The Japanese concept of ‘Ukiyo-e’ is a form of Japanese artistry which began in the 17th century. The images are expressed in the form of woodblock prints or paintings of traditional cultural Japanese scenes – usually featuring Kabuki performers, Sumo wrestlers, historic scenes, folk tales, landscapes, or nature. The dial of this King Seiko timepiece is inspired by the nature found in Kameido, the where the King Seiko brand began, designed into the form of Ukiyo-e. The dial of the King Seiko ‘Kameido Blue’ features a turtle shell pattern in a deep blue gradation. Kameido used to be an island shaped like a turtle shell and was called “Kamejima” or “Turtle Island.” In many East Asian countries turtles are worshipped as divine creatures, and in Japan they are regarded as symbols of longevity and good luck. Under a box sapphire crystal glass are a set of sharp Dauphine-style hands with multifaceted edges. It has a sharp, angular brushed finish case design and an intricate seven-piece bracelet. Powered by the in-house 6L35 automatic calibre – Seiko’s slimmest automatic movement which is accurate to +15/-10 seconds per day, this piece has a power reserve of 45 hours. Long live the new King Seiko: modernised elite watchmaking, yet its stately, dignified and majestically classic looks remain.
