In 1959, Seiko made its two factories, Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha, independent subsidiaries under the Seiko umbrella. From that point, the factories did not share designs, development information and parts. This promoted competition between the two factories and lead to a tremendous amount of innovation over the following decade and a half.
In December 1960, Suwa released the first Grand Seiko model. In response, Daini released the first King Seiko in June 1961. As with Grand Seiko, King Seiko replaced the Seiko brand on the dial. This would be reversed in later generations as the Seiko brand would again take top billing.
The First Generation comprised two models the smaller 35mm J14102E and the larger 36mm 15034. Both models were produced from 1961 to 1964 and offered in both gold filled and stainless steel versions. The gold filled version was produced for the entire production run while the stainless steel version was produced from June 1962 to Oct 1963. Stainless steel models represent an estimated 25% of production.
The First Generation was offered with a Special Dial and Applied Dial. The Special Dial was noted with an eight-pointed star with a superimposed hollow four-pointed star. The markers on the Special Dial were either solid yellow gold (gold plated version) or solid white gold (stainless model). The stainless model with Special Dial is estimated to account for ~10% of production. The Applied Dial was noted with a triangle superimposed with three lines. Markers were either gold or rhodium plated.
The First Generation was a hand-wound mechanical movement beating at 18,000 vph.
Pre-owned King Seiko Mechanical Watch. Reference J14102E. Overall, this watch is in (B) very good Condition.
- Ref No. : J14102E
- Serial No./Year: D110712-/-1961
- Case:
35mm diameter, 18mm lug width, 9.3mm thickness, 42.85 mm Lug-to-lug.
14K Gold Filled Metal
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Movement & Accuracy:
Caliber: King Seiko Mechanical Wind
Complications: Central Seconds
Measured Accuracy: -8 sec/day.
Amplitude: 283°
Beat Rate: 18,000 A/h
- Band: Replacement Leather Strap
- Condition Rank: (B) Very Good Condition. Please See Photos and Condition Rank Guide.
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
Condition Rank Guide:
-N: Item is in New Old Stock condition (NOS). Shows little to no signs of wear apart from some minor handling wear.
-A: Item is in Excellent condition. Micro-scratches can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. No pitting/gouges on the case or scratches in the crystal.
-B: Item is in Very Good condition. Minor scratches and scuffs can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. No pitting/gouges on the case or deep scratches on the crystal.
-C: Item is in Good condition. Moderate scratches and scuffs can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. Minor pitting/gouges may be visible on the case. One or less deep scratches may be visible on the crystal. See photos.
-D: Item is in Fair condition. Heavy scratches and scuffs can be seen on sides of the case, bezel, and bracelet. Significant pitting or gouges are visible on the sides of the case and the crystal shows multiple deep scratches
-F: Item is in Poor condition. Item is not functional. For parts or repair only.
