A presence like a leather bangle. Introducing King Seiko's "VANAC"!

Writer Shinichi Sato, who participated in a photoshoot for new products held at Seiko Watch headquarters, introduces the Ref. SDKV015, a leather strap model of King Seiko's "VANAC," as a noteworthy new watch. Among the many new models on display, this model stood out as being particularly striking. The reason for its presence is its wide, thick leather strap. We look back on the history of VANAC and the concept of the new VANAC, and explore the appeal of this model.

King Seiko's "VANAC" now comes in a leather strap model

　At the new product photoshoot held at Seiko Watch headquarters, the watch that stood out the most was the King Seiko "VANAC" leather strap model Ref. SDKV015. Released as a new variation of King Seiko in March 2025, VANAC is characterized by its edgy case shape and horizontal lines on the dial. Let's take a look back at this distinctive design and explore the appeal of this watch.

　King Seiko's VANAC first appeared in 1972 and was a collection that stood out with its innovative multifaceted case design and colorful, multi-patterned gradient dials. While its design contrasts sharply with the King Seiko models of the 1960s, the VANAC, along with its predecessor, has been beloved by Seiko fans of the past. It also symbolizes the 1970s, a decade marked by the birth of a diverse range of designs, making it an iconic presence in the history of watch design.

　Then, in 2025, Seiko revived the "VANAC" name. Against the backdrop of the current trend of renewed interest in 1970s designs, I see this as Seiko's proposal for a more diverse approach to watches. Also noteworthy is that, unlike the King Seiko (Ref. SDKA005), which aimed to faithfully recreate the "KSK" design, this model incorporates a new design that reinterprets the appeal of past models.

VANAC based on the concept of "Tokyo Horizon"

　With this in mind, let's look at this watch. The design concept for this model is "Tokyo Horizon," the vast horizon that stretches over Tokyo, the birthplace of King Seiko. The case, with its extensive use of surfaced surfaces and rounded sides, and its straight lines that extend to the lugs, is somewhat reminiscent of the Grand Seiko style. The distinctive color of the dial, the wide slopes that connect to the case sides and bracelet, and the pronounced edges at their boundaries are also reminiscent of past VANAC models. The dodecagonal dial with its decorative borders, the railway-like scale, and the hour markers placed thereon are different from past models, but they still have an interesting feel of an old-fashioned watch.

　The horizontal lines on the dial symbolize the concept of Tokyo Horizon, and previous models in the lineup have included the purple Ref. SDKV003, which represents the Tokyo sunset, and the Ref. SDKV009, which was inspired by the brightly lit scenery of Tokyo.

Ref. SDKV015 expresses the charm of Tokyo, where nature remains even in the city.

　The dial of this watch is a deep green, inspired by Tokyo, a city surrounded by skyscrapers, dotted with green parks and gardens, and offering easy access to the surrounding nature. While the city appears dark in the photo I took at the beginning, the green is actually captivating, with a sense of depth and vividness. Its brilliance is sure to be even more pronounced in natural light. The subdued color tone also lends a chic impression, which is a plus.

　The highlight of this model is the inclusion of a leather strap, which was not available on previous models. The previous dedicated bracelet featured horizontal lines and an edgy design that matched the case silhouette, reflecting the VANAC concept.

　In contrast, this model inherits the basic design of the bracelet, which continues from the side line of the case, and combines it with a plump, three-dimensional leather strap. The grain of the leather used also gives it a soft feel.

　The dial is small compared to the 41mm wide case, so the watch head feels more compact than the numbers suggest. The narrow buckle and wider strap on the case emphasize the strap's presence. It's rare for a Seiko model to have such a prominent strap.

　When I tried it on my wrist, the cut-out case looked like a jewel, and it reminded me of a leather bangle set with jewels. The original VANAC used a cut glass crystal that resembled a jewel, so I think this association is not far off the mark.

　Considering the case diameter, the intended user of this piece is likely to be a man, but the large, impactful leather bangle can also be incorporated into women's outfits. Regardless of gender, if you're interested, we encourage you to try it on your wrist.

VANAC with excellent basic performance equipped with the latest Cal.8L45

　The King Seiko VANAC is equipped with the newly developed automatic movement, Cal. 8L45. Cal. 8L45 has the most stable accuracy of any Seiko current mechanical movement, with a daily deviation of +10 to -5 seconds, and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, providing excellent basic performance. It is robust enough to be used in a diver's watch, making it safe for everyday use.

　In addition to this model, many other new and limited edition items were on display at the new product photo shoot. What was also impressive was that each model was unique and incorporated new challenges. The best way to experience the texture of the dial, the finish of each part, and the balance when wearing it is to actually hold it in your hands. We hope that this article will inspire you to visit the store.