Seiko - King Seiko Vanac Special 王映 (Ōei) – Royal Reflection - 5246-5020 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare and highly collectible Piece of Japanese horological history, the King Seiko Vanac Special. Produced during the golden era of Seiko's mechanical innovation, this reference 5246-5020 represents the pinnacle of the "Vanac" line, which combined high-grade chronometer-quality movements with the bold, avant-garde design language of the 1970s. With its faceted crystal, distinct geometric case, and stunning gradient dial, this timepiece is not just a watch but a piece of retro-futurist art. The "Special" designation on the dial confirms that this model houses the superior Caliber 5246, making it a highly sought-after piece for serious collectors of vintage Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Special Reference Number: 5246-5020 Serial Number: 241832 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5246 Dial: Blue Gradient Faceted Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a mesmerizing blue gradient that darkens towards the edges, creating a deep and immersive visual effect. The dial is adorned with high-polished, multi-faceted applied hour markers that catch the light dramatically, complementing the angular aesthetic of the Vanac line. The handset is original, featuring a distinct geometric design that matches the indices perfectly. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, currently displaying the Kanji day wheel, which adds significant collectible appeal. The applied "Seiko" and "KS Vanac Special" logos are crisp and well-preserved. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features an angular, octagonal design that is emblematic of the 1970s experimental styling from Daini Seikosha. The case architecture remains sharp, retaining its original factory lines with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. A gold-tone inner bezel ring adds a touch of contrast and elegance to the cold steel tones. The watch features its original faceted crystal, a signature of the Vanac series, which plays with light and reflections. The crystal shows visible scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age. The crown is original and signed with the "KS" logo. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Caliber 5246 automatic movement. This movement is historically significant as one of the finest automatic calibers produced by King Seiko, capable of chronometer-grade performance when new and offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of between -42 and -51 seconds per day, which indicates a complete and running movement that offers reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch comes fitted with its original King Seiko Vanac stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet features a unique articulated design with a signed "Vanac" clasp, completing the authentic vintage look. It fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows honest wear with surface scratches and marks typical for a watch of this era, yet it retains strong definition in its unique shape. The faceted crystal has visible scratches and scuffs from use over the decades. The dial remains in excellent condition, showing vibrant color and clean text. The gold-tone bezel ring shows some wear and patina but remains distinct. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, sitting prominently on the wrist due to its angular and lugless design. Remarks The King Seiko Vanac Special is a rare bird in the vintage watch world, representing a specific moment when Seiko allowed their designers complete creative freedom. The combination of the high-beat base "Special" movement and the funk-inspired design makes this a dual-threat collectible, appealing to both movement nerds and design enthusiasts giving it a unique presence on the wrist. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac series was a sub-line of King Seiko manufactured by the Daini Seikosha factory. It was created to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward generation, breaking away from the strict "Grammar of Design" rules that governed standard King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. The "Special" marking on this dial signifies that it was equipped with the Caliber 5246, a high-specification movement that was essentially chronometer-grade, demonstrating that while the exterior was playful, the interior remained serious haute horology. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKS-0002