On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: King Seiko - SPB281 KSK 44KS-Reimagining, Worth $1700? Absolutely!

[@boerashid]

Just bought the red dial ‘Garyu Bai’. What a beautiful stunning watch. A lot of people have been moaning about the movement, as though the average person cares. 99% of folks out there wouldn’t know a decent movement to a Timex. If you like this watch go for it, you won’t regret it.

[@nerychristian]

True. Most of the time I don't even bother setting the time on my watch. I just grab it and go. I wear my watch to get looks from people.

[@boerashid]

@@nerychristian Me neither. A watch is an extension of my outfit that day or my mood.

[@yamkaw346]

@@boerashid🤦‍♂️

[@megageek1]

You're reviews are outstanding. It's easy to see how passionate you are about the hobby. Glad the algorithm brought me here.

[@michaelfragoso]

I have this piece with the gorgeous plum dial. It's a stunner. The movement, like all seiko watches - runs crazy better than spec.

[@just-inedc2381]

Yess! I’ve been waiting for one of the KZbin reviewers I follow to do a video on this watch! I was so stoked when this came out. I will probably be picking one up! Thanks for review!

[@johnkollias6782]

I have the later released version SPD 291J (purple tinted dial). What a beautifully crafted watch. I feel it's worth every penny. I don't care what people say about the 6R31 movement, I am very happy with it. But, you hit the nail on the head describing all the other qualities of this watch. A real pleasure to wear every day. Great video.

[@AverageBros]

Thanks, and lovely choice, enjoy it!

[@henrysu7612]

Fantastic review! I really like how you shed the light on this king seiko at different angles. That is extremely helpful since I also wonder how it looks at the darker place since it has no lume. Thank you!

[@richl9049]

Love the case lines and bracelet way more than I thought I would - your video really highlights the contours very well! If this had a 6L movement, was a touch thinner (11mm please!), and had a screw down crown, I'd be all in. At that point, I'd also pay $2500 all day long and it would be a fantastic watch and a steal. This is so close... Cheers, Rich

[@tylertsang4657]

Striking watch and bracelet! Thank you for this review and looking forward to seeing comparisons.

[@thebatman4343]

Just picked up my Tenjin Fuji... Can't keep my eyes off of it. Thanks for the review.

[@philstadnicki7882]

Gorgeous watch. My only issue with modern Seikos at this price point , as you and others have mentioned in the comments, is the movement. Seiko are so frustrating. They bring out an absolute stunner like this and put that movement in it. I still want one though. Pricey

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

What are you talking about? There's nothing wrong with movement. What's your point anyway?

[@philstadnicki7882]

@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess what are YOU talking about???

[@W.Edwardovich]

I’m glad they went with no date. I love the symmetric dial

[@Not-a-bot222]

To the movement haters: you can buy a Steinhart with an ETA for $600.00…or you can buy a Tudor BB36 with an ETA for 2500.00. This is only one example of a basic movement being used in entry level and mid tier luxury level. Seiko has created a movement that more or les fits the bill to do the same thing. Adding a GS movement will hike the price way higher, maybe the 6L would have made more people happy but, seiko could be testing the waters with this release before they go hard into KSK.

[@jaime4022]

Nah, A Steinhart was never on Par with a KS back in the day and Tudor uses higher grade ETA movements or Sellita, which are very good. On this day and age, a low beat, unregulated movement on a king seiko makes it a damn SARB with a name change, thus prostituting the King Seiko name, which used to mean something. Better off buying the real thing. Those movements were top of the line, chronometer grade and even had a full bridges and were beautiful. Seiko was manufacturing full bridges long before Rolex themselves. They just started again but on the most expensive Grand Seikos. These 6R Calibres have no business being anywhere near the KS line. its just a cash grab on seiko's behalf trying to capitalize on a once great name

[@AlphaConde-qy7vi]

@@jaime4022 Fully agreed. The ETA analogy doesn't work because people don't realise that there are different grades available, the top being COSC-compliant. As far as I know, the same isn't true with either the 6R31 or 6R35. It's just sad how many good Seiko designs are trashed by the 6R movements they're fitted with 🤦‍♂

[@nerychristian]

I'm not really worried about the movement. I don't wear my watches every day. And when I do, I don't even bother setting the time accurately.

[@TristanSpow]

Those tudor movements however are high grade sellita movements which have been modified using Rolex shockabsorbers and better adjustment system

[@jimgarvey48]

Great review and camera work. Thx.

[@AverageBros]

I appreciate that, thanks 🙏

[@AxLWake]

Beautiful watch. Really nice looking bracelet as well.

[@JimLecinski]

I suppose the best comp to this would be the Rado Golden Horse 1957 reissue. similar style, also 37mm, beads of rice, with the Swatch Groups ETA C07, base 2824, with 80 hours power reserve and roughly similar price point. IMO a better movement if your into this style/size.

[@stelugud]

I have eta co7 mvmt runs plus 10a day, also a presage that runs -5. I have my presage for 4 years, never had a problem with it. Also the seiko mvmt is in house and doesnt have china parts in it

[@santigualberto]

that rado is a gorgeous watch!

