King Seiko continues its rebirth with a new interpretation of the Seiko Vanac model. While previous editions screamed for attention with purple dials, the new models bring a sophisticated brown and green color scheme inspired by the forests of Tokyo. With the addition of innovative leather straps and a premium movement, this is a watch that combines retro design with modern wearability.
If you've followed the history of watchmaking even a little, you're probably familiar with an old Japanese corporate drama. In the 1960s, Seiko decided to create two separate subsidiaries - Grand Seiko and King Seiko – and forced them to compete with each other. The goal? To see who could make the better watch. Grand Seiko won the prestige war and today enjoys the status of a luxury brand in its own right, King Seiko, however, in 1975 quietly disappeared into history.
But nostalgia is a powerful drug and the years 2022 King Seiko is backAt first, these were safe, classic models, then they revived the line earlier this year King Seiko Vanac. It was a 1970s watch that looked like it was designed in the middle of a wild party in a Tokyo disco—square, bold, and eye-catching. The first modern reissue wore a royal purple color that was fantastic for collectors, but perhaps too aggressive for a meeting with an accountant.
Now, just before 2026, King Seiko is changing course. The new models have kept that sexy angular case, but have toned down the colors. And the result? Probably the best King Seiko watch we've seen in a while.
Less disco, more jazz
New model King Seiko, which carry the SLA093 and SLA095 labels, have swapped the extroverted purple and blue for something considerably more sophisticated: dark brown and forest green. Seiko says they draw inspiration from the dense forests surrounding Tokyo, such as the Meiji Jingu Forest.
To be honest, this is marketing language for “we’ve made a watch that goes with your fall wardrobe.” And that’s a good thing. The brown dial (SLA093) feels warm and organic, while the green (SLA095) adds a depth that probably looks spectacular in the sun. They’ve kept the teak-like texture of the dial, the gold accents, and the raised luminous indexes. All of this gives the watch a sense of depth and that specific Japanese attention to detail that’s often missing from European brands in this price range.
Revolution on a strap
This is perhaps the most important piece of news for purists. For the first time in the history of the model King Seiko Vanac – whether original or reissue – the watch does not come on an integrated metal bracelet. King Seiko has opted for leather instead.
Replacing steel with leather drastically changes the character of the watch. The metal bracelet emphasized the sharp angles of the case and gave the watch that “robotic” look of the seventies. The leather softens those lines. The watch suddenly feels more elegant, less like a tool and more like a fashion accessory.
Seiko used sustainable leather from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery. The brown watch comes with a brown strap, while the green watch comes with a black one. What’s even more interesting is the clasp. It’s a keeperless folding clasp, meaning the end of the strap tucks in under your wrist. No more protruding leather ends. It’s a small engineering solution that makes wearing the watch significantly more comfortable and visually clean.
There is one catch, however, that will anger strap change enthusiasts. The width between the lugs is 17 millimeters. This is an unusual dimension that will severely limit your choice of non-original straps. Typical Seiko move – they give us something wonderful, then provide a small obstacle to prevent us from becoming too confident.
Grand Seika engine in disguise
There are no surprises under the hood, and that’s good news. The watch is powered by the Seiko caliber 8L45. For those of you who don’t speak fluent “watchmaking”: this is a movement based on the 9S55 architecture used by Grand Seiko.
It is an automatic movement with a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and a power reserve of 72 hours. This means that you can put the watch away on Friday and put it back on Monday morning without having to reset it. The accuracy is declared at +15 to -10 seconds per day, which is solid for this price, although in practice these movements often work even better.
The case measures 41 millimeters, which is a modern size, and the 14.3 mm thickness means the watch won't exactly disappear under a shirt cuff. But given the angular shape and faceted case, the presence on the wrist is exactly what you're looking for with this model.
When, where and for how much?
The new King Seiko Vanac models will be available from January 1, 2026. That's a smart date - just when you're looking for something to brighten up the start of the year after the holiday depression.
The price is set at €3,300That's not a lot of money for a "Seiko," but when you consider that you're getting a Grand Seiko-grade movement, top-notch case finish, and a design you won't see on every other wristwatch in the coffee shop, it's a package that offers a lot of value.
If you're looking for a watch that has history but doesn't look like a museum piece, and technology that won't let you down, the adult Vanac might be the one for you. Just don't try to put an 18mm strap on it. Seriously, it won't work.
| Specification | Data |
| Model | King Seiko Vanac SLA093 (brown) / SLA095 (green) |
| Housing material | Stainless Steel |
| Housing diameter | 41 mm |
| Thickness | 14.3 mm |
| Distance between ears (L2L) | 45.1mm |
| Strap width | 17 mm |
| Mechanism | Automatic Seiko Caliber 8L45 |
| Waterproof | 100 m |
| Belt | Durable leather with a toggle clasp |
| The price | 3.300 € |
