King Seiko brings lightweight titanium to the fan-favourite VANAC collection.
Three configurations: purple, silver, and deep black dial options.
Available starting July 2026, these new titanium VANAC models will retail for US$3,850.
I was pretty excited when Seiko relaunched the King Seiko line in 2022 (even though other special models were released earlier). As Seiko has been busy repositioning its brands and products, there seemed to be a bit of a gap in Seiko’s product line between the Presage line and Grand Seiko. With highly finished cases, bracelets, and more premium movements, the King Seiko line fills that spot while having its own design language.
Calling upon King Seiko’s back catalogue to serve as inspiration, the relentless popularity of integrated bracelet watches and the recent trend of funky-shaped dress watches, King Seiko’s launch of the VANAC line last year seemed very apropos, especially with the very funky purple and gilt dial. The first models released were in steel, but King Seiko just announced a line extension including three new models with titanium cases and bracelets, bringing the VANAC line firmly into 2026.
As already mentioned, the new exciting element of these new watches is the full titanium case and bracelet. With a darker hue and 40% lighter than stainless steel, this material update pushes the VANAC more into the modern sports watch territory. This aesthetic is aided by the new dials, with black, silver and purple as the available colour choices.
Each dial has white lumed indices, silver hands, a framed date window at three o’clock, and an applied index at twelve o’clock. The dial design is also updated, featuring a multi-sectional dial highlighting the faceted nature of the case. The inner and outer portions of the dial feature a finer horizontal striping compared to the steel models, with sections at varying angles. The hour indices sit on a contrasting chapter ring placed on top of the multi-faceted dial. The net result is a dial that reflects light in multiple directions, which gives the watch an overall more premium appearance in my eyes.
Many of the other details carry over from the previously released steel models. The 100-metre water-resistant case measures 41mm in diameter, 45.1mm lug-to-lug, and 14.3mm thick. The dial is covered with a box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.
The movement inside is the Grand Seiko-derived 8L45 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 bph with 35 jewels, a 72-hour power reserve, adjusted to +10/-5 seconds a day, and can be viewed through the sapphire display case back. The watch is anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m, and the bracelet features a three-fold deployant clasp and quick-release spring bars. Given the integrated bracelet design, strap options are limited to King Seiko OEM options and custom after-market straps. To top it all off, the super fun V counterbalance for the seconds hand remains as well.
Personally, I was a fan of the initial releases from King Seiko, but the steel VANAC models were just not for me. That being said, these new titanium models seem like a definitive win. In my opinion, the steel models last year felt like they, perhaps, leaned too heavily on the 1970’s inspiration, feeling like modern re-editions of the VANAC collection rather than re-interpretations, even though that’s what they are (the original VANAC series models can be wild!). The new titanium models fix that potential criticism, and feel decidedly modern and urban, just as King Seiko’s landing page for these models suggests. Between the unique appearance of titanium and the updated dials, these models appear to me more elevated visually. I’ve yet to add an integrated bracelet watch to my collection or a modern Seiko product. These new models propose a solid solution to scratch both itches.
King Seiko VANAC Titanium pricing and availability
The new titanium King Seiko VANAC models will be available starting July 2026. Price: US$3,850
Brand
Seiko
Model
King Seiko VANAC
Reference
HKF001J (Purple)
HKF002J (Silver)
HKF003J (Black)
Case Dimensions
41mm (D) x 14.3mm (T) x 45.1mm (LTL)
Case material
Titanium
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
Boxed sapphire front, flat sapphire back
Dial
Purple, silver, or black
Bracelet and strap
Integrated H-link bracelet, folding clasp
Movement
8L45, in-house, automatic
Power Reserve
72 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability
July 2026
Price
US$3,850
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