[@tomasinacovell4293]

It needs to be called SEIKO KS and the King Seiko on the case back bezel, and for that much the 4L15 or the 6L15 should have been in it.

[@alexs7758]

King Seiko is definitely the better choice in this case, with the great 6R movement

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

How's the eta you mentioned better than the movement in this watch? Explain

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

Cracking review and a beautiful watch. I haven't seen these in the flesh yet so I really haven't a clue which dial variant I prefer yet.

[@mariog7213]

I still can’t get over the movement. King seikos had the hi beat movement. This is competing with a Tudor 1926 in terms of price which has a modified Selitta and are regulated by Tudor. I’d pay 1K tops. Maybe they’ll sell for that later on the gray market

[@AverageBros]

Later King Seikos did, the model this one is inspired by only had an 18,000 beat rate vs. the 21,600 seen here

[@mariog7213]

@@AverageBros did not know that. Thanks for the info

[@XHobbiesPrime]

I'm thinking closer to $1300 would be fair.

[@michaelsigman8942]

Unfortunately I’ve owned 2 new 6R35 mvmts and both had to be regulated to run even to within spec. Otherwise I love my seikos. It just shouldn’t be needed for 1-2000$ price point

[@blairdalgleish8247]

I have had the same experience

[@drunkdriver]

Lets be honest, the 6r and 4r family of movements are kinda junk and have no place in >$1000 watches.

[@W.Edwardovich]

Same experience with a 6R that I own

[@TheNextMarx]

I’ve got 3 6r35 movements. 2 of them run within the edges of the spec the third runs very well I hardly ever have to adjust it. One of the two running less precise has started running into other issues however 🙄

[@marvean2519]

So unfortunate to see such a beautiful time only Seiko so overpriced. I think I got lucky with my 6r in my baby alpinist. It’s been running -4sec per day since I got it a few months back.

[@dans.8217]

Great review, I think what makes this one worth it is the precise angular finishing. Most Seikos are somewhat blobby with rounded edges and more organic forms. The broad flat surfaces and hard edges both on the bracelet and case place this watch a big cut above their presage line.

[@ProperCh]

Totally agree with this. The one distinguishing feature of this model which you cant get on any other Seiko is that case profile with the trapezoidal lugs.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Woooo, that's gorgeous. Only thing this watch is missing is a hi beat movement.

[@mosytube]

It’s missing an accurate movement

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

​@@mosytube How is this movement not accurate, what proof do you have of your accusations?

[@Leby69]

Been waiting for this 👌 think I might have to get the red dial

[@tywinn5786]

The vintage look and feel are amazing! However, the 6RXX is a disservice to the KS brand.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Disservice how? There's nothing wrong with this movement, what are you even talking about? Explain how this movement is bad like you and others are accusing

[@ercanqa7452]

I was thinking on IWC Portofino or Grand Seiko Heritage Collection , but should i really spent all my Cash Savings on these watches , i don't know , i am just talking about the cash , I have a lot of gold coins i never touch , if i would sell them i could even buy a Patek Philippe , but that's not me . The King Seiko seems to be an interesting "budget" Alternative , which is obviously better than Normal Seikos better finishing and better quality . I Like them , currently i think on the Red Dial version .

[@marvean2519]

This watch is beautiful but overpriced with this movement. Though I love that Seiko is starting to produce 6r time only watches. Hope there’s more to come.

[@mrtd7908]

Shows the difference in peoples experience with watch movements I have a 6r35 in the new alpinist it runs at -1 with zero flair which is more accurate than my longings spirit chronometer yep I could have it regulated to plus 2 but I don not mind the minus this movement has a history if running at minus 1 which is way above its pay grade

[@xiojade7]

Funny you mention the Sinn, i have been trying to decide on the 556 fine link or this.

[@ikiboisart]

It's beautiful per se but the price is really a bit steep.

[@jaer.6540]

Gorgeous watch, but not worth the price at all. This should be $1200 max.

[@Killua_Overwatch]

It has the finishing of grand seiko with a workhorse movement. It is actually an amazing value proposition. Then again, I got mine discounted.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

It needs to be called SEIKO KS and the King Seiko on the case back bezel, and for that much the 4L15 or the 6L15 should have been in it.

[@El-AYE-Ra1s3d]

Hey mark, i see the lug to lug is 43.6 mm, whats the measurement on the male endlinks?

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Almost all KZbinrs forget to give this measurement. The normal lug to lug is useless if it uses male end links. How do they not know this.

[@shiot]

Crazy thing is I have a $150 Seiko with a 4r movement and it runs within +2/3 sec a day although I initially expected it to suck

[@pth8888]

The watch and bracelet looks good but for $2k watch, I need better movement.

[@timemeasured9137]

What's the difference between the 281 and 279? They both look exactly the same. Thanks.

[@AverageBros]

different dial brushing, one is sunray, the other is vertically brushed

[@SomeOneOneOne]

Are there no half links?

[@ronpower7790]

For the price its a shame that they put a 6R movement in that thing. I could accept a 6R in a watch up to 500 $ but not a that price level.

