More than 50 years after its premiere, the legendary King Seiko VANAC returns – with sharp edges, improved mechanics and a touch of futurism from the past.
Seiko is reviving one of its most avant-garde series from the 70s – King Seiko VANAC. The new edition maintains a bold, geometric design and features a modern 8L45 automatic movement with an accuracy of +10/-5 seconds per day and a 72-hour power reserve. Inspiration? Tokyo skylines at different times of day. Price? $3,300. Will it be able to convince fans of retro futurism?
When geometry and history meet
The King Seiko has always been the slightly more rebellious brother of the Grand Seiko, which wanted to prove itself with its luxurious yet more accessible approach back in the 60s. However, the real boldness came in 1972, when Seiko introduced the VANAC – a series that experimented with multi-layered cases, vibrant colors and unusual shapes. In 2025, Seiko revives this legacy with the new VANAC, which remains faithful to the original in terms of design but brings modern improvements. A bezel-less case, which gives it a slimmer look, a bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links and a retro dial with a striped pattern and engraved markings. All this together creates a feeling of rugged sporty elegance.
King Seiko VANAC Color Palette: From Dusk to Dawn
Seiko has not only kept the retro design, but has also combined it with a modern concept – the Tokyo skyline. Each dial reflects a certain part of the day in the Japanese capital. The purple version of the SLA083 is inspired by the colors of a Tokyo sunset, the dark blue SLA085 shines like a night sky above the city lights, and the silver SLA087 captures the light of the first rays of sunlight over the city. In addition to these three models, Seiko is adding two more special editions. The limited edition SLA089 in gold, symbolizing the warmth of the morning sun, will be produced in just 700 pieces. The boutique exclusive SLA091 with an ice blue dial reflects the light of a clear morning and will be available only in Seiko boutiques. The dials are decorated with horizontal lines and unique markers, and at 12 o’clock and on the counterweight of the seconds hand we find the letter “V”, which pays homage to the VANAC series.
Technology under the hood: more than just a retro look
The King Seiko VANAC wouldn't be a real King Seiko without serious mechanics. The heart of the watch is the automatic caliber 8L45, which was developed on the same basis as the Grand Seiko 9S55. This means a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), a 72-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +10/-5 seconds per day. It has 35 jewels and was designed for the robustness and reliability required by modern sports mechanical watches. A special feature of the new VANAC is the transparent sapphire crystal back, which is a first in the history of the rebirth of King Seiko. This way you can admire the precise processing and decoration of the mechanism, which was previously missing from this line. The case is 41 mm in size and 14.3 mm thick, made of stainless steel, water resistant to 100 meters, and the watch also boasts a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
Price and availability
All versions of the new King Seiko VANAC will be available from July 2025 at selected retailers and Seiko boutiques. The SLA083, SLA085 and SLA087 models will be part of the permanent collection and will be available worldwide. The limited edition SLA089 will be made in just 700 pieces, while the boutique exclusive SLA091 will be available exclusively at Seiko boutiques. All models are priced at the same price of $3,300.
Final thought: will VANAC hit the right note?
King Seiko VANAC has shown this time that it is not just a retro nostalgic, but knows how to combine its heritage with modern innovation. The new King Seico VANAC is a watch that combines vintage experimentation, modern mechanics and a recognizable design that does not adapt to trends, but creates them. Of course, it is not for everyone – if you prefer discreet watches, then the VANAC may not be your thing. But if you appreciate models that stand out, that tell a story and bring something fresh, then this is one of the most interesting Seiko models of the last decade. What do you say – would you dare to wear it?