The New King Seiko Vanac Titanium Collection

Released about a year ago, the King Seiko Vanac collection was quite a surprise and, in all fairness, caused some discussions. Based on bold designs from the 1970s, the name Vanac is far from new and was revamped in a sports watch with an integrated bracelet and sharp case, powered by a high-end movement derived from a Grand Seiko architecture. This year, the Japanese manufacturer expands the King Seiko Vanac collection (which was already enlarged with leather straps) by adding lightweight, slightly sportier editions made in titanium. Let’s have a look at the new Vanac HKF001, HKF002 and HKF003 (yes, that’s also an unprecedented nomenclature for the brand…)

The King Seiko Vanac collection is not strictly speaking a vintage re-edition but more of a collection inspired by several highly unusual watches from the 1970s, when Seiko embraced boldness and lively colours fashionable at that time. These models were characterised by faceted cases and crystals, bold shapes and typical 1970s dials with gradient effects, lively colours and audacious markers. The return of the King Seiko Vanac was done with a series of 5 watches, all sharing the same case design, and worn on stainless steel bracelets – the purple, blue and silver SLA083, SLA085 and SLA087 (permanent collection), the golden-brown SLA089 (limited) and the ice-blue SLA091 (boutique exclusive). Later, the collection expanded with leather strap options, with the SLA093 and SLA095, giving them a slightly more classic look.

Now, it’s time for the King Seiko Vanac collection to gain lightness and sportiness, by embracing titanium. And some more updates on the dial too, giving the collection a more dynamic style. With the new references HKF001, HKF002 and HKF003 (as said, an unprecedented nomenclature for the brand), Seiko opts for a material that’s known for its durability, corrosion resistance and, mostly, its comfort, as titanium is approximately 40% lighter than stainless steel. Putting aside the new material, these new King Seiko Vanac Titanium retain the same dimensions as before, meaning 41mm in diameter, a compact 45.1mm lug-to-lug measurement and a sizeable thickness of 14.3mm.

The new titanium models also retain the distinctive case design of the Vanac series, characterised by its bold facets, dynamic angles, and bezel-less construction paired with a box-shaped sapphire crystal. The finishing, alternating between flat brushed surfaces and wide polished facets on the sides, is also identical to the steel models. Other specifications, such as the oversized, deeply notched and slightly recessed screw-down crown, are maintained, as well as the screwed see-through case back and the 100m water-resistance. Of course, being made of titanium (case and bracelet), the new Vanac HKF001, HKF002 and HKF003 have gained in comfort on the wrist.

The use of a lightweight material isn’t the only novelty on the King Seiko Vanac Titanium, as a new dial pattern has been created. In line with the overall sportiness of these editions, Seiko has been inspired, I quote, by “Tokyo’s cityscape stretching across the horizon and the exhilarating sense of speed that pulses through the metropolis (and) to evoke the invigorating dynamism of driving along one of Tokyo’s highways toward its expansive skyline.” How does that translate in normal terms? The stepped chapter ring, which holds the hour markers in place, is identical to previous models with its radiating stripes and V-shaped markers at 12. What changes is the centre part, with distorted horizontal lines that tighten towards the centre.

Three editions of the Vanac Titanium are released as part of the permanent collection: the Purple HKF001, the Grey HKF002 and the Black HKF003. All are worn on titanium bracelets, closed by a triple-folding clasp, with an integrated-like design that follows the profile of the case down to the folding clasp. Note that there are quick-release spring bars on the back, so you could potentially wear these on leather straps too.

Under the see-through caseback is the same higher-end movement as before, the automatic Calibre 8L45 (also used in the Prospex Marinemaster Professional Titanium SLA081). Based on a Grand Seiko architecture, the Calibre 9S65, it is a rather tall movement that benefits from a much longer power reserve than its predecessor, the 8L35, as now rated for 72 hours. Accuracy has been improved to now +10 to -5 seconds per day, as well as shock resistance. It is rather pleasantly finished with broad stripes on the plates, bridges and rotor.

Released as continuous production models, and available from July 2026, the King Seiko Vanac Titanium HKF001, HKF002 and HKF003 will be priced at EUR 3,950 each, compared to EUR 3,400 in steel on bracelet. For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.