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Save your money and get a better quality watch from Knot, which will at their top end have GS finishing and with their chronograph a better grade Seiko movement. This is just too expensive for a non chronometer with a fairly average 6R movement. SARB 03x with a 6R movement used to cost $300, so how on earth, even with inflation, can this be an extra $1400? Seiko is really locked into price gouging now it seems.

[@sjsk313]

They need to replace the Seiko logo with King Seiko.

[@krenier]

no screw down crown :(

[@DaneFerolin]

Can be had for around 1300

[@ransu7327]

PLEASE Seiko change movement, I mean for the amount of cash we should get way better.

[@ercanqa7452]

I like everything about this watch except the Movement could be much better for this price range , but you will never get the perfect watch seems.

[@AverageBros]

Check out my review for the recent King Seiko SJE091, it does cost more but is also a few notches up in quality as well

[@stevec6554]

I like my Seiko's as I have 3 in my collection, but feel they are overpriced for what you get...unless in a sale. I went to the Mall the other day to take a look and hold this watch. To me this didn't feel any different from a Seiko in the $500 line. Infact other Seiko's at $500 felt better quality. I thought this King Seiko felt abit rough. For the same price I can get alot better quality. But everyone to their own opinion.😊

[@josemedina1983]

I actually got the purple dial is such an amazing watch. 100% agree that you can get better, I battle with the same thinking. Do you want more bang for the buck or do you want a specific watch with a specific heritage or specific look? Interesting enough I tried the regular dial meh I can get a Tissot PRX instead. I was in vacation in Japan and stopped by the Seiko Museum then the boutique. My wife told me to tried the purple dial I melted right away I fell in love. All that bang for the buck went straight to the garbage. Sometimes we follow our hearts and painfully almost go bankrupt LOL.

[@stevec6554]

@@josemedina1983 The watch world has become insane. I remember when I could walk into a Rolex dealership ask for 10% discount and walk out with a gmt on my wrist. Can't really blame Seiko if everyone else is getting away with crazy pricing. Im of the old school of value for money, So I tend to look at micro brands now. 😃

[@josemedina1983]

@@stevec6554 100%. Owing a Rolex is not even on my list anymore. I think Omega and Tudor took the spot of the "work hard and buy a nice watch middle class". I love microbrands, so many choices. I personally own a Astor + Banks Fortitude They are based in Chicago Also Zelos are killing it. Which microbrands do you like?

[@stevec6554]

@@josemedina1983 I had a Rolex which I sold 15 years ago before this craziness took off. Would have got 3 to 4 times the price if I sold today. I have recently discovered a microbrand called " Wise" based in Thailand. They have a international selling site but, as I live in Thailand I can get them more discounted buying through Lazada ( It's like Amazon). They are good quality and some are made from the same steel as Rolex. Another brand I would buy if I was in America is "Monta". They are slightly overpriced but import costs would make them costly.😃

[@josemedina1983]

@@stevec6554 I like Monta they have the classic look but a good blend of colors and dials.

[@blairdalgleish8247]

I would not buy it with that movement, I have 3 seikos with 6r35 movement and they all have bad accuracy. My Tissot with powermatic 80 is much more accurate

[@GITBA]

what a gorgeous watch seiko made, shame it has no lume and cost too much

[@chrisbluma7942]

Love the look. Kinda hate the movement. At least for the price. Anything over $1000 should be upgraded to something more refined.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

You should stick to your overpriced Swiss watches

[@chrisbluma7942]

@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess As opposed to overpriced Japanese ones like the King Seiko? At least entry-level Swiss watches give you value. You're just getting ripped off with the SPB281. But, by all means, pay $1700 for what should be a $600 Seiko.

[@santigualberto]

can somebody please put this watch on a strap.. I've been looking for ages 😁

[@oderblock]

just count once how many times you say "you know"

[@_guillermo]

Wow

[@pannan80]

For the price they should be regulated

[@Toph378]

Slap a 9F in this one and 🎉

[@planetdee3587]

At the price of this (I think $1,300) it has stiff competion from other Seikos.

[@Kana0211]

Needs a date or day

[@mosytube]

Wish this was 38.5mm and had a date. Could be my one-watcher.

[@dgbucko]

Don't get people complaining about no date when probably 99% of watches have dates. I am pretty sure you could find one that you like. For us that don't like date windows, finding the perfect watch is like searching for the holy grail and this hits the spot.

[@dsadik666]

39m is coming

[@lengx.9798]

No excuse for this movement.

[@mrjones6770]

what is it?...it cant be a watch because that movement cant tell time....with seiko you pay for the eye candy......nothing more.

[@danield6815]

The movement is disappointing

[@dgbucko]

Measured against what? Have a look at the accuracy specifications for ETA and Miyota. I just picked one of these up for half the price of the ETA Blackbay 36 and I cannot see anyone complaining about the ETA on the forums and KZbin comments.

[@mhenrique4860]

Worth $1700 ? lollllll I would not pay that even for a rolex if they started to sell by these prices...

[@NexDim.]

What?

[@joseoliver534]

Seiko seiko who can be want to buy these ugly things????serious? Seiko...... lol...boycot seiko.....beurk