Available from this month onwards, the new VANAC collection of timepieces from King Seiko is a contemporary homage to a series that launched in 1972. There are five timepieces in the range, including two that are limited editions. They include a new movement, refreshed design elements, and are inspired by Tokyo’s horizon at different times of the day.
The VANAC collection’s timepieces are powered by the automatic Caliber 8L45, which has a power reserve of 72 hours (thanks to an improved mainspring), an accuracy of +10/-5 seconds per day, and an 8Hz frequency, in addition to having 35 jewels. One can view this movement through the watch’s sapphire crystal caseback—the first see-through caseback of any King Seiko timepiece since the collection was relaunched three years ago.

The case and the dial in the VANAC collection of watches feature refined horizontal patterns, reminiscent of what one sees when standing on the roof of Shibuya Sky, the observation floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, or any one of the many skyscrapers in the Japanese megalopolis. The core collection is available in three dial colours: purple, signifying evening (SLA083); navy, representing midnight (SLA085); and silver, which showcases sunrise (SLA087). Meanwhile, the watches’ 12 o’clock index and the counterweight on the seconds hand are in the form of a V, as in VANAC.
There will also be two limited editions within the range. SLA089 also celebrates Tokyo’s sunrise, but its dial, lettering on the dial, and King Seiko logo on the caseback are all in a sophisticated golden hue. Only 700 pieces will be available at select boutiques for this version. Then, SLA091 will only be available at Seiko boutiques all over the world, and its ice blue dial is 青空 (aozora) brought to vivid life—a cloudless, clear blue sky over Tokyo.

All timepieces within King Seiko’s VANAC collection measure 41mm, with a thickness of 14.3mm. They’re available in a stainless steel case and bracelet (which utilises newly developed links with mirror and hairline finishing), and have a 10 bar water resistance, as well as a 4,800 A/m magnetic resistance.
