Seiko - King Seiko Vanac - 5626-7190 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A vibrant and highly distinctive piece of 1970s Seiko design, this King Seiko Vanac reference 5626-7190 perfectly captures the bold aesthetic of its era. Featuring an incredible textured blue dial, a faceted crystal, and a sharply angled stainless steel case with a striking gold-tone bezel, this timepiece is an absolute standout. The Vanac line was Seiko's avant-garde approach to high-end watchmaking, combining the precision of King Seiko movements with expressive, forward-thinking designs. This example is an exceptional find for collectors who appreciate unique vintage character paired with respected Japanese horology. The Vanac models are very rare and highly sought after by collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Vanac Reference Number: 5626-7190 Serial Number: 364711 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5626B, 25 Jewels Dial: Textured blue gradient with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless steel with gold-tone bezel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher reading is +11 to +16 seconds per day, which indicates a very healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is a breathtaking textured blue gradient that plays beautifully with the light, exhibiting vertical brush strokes and a deep, rich hue. It is adorned with raised gold-tone indices featuring white inserts, creating a highly legible and dimensional aesthetic. The original faceted gold-tone hands are present, showing a gentle, honest patina that suits the vintage nature of the piece. The day-date aperture is elegantly framed in gold at the three o'clock position, and the applied Seiko and KS logos remain crisp and perfectly preserved. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case boasts the dramatic, angular architecture that defines the Vanac series. It is topped by an eye-catching gold-tone bezel that provides a striking two-tone contrast. The case maintains strong, well-defined lines, showing standard vintage wear with moderate surface scratches that speak to its genuine history. The signature faceted crystal adds a brilliant layer of depth to the dial, presenting well while exhibiting light signs of age. The original KS-signed crown sits neatly at the three o'clock position. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5626B, a 25-jewel automatic movement known for its accuracy and durability as part of the King Seiko family. The movement is visually clean and well-maintained, with the golden Seiko signature proudly displayed on the rotor. The timegrapher results of +11 to +16 seconds per day indicate a healthy movement, offering reliable vintage performance for the next custodian. Strap The watch is fitted with a substantial stainless steel block-link bracelet that perfectly complements the angular case design. The bracelet shows normal vintage wear consistent with the case, offering a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm, making it highly wearable for most collectors. Condition Presented in good vintage condition, this watch shows normal vintage wear, but less pronounced than fair condition. There are visible wear marks, scratches, and light handling signs, but nothing excessive. The moderate patina on the hands and bezel is consistent with its age. The case remains well-defined with acceptable vintage wear. The overall appearance is balanced and honest, without heavy wear. The timegrapher reading is +11 to +16 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dimensions The case measures a versatile 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The bracelet will comfortably accommodate a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Remarks The King Seiko Vanac line is celebrated for its daring departure from traditional watch design, making models like this reference 5626-7190 highly sought after by enthusiasts. The combination of the vibrant blue dial, faceted crystal, and robust King Seiko caliber makes this a true collector's item that brings immediate character to any vintage collection. History Introduced in the early 1970s, the Vanac series was a premium, design-focused offshoot of the illustrious King Seiko line. Aimed at a younger, more fashion-conscious demographic, these watches featured vibrant dials, asymmetrical or sharply faceted cases, and creatively shaped crystals. Despite their bold exterior, they housed the same top-tier movements that made King Seiko a legendary name in precision timekeeping. Today, the Vanac stands as a fascinating testament to Seiko's creative dominance in the 1970s, highly valued by those who appreciate the intersection of exceptional watchmaking and unapologetic retro design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI5K61HY0000