The King Seiko "Banack" was announced in March 2025. Its voluminous case, mirror-finished exterior, and heavy bracelet give it a presence that some observers might see as "excessive" or "one of a kind." In this article, we took a look at the Ref. SDKV003 with a navy blue dial and checked out its design, fit, and movement.
Text by Rüdiger Bucher
[Article published on January 21, 2025]
Wearing! King Seiko "Banack"
The King Seiko Banach, which was announced in March 2025, has finally arrived on the market. This time we will be looking at the ref. SDKV003 with a navy blue dial.
Uniqueness and design background
Automatic movement (Cal. 8L45A). 37 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41mm, thickness 14.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 396,000 yen (tax included).
The King Seiko Banac is a watch that exudes a strong presence with its voluminous design and light-reflecting exterior. Some people see it as "excessive" and others as "one of a kind." What makes it unique is the simple model name, "Banac." This name alone asserts its uniqueness without the need for any extra modifiers.
Its design is reminiscent of Brutalist architecture. While it retains the spirit of the Bannack watch from the 1970s, the 2025 edition is no mere reissue. It eliminates the bezel and instead features a bold, protruding box-shaped sapphire crystal, creating a cushion-shaped case.
The presence of a mirror finish
The large side of the case is polished to a mirror-like finish, giving it a sheen that reflects its surroundings. The contrast with the satin finish is striking, giving it a presence reminiscent of the Rado Diamond Star from 1962. However, it is prone to fingerprints, so care is essential.
Bracelet and fit
When you actually hold it in your hand, you'll be surprised by its weight. The total weight is 192g, with the majority of that being the bracelet. The lug width tapers from 27mm to 21mm towards the buckle, giving it a heavy appearance but a comfortable fit. The bracelet links are faceted like the case and feature a combination of satin and polished finishes. It also comes equipped with a butterfly buckle for easy operation.
Dial and Operation
The navy blue dial used on this model is a subdued color that can appear black depending on the light. When light hits it, horizontal stripes emerge, echoing the minute scale ring. The coat of arms-like indexes have a strong presence, especially the one at 12 o'clock, which is shaped like a "V." The counterweight of the central second hand is also engraved with a "V," and the hand and indexes are coated with luminous paint.
On the other hand, the ease of use of the crown is an issue. The sharp cuts tend to rub against the fingers, making it difficult to say that it is comfortable. However, the fact that it is an automatic watch is a relief.
Movement and overall review
The Cal. 8L45A movement boasts a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and an accuracy of -5 to +10 seconds per day. While not chamfered, the watch is beautifully decorated with stripes and waves. The "King Seiko" logo appears as a watermark on the sapphire crystal case back, and the same design is engraved on the crown.
With a case diameter of 41mm, a thickness of 14.5mm, and a heavy bracelet, the King Seiko Banach has a strong presence on the wrist, but its multifaceted design makes it surprisingly non-intimidating. It's not overly provocative, yet it's a design that's sure to divide opinions. Considering the highly refined design and movement, the price of 396,000 yen (tax included) seems justified.
