Seiko has celebrated its 145th anniversary with focus and discipline. The first wave of limited edition commemorative coins arrived with warm gold accents. The second series, available from July 2026, shifts to blue, specifically Seiko Blue, the color that became the brand’s dominant visual signature in the 1960s and has run through its identity ever since. Among the six new releases in this second series, the one that will attract the most attention is the King Seiko Vanac HKF004, a limited edition that harkens straight back to the brand’s most experimental decade and returns with something truly compelling.
The silver white and blue color scheme is directly linked to the Seiko Blue theme that was first introduced in the 1960s and has been refined over the decades to become one of the most recognizable color identities in Japanese watchmaking. On the Vanac it doesn’t feel like a business coloring exercise. It feels like the right watch, wearing the right colors for a very specific reason.
Why the Vanac matters
The original Vanac line, introduced in the early 1970s, represented a more experimental side of Seiko design. Defined by faceted cases, vibrant dial colors and sharp geometric styling, the collection departed from the understated aesthetic traditionally associated with King Seiko. In the context of Japanese watchmaking at the time, it was truly radical. Most King Seiko references from that era were understated, classic 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 rapidly. There are currently nine steel and titanium models available, each with the stylish seventies spirit. The HKF004 is the first limited edition in the series and the one that clearly announces that Seiko considers the Vanac name important enough to celebrate a milestone.
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The King Seiko Vanac HKF004 dial and case
The central disk of the display has a white surface with a horizontal gadron pattern, surrounded by a blue hour scale in the same shade as on the other 145th anniversary models. A silver rim runs around the edge of the hour scale. The V motif, from which the Vanac takes its name, appears on both the dial and the second hand. The applied indexes and hands are coated with Lumibrite for readability in low light. A framed date window is located at 3 o’clock.
The stainless steel case has a diameter of 41 mm, a height of 14.3 mm and a lug-to-lug width of 45 mm. The water resistance is 10 bar, which corresponds to 100 meters. The case has no bezel, with the angular lines and sharp edges 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 back of the exhibition case is also made of sapphire, making the movement underneath immediately visible.
What is the power of the King Seiko Vanac 145th Anniversary Edition
Inside is the caliber 8L45, Seiko’s high-end automatic movement based on the Grand Seiko 9S65, which delivers a power reserve of 72 hours with an accuracy of -5 to +10 seconds per day. The rotor and plate have a striped finish throughout. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and consists of 35 jewels. It winds automatically and can also be wound manually. Hacking seconds allow precise time setting. For a watch in this price range, the Caliber 8L45 is a serious and well-regarded engine that more than justifies the limited edition premium.
Availability and prices
Of the 800 units produced, 300 will be allocated exclusively to Japan. The remaining 500 will be distributed through Seiko boutiques and authorized retail partners worldwide. Each piece is individually numbered. The US retail price is $3,300. The European price is set at €3,400. Availability begins in July 2026. The watch comes with a 36-month manufacturer’s warranty. Given the combination of limited production, anniversary context and the growing collector profile of the Vanac name, interest is expected to be high well in advance of the July release date. Full details are available at seikowatches.com.
Featured image: Seiko
