The Vanac JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) in the photo is in near mint condition. It sure looks the part! This watch has been fully serviced with a new crystal and a custom made metal day/date quickset cogwheel! This watch no longer has plastic parts inside.. Papers of the service details are available of course.
A Vanac is basically/exceptionally a KS with extras: faceted glass, sometimes a gold bezel, a high quality bracelet (no folded metal links here) and drilled lugholes (but not all models). This King Seiko line was manufactured only between 1972 and 1974 only, in a number of variations, but all sporting colorful dials, facetted crystals and angular cases. Both Seiko production plants contributed, Suwa with the standard KS 5626 caliber and Daini with the 5246 and 5256 calibers that exist in some normal KS but are most common as Vanacs.
King Seiko was second only to the Grand Seiko as the top of the line Seiko during the 1960’s and 70’s. That, I am happy to state, is very apparent here, for even after 42 years of service this KS runs as new to specifications (as most in my collection do). Only one other watch surpasses this performance, and it is a Seiko (of course). Some of the models (but not this one) feature an unique external adjusting screw so that the movement can be adjusted with out removing the movement from the case. That would be the 5626-7000/7010.
As one can see, Vanacs are high quality watches with a lot of effort put into the bracelets. Case details, hands and dials are really 70s GS quality. The size is normal for the time at 36-38mm, but most do not wear small due to the chunky cases. The Vanac is not uncommon, but can be very hard to find in good condition (quickset problem). The facetted crystals are often damaged and replacements are very rare.
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Manufacture: Seiko
Model: KS Vanac
Reference: 5626 7210
Movement: Automatic at COSC!
Jewels: 25 jewels
Serial No.: 36xxxx
Case: Classic 35x42x12mm without crown
Crystal: Facetted Hardlex, Serial#: 300V66GCSF
Dial: Baby Blue/grey depending on the light
Bracelet: XAB521 195 mm around
Lugs: Integrated bracelet, 180mm, with spring loaded buckle extender to 21mm!
Production: 1973
Condition: 09 - Excellent: like a jewel, clear case & crystal
Service: Serviced (with a new crystal and a custom made metal day/date quickset cogwheel!)
Box: No
Papers: Yes, service papers
A Vanac is basically/exceptionally a KS with extras: faceted glass, sometimes a gold bezel, a high quality bracelet (no folded metal links here) and drilled lugholes (but not all models). This King Seiko line was manufactured only between 1972 and 1974 only, in a number of variations, but all sporting colorful dials, facetted crystals and angular cases. Both Seiko production plants contributed, Suwa with the standard KS 5626 caliber and Daini with the 5246 and 5256 calibers that exist in some normal KS but are most common as Vanacs.
King Seiko was second only to the Grand Seiko as the top of the line Seiko during the 1960’s and 70’s. That, I am happy to state, is very apparent here, for even after 42 years of service this KS runs as new to specifications (as most in my collection do). Only one other watch surpasses this performance, and it is a Seiko (of course). Some of the models (but not this one) feature an unique external adjusting screw so that the movement can be adjusted with out removing the movement from the case. That would be the 5626-7000/7010.
As one can see, Vanacs are high quality watches with a lot of effort put into the bracelets. Case details, hands and dials are really 70s GS quality. The size is normal for the time at 36-38mm, but most do not wear small due to the chunky cases. The Vanac is not uncommon, but can be very hard to find in good condition (quickset problem). The facetted crystals are often damaged and replacements are very rare.
--------------------------
Manufacture: Seiko
Model: KS Vanac
Reference: 5626 7210
Movement: Automatic at COSC!
Jewels: 25 jewels
Serial No.: 36xxxx
Case: Classic 35x42x12mm without crown
Crystal: Facetted Hardlex, Serial#: 300V66GCSF
Dial: Baby Blue/grey depending on the light
Bracelet: XAB521 195 mm around
Lugs: Integrated bracelet, 180mm, with spring loaded buckle extender to 21mm!
Production: 1973
Condition: 09 - Excellent: like a jewel, clear case & crystal
Service: Serviced (with a new crystal and a custom made metal day/date quickset cogwheel!)
Box: No
Papers: Yes, service papers