Seiko has resurrected a name that resonates with history and innovation: the King Seiko VANAC. Originally launched in 1972, the VANAC series stood out within the King Seiko line for its vibrant colors and avant-garde, multifaceted designs. This new iteration, slated for release in July 2025, isn't a mere reissue; it's a bold reimagining that stays true to the original's spirit while embracing modern horological advancements. It is also the first to have a see-through caseback in the King Seiko collection, this is monumental.
The design concept behind the new VANAC draws inspiration from the dynamic cityscape of Tokyo, the birthplace of King Seiko. The watch aims to capture the ever-changing expressions of the Tokyo horizon, a vista immortalized in various art forms. This metropolitan inspiration translates into a watch that's both strong and refined, capturing the energy of the city.
Courtesy of Seiko
The watch case embodies a powerful, angular design, appearing as if it were hewn from a single block of stainless steel. However, this robust appearance is cleverly balanced by a bezel-less design, which lends the watch a surprisingly streamlined profile. The case finishing is a masterclass in contrast, achieved through advanced polishing techniques. This meticulous process creates distortion-free mirror surfaces that interact with light to produce dynamic shadows and highlights, adding a significant presence on the wrist. The case measures 41.0mm in diameter, with a thickness of 14.3mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 45.1mm. It features a screw-down crown and a screw case back, contributing to a water resistance of 10 bar (approximately 100 meters).
The dial continues the theme of urban sophistication. It features a horizontal stripe pattern, broken by a dedicated ring that houses the indexes. This design element adds depth and visual interest to the dial. The 12 o'clock index and the counterweight on the seconds hand are particularly noteworthy, both showcasing a distinctive "V" silhouette, a nod to the VANAC name. The hands and indexes are treated with LumiBrite, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions. The dial is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to minimize glare.
Courtesy of Seiko
The newly developed bracelet is another key element of the VANAC's design. It's a complex construction of links, each finished with a combination of mirror and hairline polishing. This attention to detail not only enhances the watch's luxury feel but also ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The bracelet is secured with a deployment clasp that features a push-button release. The distance between the lugs is 17mm.
The debut of a see-through case back is a major milestone for the relaunched King Seiko collection, the new VANAC leads the charge. Gracing the sapphire crystal of the case back is the resurgent King Seiko "shield," a symbol of the brand's heritage, adding a refined touch. This allows a view of the new Caliber 8L45, a testament to Seiko's mechanical prowess. This is Seiko's most precise mechanical movement in current production. The rotor and bridges of the movement are decorated with exquisite wave patterns, offering a subtle yet luxurious detail visible through the case back.
The Caliber 8L45 is a high-performance automatic movement with manual winding capability. This is a big deal for Seiko's reputation as well. It boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, thanks to an improved mainspring. Precision is a key attribute of this movement, with an accuracy rating of +10 to -5 seconds per day. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) and includes a stop-second hand function for precise time-setting. It also features a date display, adding everyday practicality to the watch. The movement is constructed with 35 jewels, contributing to its smooth operation and longevity. It was engineered with the ruggedness and performance qualities expected in modern mechanical sports watches.
Courtesy of Seiko
The VANAC series will be available in three distinct dial colors, each inspired by the Tokyo horizon at different times of the day. There's a purple dial capturing the hues of evening twilight, a navy dial representing the midnight sky, and a silver dial evoking the sunrise. Each color provides a unique aesthetic, allowing individuals to choose the one that best suits their taste.
Seiko's commitment to technical excellence is clearly demonstrated in the new VANAC. The movement is designed for durability and accuracy, incorporating features that are typically found in high-end sports watches. The use of high-quality materials and meticulous finishing further reinforces this commitment. The movement's stated accuracy of +10 to -5 seconds per day highlights its precision.
The design of the watch is carefully considered, blending classic and contemporary elements. The overall aesthetic is bold and modern, yet it retains a certain elegance that makes it suitable for a variety of occasions. The subtle "V" details on the dial, as well as the dial's finish are a nice touch of detail.
The integration of LumiBrite on the hands and indexes is a practical feature that enhances the watch's usability. The use of sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance, ensures that the dial remains clear and legible over time. The anti-reflective coating on the crystal further improves visibility by reducing glare.
Courtesy of Seiko
Seiko's history dates back to 1881, when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop in Tokyo. The company, initially known as K. Hattori & Co., began producing clocks in 1892 under the name Seikosha. The name "Seiko," meaning "exquisite" or "success" in Japanese, was first used on watch dials in 1924.
The introduction of the Grand Seiko line in 1960 marked a significant milestone, representing the pinnacle of Seiko's watchmaking capabilities. Grand Seiko aimed to compete with the best Swiss watches in terms of accuracy and craftsmanship. King Seiko, introduced shortly after, was developed as a separate line, fostering internal competition and driving innovation. This internal rivalry between Grand Seiko and King Seiko is well-known in the watch collecting community and helped elevate both brands to great hights.
The original King Seiko VANAC series, launched in the 1970s, was a product of this era of intense development and experimentation. It embodied a spirit of innovation, showcasing bold designs and vibrant colors that were unusual for the time. The new VANAC pays homage to this legacy while incorporating modern technology and design sensibilities.
Courtesy of Seiko
The 10 bar water resistance of the new VANAC makes it suitable for everyday wear, including swimming and snorkeling, but not deep-sea diving. The magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m provides protection against the effects of magnetic fields, which can affect the accuracy of mechanical watches.
The pricing for the new King Seiko VANAC is set at USD 3,300.00. The watches are scheduled for release in July 2025 and will be part of the main King Seiko collection. This pricing positions the VANAC as a premium offering within the Seiko lineup, reflecting its advanced movement, high-quality construction, and distinctive design.
Case: Stainless steel. 41.0mm diameter, 14.3mm thickness, 45.1mm lug-to-lug. Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. Water resistance 10 bar. Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m. Screw-down crown, screw case back. 17mm distance between lugs.
Movement: Caliber 8L45. Automatic with manual winding. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 35 Jewels. 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second). Stop second hand function. Date display. Accuracy of +10 to –5 seconds per day.
Dial: Horizontal stripe pattern. Dedicated ring for indexes. "V" shaped 12 o'clock index and seconds hand counterweight. LumiBrite on hands and indexes. Available in purple, navy, and silver.
Strap: Newly developed bracelet. Combination of mirror and hairline finished links. Deployment clasp with push button release.
Price: USD 3,300.00
Reference Number: SLA083
Notes: First see-through case back in the relaunched King Seiko collection. Inspired by the Tokyo horizon. Rebirth of the 1972 VANAC series. Release date July 2025.