Skip to main content

King Seiko Vanac returns with Tokyo-inspired design and a see-through caseback

The modern version of the Vanac Collection from the '70s

King Seiko Vanac
King Seiko Vanac King Seiko / King Seiko

In the early ‘60s, Seiko founded a small brand focused on horological precision and accuracy and named it King Seiko. Timepieces rolled out in the ‘60s and ‘70s were modified for enhanced performance. While King Seiko dominated the industry in the early ‘70s, the main organization shelved it in 1975 and remained dormant until a relaunch in 2022.

In 1972, King Seiko launched the Vanac — a watch with bright colors and a multifaceted design. In the ‘70s, geometric angles were quite popular on cases—various timepieces had sophisticated cuts that accentuated the dials. And now that watch has had a modern rebirth.

King Seiko Vanac Collection
King Seiko Vanac Collection Seiko / Seiko

The 2025 Vanac collection has the same geometric design, but Seiko upgraded it with colorful hues highlighting elements featured on the dial. Each model has two contrasting colors. For instance, the model with the purple dial has some gold accents, which breathe some life into the front face.

Recommended Videos

Seiko says the new collection honors the city that nurtured the King Seiko brand. It is reminiscent of Tokyo’s horizon—the gold ring on the dial. Other features include the Caliber 8L45, a bezel-less design, the letter “V” on both the 12 o’clock index and the counterweight on the second hand, and a see-through caseback, a first for King Seiko watches.

King Seiko Vanac Limited Edition
King Seiko Vanac Limited Edition King Seiko / King Seiko

While Seiko has rolled out three new watches, it plans to expand the collection in July with two limited edition models. One will have a dial with a gold aesthetic—depicting the horizon at sunset. On the other hand, the second option is the embodiment of the sky at noon.

Each piece has a price tag of $3,300.

Nathan S.R
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…
Topics
Ulysse Nardin unveils most radical design yet
The skeleton watch that redefines transparency
The Blast Free Wheel Maillechort

Ulysse Nardin continues to expand the boundaries of horology with the release of its new Blast Free Wheel Maillechort, a luxury watch that strips watchmaking to its artistic core. The standout component of this timepiece is its skeletonized movement, crafted from maillechort — a nickel-copper-zinc alloy revered for its silver-like luster and anti-corrosive properties. Used primarily in 19th-century marine chronometers, this rare material produces a distinctive gray hue that evolves under exposure to light. The 45mm case alternates between polished and micro-blasted surfaces to create a dynamic interplay of textures accentuating the architectural movement within.

Horological mechanics as avant-garde art

Read more
Parmigiani Fleurier unveils summer-inspired Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
Swiss manufacturer creates rose gold chronograph inspired by Mediterranean summer lifestyle
Parmigiani Fleurier Summer-Inspired Tonda PF Sport Chronograph

Parmigiani Fleurier has unveiled the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone, a timepiece that merges technical mastery with the understated elegance of Mediterranean summer living. The watch invites wearers to experience time not merely as measurement, but as moments of serene escape.
At the heart of the timepiece beats the high-frequency PF070 calibre, a COSC-certified integrated chronograph movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Engineered for flawless short-time measurement, the movement offers a 65-hour power reserve driven by a skeletonized 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight, ensuring both precision and visual appeal.
The 18-carat rose gold case features alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes that play delicately with light. The silver guilloché dial, punctuated by sand-toned sub-dials, evokes the warmth of sunlit southern shores. The "Sandstone" designation reflects both color and emotion, capturing the contemplative calm of long summer afternoons along the Mare Nostrum, from Sicily to the Mediterranean islands.
A defining feature is the distinctive Tufo-colored rubber strap, inspired by the pale volcanic stone found throughout Mediterranean landscapes. The strap is textured to evoke the appearance and feel of Cordura, a technical fabric prized for its durability and refined structure. With its corduroy-like tactility and saddle-style stitching, the strap blends resilience with artisanal finesse.
"The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph in rose gold sandstone reflects our pursuit of essential beauty in watchmaking," said Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier. "It merges mechanical excellence, through a high-frequency chronograph calibre, with the informal elegance of a summer lifestyle."
The watch's dial showcases Parmigiani Fleurier's expertise in guilloché craftsmanship, featuring the distinctive Triangular Nail pattern that enhances light reflection. Hand-applied 18-carat rose gold appliques with black luminescent coating ensure optimal legibility, while the overall design maintains the relaxed sophistication that defines the Tonda PF Sport collection.

Read more
Stowa revives WWII-era watch design in limited edition 
Stowa revives aviation history with the Chrono ABT 24H
STOWA and ABT present the exclusive collaboration: the Chrono ABT 24h Limited

Stowa Uhren has resuscitated its aviation legacy with the Chrono ABT 24H Limited Edition release, a meticulously crafted chronograph that blends German precision with vintage-inspired aesthetics. In collaboration with ABT Sportsline and created for the lovers of horological heritage and modern mechanics, this timepiece commemorates Stowa’s historical pilot chronographs while incorporating a high-performance Swiss movement. With only 50 pieces available worldwide, the Chrono ABT 24H is a collector’s dream, standing as the perfect balance of tool-watch functionality and elegant design.

Precision engineering meets vintage flair

Read more