King Seiko 4402-8000 from 1968

King Seiko is a line of high-quality wristwatches produced by Seiko, Japan's renowned watchmaker. It was launched in 1965 as a response to the success of Swiss luxury brands, aiming to compete in the premium watch market. The brand was established as a more affordable alternative to Seiko's Grand Seiko line, yet still offered exceptional craftsmanship and precision. King Seiko watches featured high-end movements, refined finishes, and elegant designs, with many models featuring manual winding mechanical movements.

During the 1960s and 1970s, King Seiko was recognized for its precision and became a key player in Seiko's rise as a global watch brand. King Seiko’s involvement in the quartz revolution was significant, with models like the 1969 King Seiko Quartz gaining attention. However, in 1975, Seiko decided to phase out King Seiko in favor of promoting Grand Seiko and its quartz innovations.

Despite its discontinuation, King Seiko remained a respected name in the watch industry. In recent years, the brand has been revived as Seiko introduced new limited-edition King Seiko models, paying homage to its legacy while incorporating modern technology. Today, King Seiko continues to be seen as a symbol of Seiko’s dedication to both tradition and innovation.