A CLASSIC, REBORN
KING SEIKO VANAC
In the 1960s, King Seiko timepieces led Seiko Watch Corporation’s pursuit of world-leading precision, born from internal competition that drove innovation. In 2025, the new King Seiko VANAC draws inspiration from the iconic 1970s collection, with its ‘Tokyo Horizon’ theme celebrating Tokyo, the birthplace of King Seiko, through designs reflecting the city’s expansive skyline.
KING SEIKO KSK
King Seiko Re-interpretations of the 1969 45KS watch; Japan’s first certified Chronometer. The latest designs retain the curved case shape, arrow-feather 12 o’clock index and narrow link bracelet in true 1960s Seiko style.
KING SEIKO ‘INTERCHANGEABLE’
Classic timepieces with an easily interchangeable bracelet for a personalised look – the bracelet can easily be removed by squeezing the two levers at the back of the bracelet end-piece.
KING SEIKO LADIES
King Seiko Ladies' watches carry the refined dress-watch heritage of the King Seiko line in smaller case sizes. All Seiko watches are designed to be worn by everyone; those within the Ladies' collection are usually smaller in size.
KING SEIKO STRAPS
Exclusive leather straps in a variety of colours, designed to change the style of your timepiece to suit any occasion.
What is King Seiko?
King Seiko is a collection of mechanical watches inspired by iconic Seiko timepieces from the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1960s, King Seiko timepieces led Seiko Watch Corporation’s pursuit of world-leading precision, created as a result of internal competition that drove innovation, but later production ceased as fashions changed. The collection was relaunched in 2022 with modern in-house calibres, updated materials and refined finishing, while staying true to the angular, sharp-edged design language of the originals.
Is King Seiko a luxury brand?
King Seiko is powered by Seiko's high performing in-house watch movements, making it one of its suite of luxury timepieces. Current King Seiko references feature in-house automatic calibres, box-shaped sapphire crystal, polished stainless steel cases and finely finished dials with applied faceted indices.
Is King Seiko worth it?
King Seiko offers details expected from luxury watches: distinctive razor-edged hands, premium polishing, box-shaped sapphire crystal and in-house created automatic movements such as the 6L35 Calibre. The collection is aimed at buyers who want recognisably high-end Seiko design and finishing.
Is King Seiko the same as Grand Seiko?
No, whilst both King Seiko and Grand Seiko originated in the 1960s and are operated by Seiko Watch Corporation's watchmaking heritage and expertise, Grand Seiko is now a standalone luxury brand with its own boutiques and specially designed proprietary watch movements.
Why is King Seiko so expensive?
King Seiko watches feature many luxury watchmaking elements: in-house automatic movements, box-shaped sapphire crystal, carefully finished stainless steel cases and distinctive details including applied faceted indices, the arrow-feather 12 o'clock marker and razor-edged hands. Certain references are powered by high-specification movements including the 8L45 Calibre.
Is King Seiko a good watch?
King Seiko is widely regarded as one of Seiko Watch Corporation's luxury designs. Current references combine 1960s-inspired design with modern in-house automatic calibres, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance on most models, and power reserves of up to 72 hours.
Are all King Seiko watches 28,800 bph?
King Seiko references powered by the 6L35 and 8L45 Calibres beat at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), while references using the 6R31, 6R51 and 6R55 calibres beat at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz).
What is the King Seiko KSK?
The King Seiko KSK is a reinterpretation of the original 1965 KSK series, a highly sought-after line of accurate mechanical watches with a stylish angular profile. Current KSK references retain the signature flat dial with faceted indices, broad razor-edged hands and arrow-feather 12 o'clock marker that defined the original, paired with updated calibres and box-shaped sapphire crystal.
Where does King Seiko come from?
King Seiko was first created in Kameido, Tokyo. Several King Seiko references draw directly on this heritage. The VANAC range continues this connection to Tokyo, with dials expressing the city's skyline and urban landscape through its 'Tokyo Horizon' theme.
What is the King Seiko VANAC?
The VANAC draws from King Seiko's iconic 1970s collection of the same name. The VANAC name is an acronym of its original design features: V for a ‘Vibrant case design;’ A for ‘Active lifestyle’ – for both formal and informal occasions; N for ‘Novel dial ring’ – its angular edges resembling a metropolis cityscape; A for ‘Alternative dial design’ – a 3-dimensional dial design inspired by the horizon; C for ‘Comfortable bracelet’ – a short-pitch length bracelet, completed with a mirror and hairline finish.Current VANAC references are housed in a 41mm stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet design.
How does the King Seiko interchangeable bracelet work?
Selected King Seiko references feature an easily interchangeable bracelet and strap system, allowing the look of the watch to be changed without tools. The bracelet or strap is removed by squeezing the two levers at the back of the end-piece where it meets the case, so a leather strap can be swapped for a steel bracelet and back again.
Was King Seiko the first Japanese chronometer?
Yes. In 1969, the King Seiko 45KS was entered into international watchmaking competitions measuring precision and accuracy and became Seiko's, and Japan's, first ever certified 'Chronometre.' The modern King Seiko 1969 Re-Interpretation, featuring the 6L calibre, draws directly on this landmark in Seiko history.
What is the water resistance of a King Seiko watch?
Most King Seiko references are rated to 10 bar (100m), suitable for everyday wear, swimming and snorkelling. A smaller number of references are rated to 5 bar (50m), which covers hand-washing and light splashing. Water resistance figures are listed on each product page.
What size are King Seiko watches?
Current King Seiko case sizes range from 36.1mm to 41mm, with most references in the 37mm to 39mm range, suited to dress-watch proportions. The VANAC is the largest at 41mm. Full case dimensions, including thickness and lug-to-lug measurement, are listed on each specific watch web page.
Where are King Seiko watches made?
King Seiko watches are designed and manufactured in Japan and the calibres used across the collection, including the 6L35 and 8L45, are produced in-house by Seiko.
What does VANAC mean?
The VANAC name is an acronym of its original design features: V for a ‘Vibrant case design;’ A for ‘Active lifestyle’ – for both formal and informal occasions; N for ‘Novel dial ring’ – its angular edges resembling a metropolis cityscape; A for ‘Alternative dial design’ – a 3-dimensional dial design inspired by the horizon; C for ‘Comfortable bracelet’ – a short-pitch length bracelet, completed with a mirror and hairline finish.
