Seiko King Seiko VANAC HKF004 Celebrates 145 Years With a New Limited Edition

A silver-white dial, vivid Seiko Blue accents, and the high-performance Calibre 8L45 define this bold new anniversary release.

The 145th anniversary celebrations continue with the introduction of a new Seiko King Seiko VANAC HKF004, a model that combines the sharp geometric identity of the original 1970s VANAC series with modern mechanical performance and refined finishing.

Inspired by Seiko’s long history of innovation and by the iconic Seiko Blue colour introduced during the transformative 1960s, the new King Seiko VANAC HKF004 stands out through its striking contrast between a silver-white dial and vivid blue detailing.

Founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Seiko built its reputation through continuous technical innovation, including Japan’s first wristwatch in 1913, the country’s first chronograph in 1964, its first dive watch in 1965, and the groundbreaking Quartz Astron in 1969.

Alongside these achievements, King Seiko emerged in 1961 as a collection focused on combining precision, elegance, and distinctive design. Relaunched in 2022, the modern King Seiko collection now blends contemporary watchmaking technology with the spirit of the original models.

A Bold Interpretation of the VANAC Design Language

Originally introduced in the 1970s, the VANAC series became known for its vibrant colours, faceted case designs, and highly expressive styling. The latest King Seiko VANAC preserves this bold identity while refining it through a more contemporary and sporty aesthetic.

The most distinctive element of the new limited edition is the integrated blue dial ring, inspired by the angular bezel structure of the original VANAC watches. This vivid blue tone creates a sharp contrast against the silver-white dial surface, giving the watch a fresh and modern character.

Lumibrite is applied to the indexes, enhancing legibility while emphasizing the interaction between the luminous markers and the surrounding Seiko Blue accents. The hands also feature polished blue detailing, reinforcing the cohesive visual identity of the watch.

The dial itself incorporates a horizontal striped texture, while the 12 o’clock marker and the counterweight of the seconds hand feature a subtle “V” motif referencing the VANAC name.

Inspired by the Tokyo Skyline

The stainless steel case reflects the architectural inspiration behind the modern VANAC collection.

According to Seiko, the angular case design takes inspiration from the vast Tokyo skyline stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Despite its strong geometric lines, the absence of a traditional bezel gives the watch a surprisingly refined and elegant profile on the wrist.

The integrated stainless steel bracelet combines brushed and polished surfaces, balancing comfort with a more sophisticated appearance.

On the reverse side, the transparent screw-down caseback reveals the movement while showcasing a blue King Seiko shield emblem inspired by the original 1960s logo.

Powered by Seiko’s High-End Calibre 8L45

Inside the King Seiko VANAC HKF004 is the automatic Calibre 8L45, one of Seiko’s most advanced mechanical movements currently in production.

Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement delivers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours while maintaining an accuracy rating of +10 to -5 seconds per day.

Beyond precision, the calibre was engineered to provide the robustness expected from modern mechanical sports watches. Through the sapphire caseback, the movement reveals refined finishing details including wave-pattern decoration on the bridges and rotor.

Technical Specifications

A Contemporary Tribute to Seiko’s Design Heritage

The new King Seiko VANAC HKF004 will be released in July 2026 as a limited edition of 800 pieces worldwide.

With the new King Seiko VANAC HKF004, Seiko successfully revisits one of the boldest chapters of its design history while integrating modern mechanical capability and elevated finishing.

The result is a watch that feels unmistakably inspired by the expressive spirit of the 1970s, yet fully adapted to contemporary expectations in both performance and refinement.

For more information, please visit the official Seiko website.

Explore the releases of Watches & Wonders 2026.