Seiko - King Seiko Vanac - 5626-7180 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage

The King Seiko Vanac line represents a wonderfully bold era of 1970s Japanese design, making well-preserved examples sought-after by collectors. This particular 1973 King Seiko Vanac pairs a highly distinctive angular case with a spectacular brown gradient dial and an original faceted mineral crystal. Powered by the high-grade King Seiko 5626B automatic caliber and featuring a Kanji day wheel, it delivers a striking visual presence and robust mechanical performance.

Brand: Seiko
Model: King Seiko Vanac
Reference Number: 5626-7180
Serial Number: 339798
Movement: Automatic caliber 5626B
Dial: Brown gradient with applied faceted indices and Kanji day wheel
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1973
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -10-13s/day, performing remarkably well.

Dial and Hands
The brown gradient dial is exceptionally preserved and visually striking, presenting a clean and vibrant finish entirely free of moisture damage or spotting. The applied faceted indices remain bright and free of oxidation, perfectly complemented by crisp and intact printed text. A Kanji day wheel adds authentic domestic-market character. The gold-tone faceted hands feature black center stripes, displaying clean surfaces with no visible corrosion, matching the excellent condition of the indices to ensure high legibility.

Case and Crystal
The angular stainless steel case features brushed and polished surfaces that retain their original geometric lines, displaying honest wear consistent with age. Moderate scratches and scuffs are visible on the polished flanks, while the edges remain relatively well-defined. The caseback engravings are deep and clear. A smooth gold-tone bezel frames the dial, showing light surface scratches and minor wear without any major dents. The watch retains its clearly signed "KS" crown, with intact knurling and normal wear. The distinctive multi-faceted mineral crystal completes the bold Vanac aesthetic, remaining generally clear while showing some light surface scratches and minor edge wear visible in the reflections.

Movement
Inside beats the King Seiko automatic caliber 5626B, a 25-jewel movement renowned for its refinement. The movement appears very clean with no visible corrosion or staining, while the rotor and bridges show bright finishing and the screw heads remain in good condition. Engravings for Seiko, 25 Jewels, and Japan 5626B are clearly visible. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a rate of -10-13s/day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a sturdy and period correct stainless steel block-link bracelet, featuring endlinks stamped "20-18". The bracelet displays typical normal surface scratches and wear on the links, offering a comfortable fit for wrists up to 18 cm.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally preserved, maintaining their vibrant color and bright faceted surfaces. The stainless steel case and gold-tone bezel show honest, moderate scratches and scuffs on the polished sections, yet the original angular geometry remains intact. The faceted crystal displays light surface scratches but retains good clarity. Supported by the recorded timegrapher results, the movement is performing very strongly.

Dimensions
The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown.

Remarks
This King Seiko Vanac stands out for its exceptional brown gradient dial and the preservation of its bold 1970s architecture. Combining the mechanical pedigree of the 5626B caliber with a highly expressive design language and a Kanji day wheel, it is a compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of distinctive vintage Japanese watchmaking.

History
Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac series was King Seiko's response to the era's demand for avant-garde, expressive aesthetics. Characterized by faceted crystals, vibrant gradient dials, and sharply angular cases, the Vanac line offered a dramatic departure from King Seiko's traditionally conservative grammar of design. Despite their flamboyant exteriors, these watches were powered by the same high-grade, precision-focused 56-series calibers that earned King Seiko its prestigious reputation, making them a fascinating intersection of bold style and serious mechanical watchmaking.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: SEI-VKX-0001