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Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as PiagetBulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

Introducing The King Seiko Watches in 36mm for the First Time

Three New Models Featuring Burgundy, Blue, and Green Dials

Seiko has introduced three new additions to the “King Seiko” collection, each featuring the KSK design in a more compact size. Originally conceived in the 1960s as a competitor to Grand Seiko, the King Seiko collection now holds a place in Seiko's permanent lineup. These watches combine exquisite finishing and classic design at more affordable prices compared to Grand Seiko models. The new collection includes three 36mm versions, marking the first time this size has been featured in the King Seiko line.

 The dials are available in colors inspired by Ivy style, complemented by a new bracelet design. Ivy style is a classic American fashion trend that originated in Ivy League universities during the mid-20th century. It is characterized by clean, simple, and elegant clothing that blends traditionalism with a classic look. Key elements of Ivy style include button-up shirts, blazers, loafers, and striped ties. This style, which began on the East Coast of the United States in the 1950s, uniquely evolved in Japan during the 1960s, and Seiko has drawn inspiration from it for its latest models.

These watches maintain the general design language of the original King Seiko revival models from 2022, known as the “KSK,” characterized by razor-sharp faceted lugs, sleek handsets, and boxed sapphire crystals. The new models measure just 36mm in diameter and 43mm from lug to lug, ensuring a comfortable fit even on smaller wrists. Additionally, they are thinner than the original KSK models, with the case thickness reduced from 12.1mm to 11.6mm, while still offering 100 meters of water resistance.

The dial colors of the new King Seiko models draw inspiration from Ivy League fashion, which influenced Japanese culture during the 1960s, the era of the original King Seiko.A Saxon Blue dial inspired by Oxford cloth button-down shirts.

Complemented by white lume. an Ivy Green dial with a gold-colored seconds hand, while the Burgundy dial reminiscent of traditional rugby shirts, also featuring a gold-colored seconds hand.

In addition to the smaller size, the new KSK models introduce several changes compared to their larger predecessors. One notable update is the movement; these watches are powered by Seiko’s Caliber 6R51 automatic movement, the same caliber used in the Studio Ghibli x Seiko Presage Nausicaä edition. Offering an accuracy range of +25 to -15 seconds per day and providing a three-day power reserve in a no-date format. This marks the first time these features have been combined in a King Seiko watch.

The new models also adopt the bracelet style from the larger 38mm versions, opting for a straight-edge bracelet with a quick-release mechanism, eliminating the traditional end link. These watches are part of the permanent collection and are priced at USD 1,900, equivalent to 6,980 AED.

 

For more information please visit Seiko’s official website. 

Technical specifications: Seiko king KSK
  1. Reference: SPB461 burgundy, SPB457 saxe blue, SPB459 ivy green
  2. Case:  Stainless steel, Box shaped sapphire crystal, Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
  3. Diameter: 36.1mm
  4. Height: 11.6mm
  5. Lug to lug: 43mm
  6. Weight: 129 g
  7. Water resistance: 100 m
  8. Dial: burgundy, Saxon blue, ivy green, gold seconds hand on ivy green and burgundy models, applied indices,  hour and minutes hands with Lumibrite
  9. Movement:  Automatic, Caliber 6R51, in-house, Precision +25 to -15 seconds per day, Jewels 24
  10. Power reserve: 72 Hours (3 days)
  11. Frequency:   21,600vph / (3Hz) VPH 
  12. Functions:  Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  13. Bracelet / Strap: stainless steel bracelet, Deployment clasp with push button release
  14. Availability: Permanent Line
  15. Price: USD 1,900, equivalent to 6,980 AED

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