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Time, Reimagined: The Return of King Seiko and Its Global Debut in Bangkok

Actor Ryohei Suzuki is appointed as King Seiko’s global ambassador. Image: Courtesy of Seiko

In the quiet memories of his childhood in the 1970s, Akio Naito fondly recalls the comforting sight of his father’s King Seiko watch resting on the desk. “It gave me a sense of safety knowing he was home from work,” he shares. More than a timekeeper, the watch came to represent presence, an anchor in time. 

That memory has become part of a larger story, one that unfolds nearly five decades later with Naito now at the helm of Seiko Watch Corporation. Once paused in 1975 during the rise of quartz technology, the King Seiko line has now been revived with conviction and with reverence for its heritage, but redesigned for a new generation.

In Bangkok, the Japanese heritage brand staged one of its most memorable launches to date at the sleek Fashion Hall at Siam Paragon. Against the backdrop of the bustling city’s culturally rich Charoenkrung district, the watchmaker unveiled the latest chapter in its storied legacy: the King Seiko VANAC collection. 

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Seiko Akio Naito Ryohei Suzuki
Seiko Watch Corporation president Akio Naito with global ambassador Ryohei Suzuki. Image: Courtesy of Seiko

Perhaps, the biggest highlight of the night was the official introduction of actor Ryohei Suzuki as King Seiko’s first global brand ambassador. Best known for his depth, grace, and versatility, the revered Japanese actor appeared in a cinematic short film, his voice narrating a poetic reflection on time, identity, and the spirit of Tokyo. 

“Time is a mirror,” Suzuki says in the campaign. “What we wear reflects who we are and what we stand for. King Seiko reflects my own pursuit of excellence.”

Suzuki’s appointment is not just symbolic; it represents Seiko’s ambition to take King Seiko global. “He is strong, forward-thinking, and commands international recognition; qualities that perfectly embody the philosophy of King Seiko, which we call ‘The Newest Classic,’” Naito said. 

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“What we wear reflects who we are and what we stand for,” Ryohei Suzuki says. “King Seiko reflects my own pursuit of excellence.” Image: Courtesy of Seiko
The King Seiko line is revived with a reverence for its heritage, but redesigned for a new generation. Image: Courtesy of Seiko

Speaking about his new role, Suzuki shares, “It’s an honor to represent King Seiko. As someone who has long admired and worn these timepieces, I resonate with their timeless quality, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. The new VANAC, in particular, captures a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation.”

Prominent Thai actor Ananda Everingham was also in attendance, whose presence underscored the brand’s growing resonance in Southeast Asia. The evening was then closed with a private viewing of the whole King Seiko VANAC lineup. 

King Seiko is officially arriving in the Philippines this August, inviting a new generation of collectors and watch aficionados to rediscover the classic timepiece. Pre‑orders are now live on the Seiko Boutique Philippines website, signaling the return of a legend, now with a modern heartbeat. 

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