King Seiko 56KS

The 56KS family is where much of my everyday wearing happens. I have come to value these movements for their ease, stability and precision, but the range of shapes around them is just as compelling. A time-only 7020, a cushion-cased 7000 and the pebble-like Tamago can share a mechanical foundation without sharing a temperament.

At one end are restrained compositions whose detail takes time to reveal itself. At the other are cut crystals, dark hardmetal and exuberant green dials. I find the continuity in the attention to line, surface and proportion, even when the results seem to disagree.

My appreciation comes from living with serviced examples. The calendar quickset has needed attention on some of them; that experience belongs alongside, rather than erases, the pleasure of their daily use.