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Would it be appropriate if Seiko removed the 6R31 caliber from King Seikos and added a Spring Drive movement?

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5.8K views 32 replies 19 participants last post by  MX793  
#1 ·
Was thinking about the newly-relaunched King Seiko branding from Seiko and about how underwhelming the movements are for such a large price tag. However, if Seiko added spring drive (less refined than the Grand Seikos of course) and increased the price slightly, do you think it'd position the King Seiko name as a great exit point from Seiko to Grand Seiko? I know that Seiko's already released a non-GS Spring Drive, so perhaps it could be something that would honor the legacy of King Seiko and Grand Seiko, with Grand Seiko having of course the extra polishing and hand-finishing. King Seiko could also use higher-grade fully mechanical movements in its lineup as well.

Your thoughts?
 
#2 ·
It would be preferable, for sure. I was excited for the King Seiko release until I read about the movement they went with. I love Seiko and GS but they make many, many odd decisions. I'd love to see an 8L35 in there, too.
 
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#6 ·
I know I'd have a hard time with these when there are hi-beat KS certified Chronometers out there for less money. The 6R31 is a joke compared to what those watches had. So far it seems like Seiko has put the SD into mainly huge watches - Tuna, LX, Landmasters, etc. I don't know how big the movement itself is, but it might be too large to fit in the new KS models.

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#7 ·
I would be open to getting a King Seiko reissue with a Spring Drive movement, assuming they are somewhat realistic about the price.
 
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#8 ·
I'm with @Davekaye90. There's a "Nigerian Prince" vibe here: how can Seiko call "King Seiko" what they are offering but just in the same sense a Nigerian Prince that wants to gift you millions just for an advanced fee?

And yet, while I like the idea of those old KS watches, the old Suwa/Daini rivalry, the fight for perfection at a cost... the fact is... I dislike those designs (I'd want a high quality daily beater with a design I could accept -moder Seiko is usually better on that field, with good lume and not large-ish cases just because), and I hoped for Seiko to do the right thing: build on top of their past and offer even more interesting things. They opted for a money-grabbing scheme. Well, good luck to them -my money is not going to their direction.
 
#9 ·
jmnav said:
the fact is... I dislike those designs (I'd want a high quality daily beater with a design I could accept -moder Seiko is usually better on that field, with good lume and not large-ish cases just because), and I hoped for Seiko to do the right thing: build on top of their past and offer even more interesting things. They opted for a money-grabbing scheme. Well, good luck to them -my money is not going to their direction.
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I do like Seikos diver/beater watches (which I think the Prospex line covers well) - it'd be nice to see more dress watches from them (just my opinion).
 
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#16 · (Edited)
This move by seiko is total ********. I have been looking at those old KS and contemplating to get one. When I heard KS production models will be released, I felt good but at the same time felt bad for those fellows who bought the KS LE. Anyway that's the cheapskate strategy seiko has been using to make fun of its old and new fans. After knowing the movement and price tags, I have lost the interest completely.

This new KS line would only make vintage KS prices go up.
 
#17 · (Edited)
From what I read, these King Seiko reissues are 37mm wide, 12.1mm thick (is that thin?), and have no date. So it answers the prayers of those that want smaller, thinner, no date from Seiko?

Maybe the movement, with its stated accuracy specification, is not great, for $1,700. Maybe one is paying for the look, and sub-brand (King Seiko)? One thing potentially good/great about the movement is, if 6R31 is cheap and plentiful going forward, one advantage is, it will be cheap, easy, and possible to repair, with lots of parts or spare movements?
 
#19 ·
Adding the SD movement to a KS would take the thunder from GS. Thickness of the watch might go up too.

I’m not too concerned about the 6R31 but given the legacy of the KS (I’ve owned a few) 5Hz and 4hz movements are more appropriate for it.
 
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M
#21 ·
Seiko fits Spring Drives in several of their higher end Prospex models. Clearly they aren't concerned about stepping on GS's toes. I question if Spring Drive would fit in anything much under 39mm, though.

With the discontinuation of the smaller GS mechanicals, it might have been interesting to see a 4Hz 9S movement tuned to GS spec in a 37mm King Seiko. Can't steal GS's thunder when they don't sell a mechanical watch under 40mm anymore.
 
#24 ·
Yes, that’s something I would be interested in too.
 
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S
#26 ·
Not really. King Seiko and Grand Seiko were in house competitors, so it would seem a bit odd to have your competiton's one big standout feature. Regardless, it's a one off, not a revival of the name.
 
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