity and fulfilled wishes. The bold, faceted rectangle markers are polished to a high shine, with a double version at 12 o’clock featuring an arrow-feather pattern. This design not only boosts legibility but also adds a touch of sparkle. A black minute track can be found between the markers for added detail.
Seiko’s name is applied in gold tone at the top center of the dial, while the hour and minute hands are baton-style in silver tone. The second hand is simple and pointed. A date window at 3 o’clock features a silver frame, white background, and black numerals, adding another layer of functional elegance.
The caseback is closed and engraved with the refreshed King Seiko emblem, alongside the unique limited-edition number.
Movement and Bracelet: Precision and Comfort
The King Seiko SJE115 is powered by Seiko’s 6L35 movement, which offers a 45-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. This movement incorporates Seiko's Trimatic technology, including the Dia-Shock anti-shock system, a magic lever winding system, and the non-magnetic Spron 510 alloy.
The bracelet is made of stainless steel and features a refined multi-link design with narrow links. It’s incredibly comfortable, almost on par with the level of craftsmanship found in Grand Seiko. The bracelet is finished with a seamless deployant clasp, which is engraved with the King Seiko logo.
Water Resistance and Price
The King Seiko SJE115 offers a 50-meter water resistance, making it suitable for daily wear. Priced at $3,100, the SJE115 is a highly sought-after piece due to its unique design and connection to Seiko’s history.
Design
The King Seiko SJE115 is truly something special with its remarkably slim profile, making it a comfortable fit for the average wrist. It easily slides under any cuff. The 6L35 is a slim, high-end movement that offers a much thinner design compared to the 6R35. The SJE115’s bracelet has a high level of refinement, providing comfort that rivals the Grand Seiko’s standard.
The dragon scale motif on the dial tells a story and adds a fun, unique touch. If you are a fan of dragons or simply appreciate the symbolism of prosperity and fulfilled wishes, you will appreciate this timepiece. With only 700 in existence, this watch has a type of exclusivity that adds to its appeal.
Whether you plan to dress formally or keep it casual, the SJE115 is versatile enough for any occasion and would look incredible with a variety of different straps.
A Limited Edition King Seiko Worth Owning
In conclusion, the King Seiko SJE115 is ideal for anyone looking for a special, limited-edition piece that offers a fascinating dial and an ultra-thin profile. This watch not only pays tribute to Seiko’s rich history but also brings a symbol of good luck and prosperity to its wearer. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the SJE115 is sure to make a statement in any collection.
Watch our full hands-on review of the King Seiko SJE115 here.
