Seiko Launch New King Seiko VANAC Collection Dedicated to Tokyo

Ever since Seiko revived the King Seiko permanently in 2022, they’ve slowly been expanding the range and introducing new collections. Currently the range consists predominantly of the KSK line, such as the Ukiyo-e editions from the end of last year and then the 1969 with its turtle-like flanks. Now a third collection is being added to the range with the launch of the King Seiko VANAC, based on the angular designs of the 1970s.

Considering that the VANAC is a niche model within a somewhat niche sub-brand of Seiko, you’ll have to excuse me for needing to google what the original 1970s models look like. Answer: they were an extravagant and eclectic mix of shapes ranging from facetted squares to tonneau-esque hexagons with rounded corners and then also, more commonly, round designs with sharply angled lugs and integrated bracelets, which is what forms the basis for the 2025 revival. If I were to draw comparisons to other watches that have been recently revived, I would describe the new King Seiko VANAC as the love child of the Piaget Polo 79 and Zenith Defy Revival.

The 41mm steel case has a brushed finish with a broad, arching curve from lug to lug. It then has another flat facet leading into the equally angular bracelet. Interestingly it has a bezeless design that leads straight into the sapphire crystal, giving it a certain similarity to Grand Seiko’s 62GS. Below the crystal is the dial itself, which features a retro gadroon style horizontal pattern across the centre surrounded by a radial hour scale with wedge-shaped indexes.

There are five versions of the dial available, each named after aspects of the Tokyo skyline. Meaning there’s Tokyo Twilight, Tokyo Midnight, Tokyo Sunrise, Tokyo Horizon and Tokyo Brilliant Sunlight. The Horizon version is a 700 piece limited edition and the Brilliant Sunlight is a boutique exclusive (which in the UK means their Bond Street location in London). In actual colour terms, the Brilliant Sunlight is the pale blue with silver edition, Horizon is golden brown, Sunrise is white gold, Midnight is black and Twilight is the purple/blue and gold version.

Inside, all of the King Seiko VANAC watches is the 8L45 automatic calibre. It’s the same movement as found in the Marinemaster ‘Shinkai’ 60^th Anniversary model that’s also being launched today. It’s one of Seiko’s most accurate with a deviation of +10/-5 seconds per day. It also has a 72-hour power reserve, making it nice and weekend proof. Seiko describe it as their top grade movement for good reason.

Though with a top grade movement comes a higher price and the King Seiko VANAC is £2,900. Although that’s not too shocking as King Seiko is Seiko’s mid-range brand sitting between the Presage and Grand Seiko, prices in the high 2,000s are not unusual. What do you think of this third collection in the King Seiko range, let us know in the comments below..

More details at Seiko Boutique.

​Oracle Time 

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