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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step into the daring design era of the 1970s with this exceptional King Seiko Vanac, a timepiece that perfectly captures the avant-garde spirit of Seiko's golden age. The Vanac line was introduced to offer bold, futuristic aesthetics to the premium King Seiko tier, combining high-beat accuracy with unapologetic style. This particular example stands out with its mesmerizing textured green dial, faceted crystal, and sharp geometric case lines, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive and beautifully preserved piece of Japanese horological history. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7180 Serial Number: 342472 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5626B, 25 Jewels Dial: Striking textured green dial with gold-tone applied indices and faceted hands, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel with gold-tone bezel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this King Seiko Vanac is a visual masterpiece, featuring a deep green hue with a complex, frost-like or pine-needle texture that catches the light brilliantly from every angle. It is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no visible signs of moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration. The gold-tone applied indices are tall and feature intricately grooved top surfaces, adding immense depth. The matching gold-tone hands are sharply faceted, featuring black central stripes and small luminous plots. The applied serif "SEIKO" and "KS" logos, along with the distinct orange "Vanac" typography, remain crisp and perfectly intact. A framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position displays both English and Kanji character wheels, completing the dynamic and highly legible dial layout. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's renowned design philosophy with its sharp, angular lugs and broad, flat surfaces. The transitions between the brushed top surfaces and polished flanks remain crisp and well-defined, indicating careful preservation over the decades and normal honest signs of wear. A contrasting gold-tone bezel frames the dial, adding a touch of warmth to the steel architecture. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal that amplifies the dial's texture and adds a distinctively retro geometric flair, presenting beautifully with only faint superficial signs of handling. The original fluted crown, proudly signed with the "KS" logo, operates smoothly. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with all factory reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5626B automatic movement, clearly marked with 25 jewels. The movement has been recently serviced. Close inspection reveals clean bridges and a well-preserved rotor, showcasing the high-grade finishing expected from the King Seiko line. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an exceptional precision of +7 to +8 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a period-correct stainless steel bracelet with folded links and endlinks stamped "XA55A", complementing the angular aesthetic of the case and comfortably accommodating the wrist. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch has been wonderfully preserved, maintaining its sharp case geometry and factory finishing with light, honest handling marks. The textured dial is exceptionally clean, and the faceted crystal remains highly attractive. The recently serviced movement is running strongly and accurately, making this a superb and highly wearable collector's piece. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks The King Seiko Vanac series is celebrated for its uncompromising approach to 1970s design, blending high-end mechanical performance with radical aesthetics. This example, with its vibrant green textured dial and sharp faceted crystal, is a standout representation of the era and a testament to Seiko's creative boundaries. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac sub-brand was Seiko's answer to the vibrant, youth-driven fashion of the decade. Positioned within the prestigious King Seiko family, Vanac watches featured the same high-quality, high-beat movements but were housed in radically shaped cases with brightly colored, textured dials and faceted crystals. They were designed to stand out, offering a stark contrast to the conservative dress watches of previous decades. Today, these daring designs are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the bold creativity and mechanical excellence of vintage Japanese horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SVK-0003