Seiko - King Seiko Vanac - 5626-7250 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The King Seiko Vanac line represents one of the most daring and expressive eras of Japanese watchmaking. Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac series broke away from the conservative design language of traditional King Seiko models, fully embracing the flamboyant, avant-garde aesthetics of the decade. Characterized by sharp, angular cases, wildly textured dials, and dramatic faceted crystals, these timepieces were designed to make a statement. Today, they are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique architectural presence and the high-grade mechanical pedigree that lies beneath their bold exteriors. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7250 Serial Number: 430519 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Champagne gold heavily textured dial, exceptionally clean and well-preserved with sharp applied details Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a stunning, vibrant dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Vanac is a visual masterpiece, featuring a deep, irregular hammered or crushed-paper texture that catches the light dynamically from every angle. Finished in a warm champagne-gold tone, the dial surface is remarkably clean, showing no visible signs of moisture intrusion, spotting, or print loss. The applied "SEIKO", "VANAC", and "KS" logos stand tall and crisp against the textured backdrop. The hour markers are bold, faceted applied blocks featuring a distinct black central stripe, adding immense depth and contrast. The handset is equally striking, featuring broad baton hands with a unique ribbed texture on the leading segments and black central stripes that perfectly echo the indices. A framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, displaying both English and Kanji day wheels. Overall, the dial and hands are in exceptional condition, serving as the focal point of this vintage piece. Case and Crystal The 36mm gold-plated case showcases the distinct, sharp geometry that defines the Vanac series, with hooded lugs and a seamless flow from the case to the bracelet attachment point. The case exhibits clear, honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including surface scratches, handling marks, and some softening of the original factory edges. There is visible wear and slight fading to the gold plating along the sharper lug edges and the bezel perimeter, revealing the base metal in high-contact areas. The stainless steel caseback remains well-defined, with all factory engravings, including the Suwa symbol and serial numbers, clearly legible. The watch is fitted with a dramatic faceted crystal, a signature element of the Vanac design. The crystal shows noticeable surface scratches, edge wear, and tiny flea bites across its multiple angular planes, reflecting its history of regular wear while still allowing the spectacular dial to shine through. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5626, a high-grade automatic movement developed by the Suwa Seikosha factory. Known for its reliability and sophisticated engineering, the 56-series movements were the backbone of many King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an impressive +16 to +18 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a thick, period-style black leather strap. The strap features prominent, contrasting heavy-gauge gold and brown stitching that complements the gold-tone case beautifully. It is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and remains in excellent, highly wearable condition. Condition This King Seiko Vanac is presented in good vintage condition. It is a highly authentic piece that wears its history openly. The gold-plated case and faceted crystal show clear, honest wear, scratches, and age-related use, typical of a loved 1970s daily wearer. However, the dial and hands have been incredibly well-preserved beneath the crystal, remaining vibrant, clean, and free of damage. It is a striking, character-rich vintage watch that balances undeniable exterior patina with a near-flawless dial display. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug profile is compact and integrated, allowing the watch to sit comfortably and prominently on the wrist. Remarks Finding a King Seiko Vanac with such an intricate, undamaged textured dial is a treat for any vintage Japanese watch enthusiast. While the exterior shows the journey of the past five decades, the sheer character of the faceted crystal, ribbed hands, and crushed-texture dial makes this an undeniable conversation piece. It is a perfect acquisition for the collector looking for 1970s funk backed by serious horological pedigree. History Seiko introduced the Vanac sub-brand under the King Seiko umbrella in 1972, targeting a younger, more fashion-conscious demographic. The 1970s was an era of bold experimentation in watch design, and Seiko responded with cases featuring sharp, faceted geometry, brightly colored or heavily textured dials, and most notably, complex faceted mineral crystals. Despite their radical styling, Vanac models were equipped with the exact same high-end, chronometer-capable movements as the more conservative King Seiko models. The Vanac line was relatively short-lived, ceasing production in the mid-1970s as the quartz crisis reshaped the industry, making these mechanical marvels a fascinating, finite chapter in Seiko's rich history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEICEK3HZ0000