Seiko - King Seiko Vanac "Gradient Green Sunburst" 王道 (Ōdō) – The King’s Path - 5626-7140 - Men - 1974

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a rare opportunity to acquire a highly collectible piece of Japanese horological history, the King Seiko Vanac. Produced during the height of the "Grammar of Design" era but infused with the experimental funk of the 1970s, this specific example boasts a mesmerizing green gradient dial that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in such vibrant condition. The Vanac line represents a unique chapter where high-grade King Seiko movements were paired with avant-garde designs, making this a standout piece for serious collectors of vintage Seikos. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7140 Serial Number: 410469 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5626 Dial: Green Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with age, particularly on the faceted crystal, while the dial remains in stunning condition. Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this timepiece is the striking green sunburst dial, which features a gradient effect that darkens towards the edges, creating wonderful depth. The dial is adorned with applied silver baton indices and the applied gold-tone "KS" logo at the 6 o'clock position, signifying its high-grade lineage. The hands are sharp and clean, offering excellent legibility. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial itself is preserved in stunning condition, free from staining or spotting, allowing the vibrant green hue to truly shine. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinctively angular and geometric lines characteristic of the Vanac series. It measures 36mm in diameter and retains its sharp edges, appearing unpolished with normal surface scratches consistent with a watch of this vintage. The watch is fitted with its original faceted cut crystal, a signature of the Vanac line. Please note that the crystal shows visible scratches and wear along the faceted edges, which is typical for these models but does not obscure the legibility of the magnificent dial beneath. The crown is signed with the "KS" insignia. Movement Powering this watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5626 automatic movement. This movement was a pillar of the King Seiko line, known for its robustness and precision engineering. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of +32 to +40 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. The movement features a quickset day and date function and runs smoothly. Strap The watch comes mounted on its original and highly desirable stainless steel bracelet, specifically designed for this case reference. The bracelet is integrated seamlessly and features the signed "Vanac" clasp. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 19cm, making it ready to wear for most collectors. Condition Overall, this King Seiko Vanac is in good vintage condition. While the case and original faceted crystal show clear evidence of use and history, the watch retains its structural integrity and sharp definition. The dial is the highlight, preserved in excellent condition, providing a crisp and luxurious appearance on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. The angular lug design gives it a slightly larger presence than the dimensions suggest, typical of 1970s geometric styling. Remarks The King Seiko Vanac 5626-7140 is a rare find, especially with the original bracelet and such a well-preserved green dial. These models are becoming increasingly sought after as collectors recognize the unique blend of high-beat King Seiko quality and the daring aesthetic of the 70s. The combination of the faceted crystal, the vibrant green dial, and the angular case makes this a true conversation piece and a distinct addition to any curated collection. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac series was a sub-line of King Seiko intended to capture the youthful, avant-garde spirit of the era. While Grand Seiko and King Seiko competed internally for precision dominance, the Vanac line took the chronometer-grade movements of the King Seiko and housed them in colorful, geometric designs that utilized faceted crystals and bold dials. Produced at the Suwa Seikosha factory, this 1974 example represents the peak of Seiko's mechanical creativity before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKV-0004