Introducing: Three New Dial Options In The King Seiko Line — SJE103, SJE105, And SJE107
Seiko introduces three new dial variants to its higher-end King Seiko models. These are last year’s SJE089/SJE091 under the hood but with fancy new dial textures and colors. This pushes them a bit further away from their austere 1965 KSK ancestor and into modern territories.
Today, Seiko releases a lavender (SJE107), blue (SJE105), and red (SJE103) model. Each has a unique pattern, while all three share a color gradient or vignette effect. Meanwhile, the price remains the same as last year’s silver and black models at €3,400. Let’s have a closer look!
A quick recap: SJE103, SJE105, and SJE107 specifications
Considering the pace at which Seiko drops new watches, you would be forgiven for not knowing last year’s SJE089/091 specs by heart. So let’s start with a quick recap. These are Seiko’s higher-end King Seiko models powered by caliber 6L35. This movement is significantly slimmer than the 6R calibers and supposedly more accurate. This comes at the expense of some power reserve, which is 45 hours instead of 70. The 6L35 movement also has a higher operating frequency of 28,800 beats per hour versus 21,600.
The slimmer caliber allows for a reduced overall thickness of the watches. These have a 10.7mm thickness (including the domed sapphire), 38.6mm diameter, and 45.8mm length. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. Unlike the similar-looking 37mm King Seiko watches, these slimline models feature a date at 3 o’clock.
To me, the design language and finishing seem identical across the range, and these three new models are no exception. You get the fantastic brick bracelet, which is supremely comfortable and nicely finished. The clasp is of the butterfly variety and is almost hidden. This means you sacrifice micro-adjustment for a clean, elegant look. The links, however, are so short that you should have no issue finding a perfect fit.
The new dials for the SJE103, SJE105, and SJE107
Let’s move on to today’s news — the dials. We get three dials that uniquely affect the watch’s overall vibe. The first (SJE107) is a soft, vignetted lavender. We have seen this color on a King Seiko before but not with this special texture. Like the earlier SPB291, this dial is inspired by the famous Wisteria of Kameido, where King Seiko has its roots. Seiko pushes the theme further this time through a floral pattern. Unlike the other two highly glossy dials, this one looks matte.
The second new dial (SJE105) is deep blue, darkening to almost black around the perimeter. Seiko describes the hue as inspired by the Sumida River, which flows through the Kameido district. This dial variant features a turtle-shell pattern, further emphasizing the aquatic theme.
Lastly, we get a new red dial (SJE103), which deepens to a dark burgundy around the perimeter. Seiko tells us this dial represents the blooming of plum blossoms. The underlying geometric pattern indeed looks like five-petal Japanese plum blossoms, and its inspiration comes from ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period.
Initial impressions
If anything, these new additions to the King Seiko lineup confirm that the dial is indeed like a watch’s face. No other single part of a watch has such a strong impact on its overall appearance. These three new colors give off entirely different vibes than the earlier silver and black versions. Admittedly, I prefer the subtler aesthetic of the original ones. I think the addition of color, vignette, and texture is a bit much. This is a compliment, though, as I believe these watches are so good that they don’t need embellishments.
But that’s merely a personal opinion. Like asking a bear and a rabbit which is better, honey or carrots, the point is moot. I am happy to report that these dials are very well done. The lavender model has a well-defined texture and a neat-looking powdery surface. The other two have a real sense of depth thanks to their thick, glossy lacquer. All three dials add visual interest to the King Seiko platform. These are watches you can stare at for minutes on end without actually registering the time. The dials also add dynamism since the colors and reflections transform under different ambient light.
All in all, these are fun variations of a very nicely made and capable watch. They remind me of the Presage line, which is filled with similar colors and textures. So if you want that look but in a higher-end watch, the SJE103, SJE105, or SJE107 might just fit the bill!
What do you think of these new dial variants? Let us know in the comments below!
