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?
Any watch with such low production numbers has the potential to turn into a Simplicity, but so much of that is determined by random factors. FP Journe is hot right now, but will the watches stand the test of time? Who knows? The pocket watch market is a great example of caution in thinking of watches as assets.
In the end, some kind of cultural shift would need to set demand beyond the few existing watches, which will be difficult given that few spend that kind of money on watches, and even fewer spend that kind of money on Japanese watches. As silly as all that "Mad in Switzerland" marketing was, it worked. Look how long it took German manufacturers to be seen as equals. They are literally the same people with a random border between them.
Perhaps some day Japanese craftsmanship will command the same respect among normies, but we will not know until it is too late. So buy what you like, and tell your significant other that it is an "investment."
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?
Any watch with such low production numbers has the potential to turn into a Simplicity, but so much of that is determined by random factors. FP Journe is hot right now, but will the watches stand the test of time? Who knows? The pocket watch market is a great example of caution in thinking of watches as assets.
In the end, some kind of cultural shift would need to set demand beyond the few existing watches, which will be difficult given that few spend that kind of money on watches, and even fewer spend that kind of money on Japanese watches. As silly as all that "Mad in Switzerland" marketing was, it worked. Look how long it took German manufacturers to be seen as equals. They are literally the same people with a random border between them.
Perhaps some day Japanese craftsmanship will command the same respect among normies, but we will not know until it is too late. So buy what you like, and tell your significant other that it is an "investment."
Came across this post WELL after it was written haha. Had no idea about King Seikos but might need to add them to my wish list...