Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This exceptional 1973 King Seiko Vanac Special immediately commands attention with its striking green gradient textured dial and distinctive original faceted crystal. A quintessential 1970s Japanese Domestic Market design, this sought-after collector favorite pairs a bold, angular stainless steel case with the highly regarded high-beat 5256A King Seiko Special movement, delivering a visually captivating and mechanically sophisticated wearing experience.
Brand: Seiko
Model: King Seiko Vanac Special
Reference Number: 5256-6000
Serial Number: 307223
Movement: Automatic Caliber 5256A
Dial: Green gradient textured dial with applied faceted block indices
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1973
Condition: Good vintage condition. Movement serviced on 25 June 2026. Timegrapher: +15+20s/day, performing remarkably well.
Dial and Hands
The vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved green gradient textured dial serves as a stunning focal point. It features applied faceted block indices that catch the light beautifully, complemented by clean printing with no visible print loss. The dial remains free of any visible moisture damage or significant spotting. The baton hands feature lume inserts and display minor oxidation and aging visible on the metal surfaces, presenting light, even aging that suits the character of the watch perfectly.
Case and Crystal
The angular stainless steel case features well-defined brushed and polished surfaces, retaining its original geometry. Honest wear consistent with age is present, including moderate scratches and minor dings visible on the flanks and edges. The integrated polished bezel area shows scratches and light wear consistent with the rest of the case. The watch retains its signed KS crown, which features well-defined knurling and light wear. Above the dial sits the distinctive original faceted mineral crystal, which shows minor surface scratches and tiny edge fleabites visible under direct light.
Movement
Inside beats the automatic Seiko Caliber 5256A, a 25-jewel movement highly respected by collectors for its sophisticated engineering and high-beat frequency. The movement presents beautifully with clean plates and a clean rotor, showing no visible corrosion or significant scratches. The timegrapher recorded +15+20s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The movement was serviced on 25 June 2026.
Strap
The watch is fitted with its original signed bracelet, featuring distinctive faceted stainless steel links that perfectly match the angular case design. The bracelet is secured by a signed VANAC clasp and features endlinks marked XAB650. It shows moderate scratches and wear throughout, consistent with the case. The bracelet will accommodate a maximum wrist size of 18cm.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The movement was serviced on 25 June 2026 and, supported by the recorded timegrapher result, is performing very strongly. The case and bracelet present honest wear with moderate scratches and minor dings, while the original faceted crystal exhibits minor surface scratches and edge fleabites. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, and the hands show appropriate light aging.
Dimensions
36 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
This King Seiko Vanac Special stands out through its brilliant green gradient dial and matching faceted crystal. Retaining its original signed bracelet and powered by the impressive 5256A movement, it offers a superb opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive 1970s design.
History
The King Seiko Vanac line represents a fascinating and brief era in Seiko history during the early 1970s. Created exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market, the Vanac series embraced the bold, avant-garde design language of the decade, characterized by colorful dials, faceted crystals, and dramatic, angular case geometries. Beneath these striking exteriors, Seiko equipped the Vanac line with their finest high-beat movements, including the highly regarded 52-series calibers. Today, the King Seiko Vanac Special is celebrated by collectors as a prime example of Seiko creative and technical ambition during this period.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: SEI-VAK-0001

































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Seiko - King Seiko Vanac Special - 5256-6000 - Men - 1973
Seiko • 1973
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