1973 Seiko Vanac Blue Textured Dial 37mm on Bracelet 5626-723A

Here we have a legendary vintage classic: the 1973 Seiko Vanac Blue Textured Dial on a Bracelet, reference 5626-723A. This "VANAC", which debuted in 1972, represents the boldest and most avant-garde sub-line of the King Seiko lineage, designed to challenge traditional dress watch codes by combining mechanical excellence with the unmatched visual flair of the 1970s. Featuring a 37mm multi-faceted, polished-and-brushed stainless steel case that perfectly exemplifies Suwa Seikosha’s sharp, angular geometric trends, it measures 13mm thick. Its unique, architectural lugs lead to a lug-to-lug length of 41.5mm, giving the watch an unmistakable, muscular wrist presence. On the right side, a signed, coin-edged "KS" crown sits recessed into the case profile. The fixed bezel frames a spectacular, original sunburst cobalt blue dial featuring a striking, multi-dimensional textured pattern that radiates outwards. This dramatic layout is topped with a signature multi-contoured, faceted Hardlex crystal that catches and plays magically with the light as you rotate your wrist. An outer minute track frames hand-applied, high-set faceted baton hour indices with vibrant orange accents, while a dual-language English/Kanji day-date window sits at 3 o’clock. Polished steel hands are sharply executed for perfect contrast against the textured dial, complemented by a needle-thin central seconds hand. On the reverse, a solid stainless steel screw-down case back protects the high-grade heart within. Inside is the remarkable automatic Seiko Calibre 5626, with 25 jewels and a high-frequency 28,800 vibrations per hour. This premium movement features efficient bi-directional automatic winding, hand-winding capability, hacking seconds, and an instantaneous quick-set day-date mechanism. The watch comes paired with its rare, original 18mm stainless steel Vanac bracelet, secured by a signed folding "Vanac" clasp; it fits wrists up to 7.15 inches.

This watch is sold as ‘Watch Only’, and therefore it comes without its original Seiko box or paperwork. The watch comes with its rare, original 18mm stainless steel Vanac bracelet, secured by a signed folding "Vanac" clasp; it fits wrists up to 7.15 inches. The watch is from Circa. 1973, and is sold in worn condition, but overall it is in very fair vintage condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

When it comes to buying vintage watches, especially something as wonderfully crazy as this Seiko Vanac, condition really is everything, and this example is absolutely fantastic. The dial is simply stunning, with that incredible textured blue finish that catches the light beautifully. Add in the wonderfully unusual faceted crystal, which is in equally fantastic condition, and you've got a watch that really needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. On the wrist, this thing looks amazing! The way the crystal, dial and angular case all play with the light is just brilliant, and having that original Vanac bracelet really completes the look. I've always loved how adventurous Seiko was with its designs in the 1970s, and this is a perfect example of why. Such a fun, unusual watch, and finding one in this condition makes it even more special. Snap up this vintage gem for your collection today!

Reference : 5626-723A
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 5626
Age : Circa. 1973
Year : 1973
Case Size : 37mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 41.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Seiko’s history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892, Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924, the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956, Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. The Seiko Lord Marvel, introduced in 1958, was Seiko's first luxury watch, predating the well-known Grand Seiko. It was designed to rival Swiss brands with a refined design and higher specifications. In 1967, Seiko launched the calibre 5740C watch movement, a significant upgrade over the earlier calibre 5740A, which beat at 18,000, and the 5740B, which beat at 19800. This movement was special because it allowed the watch to run at a high speed of 36,000 beats per hour, making it Japan's first high-frequency watch. In fact, it was only the second watch movement of its kind in the world, following one released by a Swiss brand just a few months earlier. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there, Seiko launched Japan's first true divers' watch, the Seiko Diver’s 150M, fitted with the automatic Calibre 6217, which was later given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. King Seiko and Grand Seiko emerged as prominent lines within the Seiko brand, with King Seiko making its debut in 1961 as a distinguished luxury watch collection. Grand Seiko, on the other hand, has consistently set the standard for exceptional craftsmanship and precision engineering. In 1965, Seiko introduced a groundbreaking manual-wind movement featuring 25 jewels and hacking seconds, coinciding with the launch of the second-generation KSK series, which boasted sharp, angular cases and robust, flat-ended lugs. The King Seiko KCM was introduced in 1969, featuring a chronometer-certified movement that operates at an impressive 36,000 beats per hour, along with a sleek C-shaped stainless steel case. In 1975, the King and Grand Quartz brands were introduced, built at the Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha factories. In 1977, a high-end Twin Quartz Cal.92 was produced until 1979, when the 97KQ and 99KQ were introduced. The final 1981 King Quartz Cal. 94KQ movement remained in production until Seiko ended the King Seiko line in 1985. Despite the challenges during the Quartz crisis of the 1970s that led to the gradual shutdown of King Seiko production, Seiko made a comeback in 2022 by reintroducing the classic King Seiko collection. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.