Which is cheaper, the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 or the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton?

At MSRP the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton is the cheaper of the two at $425, against $3,100 for the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 — a $2,675 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 or the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton?

The Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton wears larger at 40mm versus 39.4mm for the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 — a 0.6mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 or the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton?

The Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton is rated to 100m versus 5m for the Seiko King Seiko KS1969.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 or the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton?

The Seiko King Seiko KS1969 carries a 45-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton.

What movement does the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 run compared to the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Seiko King Seiko KS1969 uses the 6L35 and the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton uses the SII NH38A.

Side by side

Seiko King Seiko KS1969vsSpinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Seiko King Seiko KS1969

sje109j1

MSRP $3,100

Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton

croft-mid-size-skeleton-automatic-spongebob-squarepants-peek-a-boo-limited-edition-dollar-diver-sp-5152-01

MSRP $425

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

King Seiko KS196939.4mm

Croft Mid-Size Skeleton40mm

Power Reserve

King Seiko KS196945h

Croft Mid-Size Skeleton40h

Water Resistance

King Seiko KS196950m

Croft Mid-Size Skeleton100m

MSRP

King Seiko KS1969$3,100

Croft Mid-Size Skeleton$425

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

3 specs

Crystal Shape

Box

Flat

AR Coating

Anti-reflective coating on inner surface

Inner

Dial Color

Black

Dollar Diver

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

6L35

SII NH38A

Power Reserve

45h

40h

Jewels

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$3,100

$425

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seiko King Seiko KS1969

The King Seiko KS1969 is praised for its Grand Seiko-level finishing and a slim 9.9mm case, with one owner noting it is indistinguishable from new and includes original packaging. However, the $3,100-$3,200 price point is widely questioned, with some finding the looks pedestrian and the branding jarring. Accuracy from the 6L35 movement is noted as +15/-10 seconds per day, and some owners feel the new case shape, dial colors, and end links deviate from the classic KS aesthetic. On balance, owners and reviewers are divided on the King Seiko KS1969, with the high price and modern design choices being the primary points of contention.

From video reviewers

The slim case profile under 10mm and compact lug-to-lug dimensions provide a comfortable fit. The dial's modern appeal and the collection's homage to vintage pieces are highlighted. Reviewers did not reach a consensus on any weaknesses or points of disagreement.

WatchUSeek·4

Hodinkee

Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton

The Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton is noted for its 40mm steel case, sapphire crystal, and 150m water resistance. One owner reports strong performance from the TMI NH70 movement at -3 seconds per day, with very nice lume. On balance, owners find the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Skeleton to be a pretty nice option, particularly for its movement performance and lume.

WatchUSeek·2

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