Seiko - King Seiko Vanac 皇光 (Kōkō) – Imperial Light - 5626-7140 - Men - 1972

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinctive timepiece represents the bold and experimental design language of Seiko in the 1970s combined with the high-grade mechanical engineering of the King Seiko line. The King Seiko Vanac series was created to offer avant-garde styling with chronometer-grade performance, featuring faceted crystals, vibrant dials, and sharp geometric cases. This specific example features a striking champagne sunburst dial and the renowned high-beat automatic movement, making it a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of Japanese horology and 1970s design. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7140 Serial Number: 242978 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626B Dial: Champagne Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows visible signs of wear consistent with its age, including scratches on the faceted crystal and handling marks on the case. However, the dial remains mostly clean and attractive, and the movement is well functioning with a timegrapher reading of +25 to +29 seconds per day which indicates healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial features a rich champagne gold sunburst finish that captures the light beautifully. It is adorned with thick, blocky gold-tone applied indices that add significant depth to the face. The gold-tone baton hands show signs of aging and patina on the lume plots. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The applied "SEIKO", "KS", and painted "VANAC" logos are present and well-preserved. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, angular geometry characteristic of the Vanac line, blending brushed and polished surfaces. The case shows general wear and scratches throughout, consistent with honest vintage use. The watch retains its original faceted mineral glass crystal, which is a signature of this model; note that the crystal shows visible scratches and wear on the facets. The crown is original and signed with the "KS" logo. The screw-down caseback features the clear engraving of the King Seiko shield, reference numbers, and serial number. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626B automatic movement. This is a 25-jewel high-grade Japanese movement known for its reliability and precision during the golden era of King Seiko production. The movement is clean and offers reliable vintage performance, currently running within vintage tolerances based on timegrapher readings. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching and a crocodile grain pattern. The strap is in used condition but complements the gold tones of the dial and the vintage character of the piece. Condition This piece is classified in good vintage condition. While there are obvious signs of wear to the case and distinct scratches on the faceted crystal, the watch retains its structural integrity and sharp lines. The dial remains the highlight, preserved in very attractive condition. The movement is running, showing a deviation of approximately +25 to +29 seconds per day. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that sits comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a strong visual presence due to the angular lug design. Remarks The King Seiko Vanac 5626-7140 is a testament to the era when Seiko allowed its designers to push boundaries. The combination of the faceted crystal and the gold sunburst dial creates a unique play of light that is difficult to find in modern watches. This is a watch for the collector who appreciates the "Grammar of Design" with a funky 1970s twist. History King Seiko was established as a luxury sub-brand to compete internally with Grand Seiko, driving innovation and precision at the Daini Seikosha factory. In the early 1970s, the Vanac sub-line was introduced to appeal to a younger, more fashion-forward demographic, incorporating color, geometry, and faceted glass while maintaining the high-grade movements of the main King Seiko line. These watches are now celebrated as icons of 1970s Japanese design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKV-0003