King Seiko Vanac watch 5626-7140 Hi-beat Vintage 1973

SPECIFICATION

Reference : King Seiko 5626-7140
Movement : 5626 Hi-beat
Age : April 1973
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 11.5mm
Lug to Lug : 42mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear 
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Graduated blue dial has a spot between the centre and 10
• Lume in the hands has patina
• NOS facet crystal
• Fully serviced Hi-beat movement
  
• Upgraded metal quickset gear
  
• KS signed crown
  
• Paired with its original signed Vanac bracelet XAN 421 that fits up to a 7 1/2 inch wrist approx
  

Seiko has recently rekindled the Kings Seiko range, showing the acclaim that this timeless watch is held and can be owned at a fraction of the cost of the new models, which really does mean you can pick up something so cool.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Introducing the exceptional Vintage King Seiko, a true masterpiece from the 1970s that showcases Seiko's dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and design. As a top-tier product and internal competitor to the Grand Seiko, the King Seiko was created to challenge the Swiss watch industry and establish Seiko's presence in the international market. With ultra-accurate Chronometer-rated movements that propelled Seiko to victory in the Swiss Chronometer Competition, a mirror-finished case featuring a unique design, and the expert craftsmanship that ensures a durable, timeless classic, the King Seiko epitomizes the very best in Japanese vintage dress watches.

Curiously though, the first automatic King Seiko was developed not by Daini but by Suwa Seikosha. The high-beat 56 series calibre would go on to power an enormously diverse range of King and Grand Seiko models (as well as a myriad of Lord Matics in low-beat form) and would become arguably Seiko’s most successful automatic movement. Sprang into action, Daini developed its own automatic high-beat King Seiko calibre in the form of the 52 series, but that movement would have a relatively short life, its birth in 1971 coming just as the quartz revolution was starting to flex its muscles.

VANAC

The King Seiko Vanac is a striking and rare vintage timepiece produced between 1972 and 1974, representing one of the final expressions of King Seiko’s mechanical excellence. Known for its bold, angular case design and vivid sunburst dials in shades like emerald green, deep blue, and gold, the Vanac also features a unique faceted Hardlex crystal and integrated bracelet, giving it a distinctly 1970s flair. Powered by the high-beat Seiko Calibre 5626 movement—offering hacking, manual winding, and quick-set day/date functionality—it delivers impressive accuracy and smooth operation even by today’s standards. As a Japan-only release, it holds strong appeal among collectors, thanks to its limited production, standout aesthetics, and quality finishing that rivals many Grand Seiko models of the same era.

The name Vanac, as used by King Seiko in the early 1970s, has no officially documented origin or meaning from Seiko itself. It appears to have been simply a distinctive branding for these bold, avant-garde models.

However, in Seiko’s 2025 revival of the Vanac line, the brand retroactively explained the acronym, saying it stands for:

Vibrant case design

Active lifestyle (suitable for both formal and casual settings)

Novel dial ring (the geometric, cityscape-like outer dial ring)

Alternative dial design (three-dimensional, horizon-inspired textures)

Comfortable bracelet (designed for both style and wearability)

So, while the original meaning remains lost, the acronym has been creatively reinterpreted to capture the spirit of the Vanac’s bold aesthetics and functional design.

OUR THOUGHTS

The King Seiko Vanac strikes me as a bold and underrated gem from Seiko’s vintage era. Its vibrant dial colours, angular case, and faceted crystal give it a distinct personality that sets it apart from more traditional designs. I appreciate how it balances 1970s flair with the precision and craftsmanship expected from King Seiko. It’s a watch that feels both daring and refined—one that stands out in a collection.