Presented for auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko Vanac represents a captivating era of Japanese horological history, combining the relentless mechanical precision of the esteemed King Seiko line with the flamboyant, avant-garde design language of the 1970s. Created to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward demographic while refusing to compromise on high-end watchmaking, the Vanac series is renowned for its aggressively styled cases, brightly colored dials, and dramatic faceted crystals. Finding a Vanac in any condition is a delight for collectors, but discovering an example preserved in such rare, near-new old stock condition is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a pristine piece of Seiko heritage. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7160 Serial Number: 285883 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626B, 25 Jewels Dial: Pristine blue gradient sunburst dial with applied multifaceted indices and golden hands Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Near-mint condition, an exceptionally preserved and rare near-NOS example Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko Vanac is a visual masterpiece, featuring a deep blue gradient finish that transitions gracefully from a vibrant azure center to a moody, dark perimeter. A prominent sunburst brushing radiates from the central pinion, catching and playing with the light at every angle. The dial furniture is remarkably intricate, showcasing applied polished rectangular hour indices featuring crisp white channel inlays. The typography is exceptionally sharp, with an applied silver-toned SEIKO logo, a prominent applied KS emblem, and the distinctive VANAC script printed in a vivid green hue, just above the subtle Suwa factory symbol. The handset consists of elegant golden-toned sword hands detailed with black center striping, providing excellent contrast and legibility against the striking blue backdrop. Upon close inspection, the dial presents in flawless condition, entirely free of spotting, staining, moisture marks, or surface degradation, remaining almost as vivid and perfect as the day it left the factory. Case and Crystal The geometric stainless steel case showcases the daring architecture that defines the Vanac family. The unpolished surfaces exhibit razor-sharp transitions between the finely brushed upper case planes and the mirror-polished case flanks. The lug profiles retain their factory-original crispness, demonstrating absolutely no softening of the distinct lines and chamfers. The watch is fitted with its original KS-signed crown, featuring deep and precise knurling. Turning the watch over reveals a pristine screw-down caseback, with the engraved King Seiko nomenclature, reference numbers, and serial markings remaining incredibly deep and legible. Crowning this remarkable case is the signature faceted crystal, cut with precise geometric angles that act as a prism over the dial. The crystal is exceptionally preserved, clear, and free from any distracting scuffs or edge chips, allowing an unhindered view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5626B, a high-grade 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and precision during Seiko’s golden era of mechanical watchmaking. The visual inspection of the movement reveals a beautifully clean architecture, with a bright rotor, untarnished bridges, and crisp factory engravings proudly displaying the Seiko signature and caliber specifications. The day and date complication functions as intended. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance, the timegrapher results reflect a deviation of -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is secured by its original stainless steel bracelet, characterized by solid horizontal block links that perfectly complement the angular geometry of the case. The bracelet exhibits excellent structural integrity with tight links and crisp surface brushing. It fastens via a folding clasp that bears the deeply and sharply embossed VANAC signature. The bracelet is sized to comfortably accommodate up to a 17 cm wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in rare, near-mint vintage condition, closely resembling new old stock. The level of preservation is staggering, from the completely unblemished dial to the factory-sharp edges of the stainless steel case and the brilliant clarity of the faceted crystal. It shows only the absolute faintest signs of careful handling, making it a true museum-grade example of a 1970s King Seiko. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the signed crown. The integrated-style bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of 17 cm. Remarks Combining high-beat era mechanical excellence with unapologetic 1970s styling, this King Seiko Vanac is a standout addition to any serious vintage collection. Its breathtaking blue gradient dial, architectural case, and faceted crystal make it a mesmerizing watch on the wrist, while its astounding near-NOS condition elevates it to a highly desirable investment-grade vintage piece. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac line was Seiko’s answer to a rapidly changing global fashion landscape. While the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines traditionally adhered to conservative, "Grammar of Design" rules, the Vanac broke all the conventions. It took the chronometer-capable movements of the King Seiko family and placed them inside radically shaped cases topped with gem-cut faceted crystals and wildly colorful dials. The Vanac was relatively short-lived, making well-preserved examples incredibly rare today. It remains a fascinating testament to a time when Seiko allowed its highest-tier watchmakers to experiment freely with bold, youthful aesthetics. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional, working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKV-0002