Seiko has been marking its 145th anniversary with focus and discipline. The first wave of commemorative limited editions arrived with warm gold accents. The second series, available from July 2026, shifts to blue, specifically, Seiko Blue, the colour that became the brand’s dominant visual signature in the 1960s and has threaded through its identity ever since. Among the six new releases in this second series is the one that will draw the most attention: the King Seiko Vanac HKF004, a limited edition that reaches directly into the brand’s most experimental decade and comes back with something genuinely compelling.
The silver-white and blue colour scheme is directly linked to the Seiko Blue theme first introduced during the 1960s, refined over the decades into one of the most recognisable colour identities in Japanese watchmaking. On the Vanac, it does not feel like a corporate colour exercise. It feels like the right watch, wearing the right colours for a very specific reason.
Why the Vanac Matters
Introduced in the early 1970s, the original Vanac line represented a more experimental side of Seiko design. Defined by faceted cases, vivid dial colours, and sharply geometric styling, the collection departed from the restrained aesthetics traditionally associated with King Seiko. In the context of Japanese watchmaking at the time, it was genuinely radical. Most King Seiko references of the era were restrained, classical, and conservative. The Vanac was none of those things. It was angular, bold, and rooted in a specific vision of what urban Tokyo looked and felt like.
The Vanac name returned to the King Seiko lineup in 2025, and the series has grown quickly. At this point, nine steel and titanium models are available, each carrying that stylish 1970s spirit. The HKF004 is the first limited edition in the series and the one that announces, clearly, that Seiko considers the Vanac name significant enough to anchor a milestone anniversary around.
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The King Seiko Vanac HKF004 Dial and Case
The central disc of the display carries a white surface with a horizontal gadroon pattern, surrounded by a blue hour scale in the same shade seen across the other 145th anniversary models. A silver rim runs around the edge of the hour scale. The V motif, which gives the Vanac its name, appears on both the dial and the seconds hand. Meanwhile, applied indices and hands are coated in Lumibrite for legibility in low light. A framed date window sits at 3 o’clock.
The stainless steel case measures 41mm in diameter, 14.3mm in height, and 45mm lug-to-lug. Water resistance is rated to 10 bar, equivalent to 100 metres. The case is bezel-less, with the angular lines and sharp bevels that define the Vanac aesthetic. The watch is paired with a black rubber strap with a pin buckle. A sapphire crystal protects the dial. The exhibition caseback is also sapphire, giving direct sight to the movement beneath.
What Powers the King Seiko Vanac 145th Anniversary Edition
Inside is the Caliber 8L45, Seiko’s high-specification automatic movement based on the Grand Seiko 9S65, delivering a 72-hour power reserve with accuracy of -5 to +10 seconds per day. The rotor and plate carry striped finishing throughout. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises 35 jewels. It winds automatically and can also be wound manually. Hacking seconds allow precise time setting. For a watch at this price point, the Caliber 8L45 is a serious and well-regarded engine, more than capable of justifying the limited edition premium.
Availability and Pricing
Of the 800 pieces produced, 300 are allocated exclusively to Japan. The remaining 500 will be distributed through Seiko boutiques and authorised retail partners worldwide. Each piece is individually numbered. The US retail price is $3,300. European pricing is set at €3,400. Availability begins in July 2026. The watch carries a 36-month manufacturer’s warranty. Given the combination of limited production, anniversary context, and the Vanac name’s growing collector profile, interest is expected to be high well before the July release date. Full details are available at seikowatches.com.
Featured image: Seiko
