It's been about three years since King Seiko was reborn. The "VANAC" model, released this year, is distinctive not only in its design but also in its coloring. The design concept is "TOKYO HORIZON," projecting the sky patterns that appear on the Tokyo horizon onto the dial. In this article, we'll explain the dial colors of three classic models, matching them to natural phenomena that occur in the sky. We'll also share recommended holiday coordination tips for each model.
Photographs & Text by Mutsuyo Ito
[Article published on January 18, 2025]
Explanation of the dial colors of the three classic "VANAC" models
The newly announced standard model comes in three dial color patterns: purple, navy, and silver. The hands, date window frame, and 12 o'clock index vary in color depending on the model, with gold used for the purple and silver dials and silver for the navy dial. First, let's explore the natural phenomena that fit into each concept of "dusk," "midnight," and "sunrise" along with the colors.
SDKV001 "Twilight" and Blue Hour
The dial of the SDKV001 is a vibrant purple. The hands, date window frame, and 12 o'clock index are yellow gold. The yellow gold accents, which are complementary to the purple used on the dial, create a vibrant contrast. (Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. In other words, purple's complementary color is yellow.)
This model is based on the concept of "twilight," depicting the horizon just after sunset. At first glance, it appears to be a purple gradient, but depending on the angle of the dial, a deep blue appears and disappears (see the image below for the angle at which the blue is most visible).
The time period when this dial color appears in the sky is called the "magic hour." The magic hour is a special period of time created by natural light, occurring when the sun is very low on the horizon, around sunrise and sunset. This magic hour has two distinct phases of light: the golden hour and the blue hour.
While the golden hour is characterized by warm light (orange, yellow, red), the blue hour is characterized by cool light (purple, blue) and orange, and appears at slightly different times of day. The dial color of the SDKV001 is truly the sky blue of the "blue hour." Another distinctive feature is the orange that appears on the horizon in addition to the purple and blue. I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees the yellow gold accents used on the hands and other parts linked to the lights that come on in the buildings after dark.
SDKV003 "Midnight" and Night Sky Light
The dial of the SDKV003 is a navy blue that exudes a sense of solidity. The hands, date window frame, and 12 o'clock index are silver. The overall color palette is gray (silver), navy, white, and black, and the colors used are not too different from the stainless steel body, giving the watch an overall feeling of tranquility and calm.
This model is based on the concept of "midnight" and depicts the night sky of a city. When you hear the word "midnight," you probably imagine the moon and stars shining in pitch black. However, it's rare to see such a scene in a city. In fact, it's more likely that the entire night sky appears to be faintly illuminated, even though the celestial bodies are barely visible.
The light that appears at this time is collectively called night sky light. Due to the appearance of night sky light and the characteristics of human vision, the night sky can appear gray or navy. This phenomenon is perfectly suited to the dial that represents midnight in Tokyo.
SDKV005 "Sunrise" and specular reflection
The dial of the SDKV005 is a silver with a subtle pearlescent finish. The hands, date window frame, and 12 o'clock index are yellow gold. The classic combination of silver and gold gives this model a sense of stability.
This model is based on the concept of "sunrise," expressing the brilliance of a city illuminated by the morning sun. In the early morning skyline, the sun hits smooth surfaces such as glass skyscrapers and metal exterior walls, causing most of the light to be reflected in one direction. This phenomenon is called specular reflection. When this occurs, the light that reaches the eye can appear silvery. The dial color may be a representation of this phenomenon.
Recommended holiday outfits for VANAC wear
Among the King Seiko models, the VANAC is one that can be easily coordinated with casual outfits for the holidays. Here, we will introduce recommended outfits for each model.
SDKV001×Retro atmosphere
This model is arguably the most unique of the three classic models. The eye-catching purple color may be difficult for many to coordinate with clothing. While it can be safely coordinated with monochrome or denim, it also works well with a retro-chic combination that uses a lot of color. While this color combination may seem unconventional at first glance, it is actually made using similar colors on the dial.
Analogous colors are combinations of colors that are adjacent on the color wheel and have similar hues. The navy of the shirt is an analogous color to the purple-blue dial color, and the khaki beige of the pants is an analogous color to the yellow (gold) of the hands. By following this rule, the dial, which can be considered the face of the watch, and the colors of the clothes that take up a large area in the outfit can be coordinated to create a sense of unity in a combination that might otherwise clash. The accent red pattern is balanced by having the same color characteristics as the dial, that is, high color contrast and high saturation (vividness).
SDKV003×Marine style
It's no exaggeration to say that this model has the most relaxing color scheme for Japanese people. The combination of gray (silver), navy, and white is the most common in business settings. So, we tried to incorporate this color combination into a casual style. By using a striped pattern to create a marine style, a watch with a color scheme that may seem a little formal can be worn with ease.
SDKV005 x A refreshing taste without the business feel
Of the three classic models, this one is the easiest to create a business-like impression. Therefore, we recommend pairing it with a bright color, such as mint green and white. By combining two bright colors, the formal image of the watch dial color is transformed into a refreshing image. Especially during the hot season when you want to create a refreshing look, we recommend having a pair of white pants, as this will broaden the range of your coordination options.
Wear "TOKYO HORIZON" on your wrist
In the midst of our busy days, how often do we happen to look up at the sky? Most people probably only look up to check the weather. If you lead such a busy life, why not add some color to your days by wearing the "TOKYO HORIZON" projected by "VANAC" on your wrist?
Author profile
Mutsuyo Ito
He provides consulting services related to "products, places, and people" at sales sites, such as color supervision and image consultation for watch manufacturers, personal color diagnosis at event venues, and customer service training. He holds numerous qualifications, including a second-class watch repair technician, a J-color certified instructor, and a color therapist. He is the representative director of parakeITO Co., Ltd. Website:https://www.mutsuyo-ito-parakeito.com/
