It’s good to be the King... Following Taro Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design,” approach to case architructure, the King Seikos of the late 1960’s and 70’s are as much art as they are wristwatch. Minimalist and slightly industrial, there is an unexpected beauty in the abundance of corners and angles that make up the highly reflective faceting of these elegant timepieces. This example from December of 1969 is affectionately referred to by many enthusiasts as “Blocky” due to the design of its “monumental” block hour markers. Large markers were par for the course across many late ‘60s Seiko models, and this earliest of KS “56” references was no exception. The blocks were whittled down to classic baguettes in the early 70’s, so production of the “Blocky” model was short lived, and great examples can be hard to come by. This dial is not only flawless, but has developed a striking pearlescent pink patina that dances across the sunburst finish beneath the glossy lacquer. At each hour stands a tall “U” shaped block with a polished slope at center, and a matte black overlay on top. The hour and minute hands are wide polished batons with a complementing black stripe through the center. A slender sweep glides around the dial at 8 beats per second. The polished Seiko and KS badging are well balanced, and a framed day/date window resides at three. The Tanaka “GOD” case is a flutter of flash with its highly polished flat surfaces, and crisp angular design. It’s monocoque construction provides a protective housing for the hi-beat, Suwa built 5626 within. Beautifully finished and serialized, it offers automatic and manual winding, quickset day and date, hacking seconds, and hums along at 28,800 bph. Unpolished and completely original including a NOS Seiko hardlex, its keeping near perfect time post service, and all functions  are operating correctly. The gold “KS” medallion on the case back is perfect and without any breaks or wear through. We’ve paired it with a black grain leather with white stitching for a formal fit and finish, and it’s ready to be throned as the King of any collection.

Kvarnsjo Leather Heavy Black Grain Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 6/1/21

Diameter- 36.5mm

Lugs- 18mm