It’s worth noting that the 6L isn’t related to the infamous 6R found in the mass market SPBxxx King Seikos—the 6L is basically Seiko’s 2892 while the 6R is…whatever it is. That doesn’t mean that they’re “enough” for a King Seiko revival but it is a difference worth noting.
Very nicely finished case, gold dial furniture and beautiful typography. My issue with some vintage GS and KS (and their modern reinterpretations) is the rather thin bezels that accentuates the sparseness and flatness of the dial. In my opinion thin bezels should be accompanied by a concave or “piepan” dial a la PP 3445 to “meet” the chapter ring more elegantly. Especially with silver sunburst dials. However at this pricepoint that might be difficult.
I hate the dials you speak of. I love a good, flat shiny dial. I have gotten so sick of textured dials. I am growing to hate the watches I own that have them. The King Seiko offers an awful lot, and I am quite the fan. I figure that I will buy one once I come across the random pawn shop or eBay dirt cheap example. I love expensive Seiko models for this glorious characteristic. The key is to move fast.
May I first compliment Jack on his excellent writing and in depth analysis. Head and shoulders above other watch writers in my view. This is this first substack I have paid for - it's a joy to read about watches here.
If I may, I have a question about Grand Seiko and Credor. How would you evaluate an Eichi II against a Masterpiece Collection GS SBGD201 or even a SLGH007?
Obviously they are all well made with high degrees of hand finishing and the Spring Drive movements are elegant and unique to Seiko Group. The High Beat movement is impressive too - as you have written about in a former life at Hodinkee. But which of these models has the potential to be special over the long-term and could become a horological icon? If, indeed, any of them could?
Ditch the gold medallion, replace KING with LORD.
It’s worth noting that the 6L isn’t related to the infamous 6R found in the mass market SPBxxx King Seikos—the 6L is basically Seiko’s 2892 while the 6R is…whatever it is. That doesn’t mean that they’re “enough” for a King Seiko revival but it is a difference worth noting.
I wasn’t aware of the original in the day. This is what I would have progressed to from my 6119-8093 had I known about it at the time.
Very nicely finished case, gold dial furniture and beautiful typography. My issue with some vintage GS and KS (and their modern reinterpretations) is the rather thin bezels that accentuates the sparseness and flatness of the dial. In my opinion thin bezels should be accompanied by a concave or “piepan” dial a la PP 3445 to “meet” the chapter ring more elegantly. Especially with silver sunburst dials. However at this pricepoint that might be difficult.
I hate the dials you speak of. I love a good, flat shiny dial. I have gotten so sick of textured dials. I am growing to hate the watches I own that have them. The King Seiko offers an awful lot, and I am quite the fan. I figure that I will buy one once I come across the random pawn shop or eBay dirt cheap example. I love expensive Seiko models for this glorious characteristic. The key is to move fast.
Hi everyone,
May I first compliment Jack on his excellent writing and in depth analysis. Head and shoulders above other watch writers in my view. This is this first substack I have paid for - it's a joy to read about watches here.
If I may, I have a question about Grand Seiko and Credor. How would you evaluate an Eichi II against a Masterpiece Collection GS SBGD201 or even a SLGH007?
Obviously they are all well made with high degrees of hand finishing and the Spring Drive movements are elegant and unique to Seiko Group. The High Beat movement is impressive too - as you have written about in a former life at Hodinkee. But which of these models has the potential to be special over the long-term and could become a horological icon? If, indeed, any of them could?