Seiko - King Seiko Vanac - 5626-723A - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A rare and highly captivating piece of 1970s Japanese horology, this King Seiko Vanac reference 5626-723A perfectly encapsulates the daring design language of the era. The Vanac line represents a bold and eccentric offshoot of the prestigious King Seiko family, distinguished by asymmetrical cases, vibrant dials, and faceted crystals. This particular example boasts a mesmerizing textured blue dial that catches the light beautifully, further amplified by the original faceted crystal. Complete with its striking original signed Vanac bracelet, this timepiece is a wonderful collector's piece that offers both historical significance and an unmistakable vintage aesthetic on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-723A Serial Number: 392214 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626A Dial: Textured vibrant blue Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher result is +22 to +25 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The textured vibrant blue dial is flawlessly preserved, featuring a rich, intricate vertical pattern that evokes the look of fine brushed metal or woven silk. Prominent, blocky applied indices stand tall, perfectly matching the original faceted baton hands. The day and date aperture at three o'clock is clearly defined, and the applied KS logo alongside the Suwa factory symbol at six o'clock remains perfectly crisp. Case and Crystal The angular 37 mm stainless steel case displays sharp, original lines with contrasting brushed and polished surfaces. It shows only light handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear, retaining its striking geometric presence. The watch is crowned with a crisp, original KS signed crown. The signature multi-faceted crystal sits proudly above the dial, showing minor signs of use including faint marks under close inspection, but largely remaining clear and beautifully amplifying the intricate dial underneath. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626A, an automatic 25-jewel movement renowned for its precision and engineering excellence. The movement is clean, correctly signed, and beautifully finished, offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher readings of +22 to +25 seconds per day indicate a healthy movement ready to be enjoyed. Strap The watch comes fitted with its remarkably unique original stainless steel bracelet, featuring striking angular links that perfectly complement the geometry of the case. It is secured by the original, proudly signed Vanac folding clasp, comfortably accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well preserved, while the case retains its bold architectural integrity with honest, light signs of wear. The distinctive crystal is well preserved, allowing the dial to take center stage. The robust movement and sturdy original bracelet complete this highly attractive and incredibly fresh vintage package. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks The King Seiko Vanac series is highly sought after for its unapologetically flamboyant 1970s design, representing a brief but unforgettable chapter in Seiko's design history. Finding an example with its original faceted crystal and unique Vanac-signed bracelet intact makes this a particularly appealing opportunity for collectors of daring vintage horology. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac collection was Seiko's youthful, avant-garde interpretation of the highly respected King Seiko line. Designed to appeal to a generation embracing radical fashion and futuristic aesthetics, the Vanac watches combined the high-end, highly capable 5600 series movements with deeply textured dials, colored gradients, and aggressively styled cases. Today, they stand as a stunning visual testament to an era of unbridled creativity in Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKV-0016