Why Seiko’s Most Daring Watch Is Having a Moment
Seiko Watch Corporation proudly introduced Ryohei Suzuki as King Seiko’s first global ambassador in a special event held recently at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The occasion was led by Seiko Watch Corporation President Akio Naito and featured a guest appearance by celebrated Thai actor Ananda Everingham. The event also marked the official launch of the King Seiko Vanac series.
In his speech, Naito described the occasion as a significant milestone in Seiko’s ongoing efforts to introduce the excellence of its watches to a broader international audience.
Suzuki is known for his portrayal in City Hunter, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the iconic manga and anime, which hit No.1 on the streaming platform’s Global Top 10 (non-English films) during its debut week and ranked in 32 countries. His performance in the gay romance drama Egoist earned him the Rising Star Award at the New York Asian Film Festival and a Best Actor nomination at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.
Seiko Watch Corporation President Akio Naito with King Seiko's first global ambassador Ryohei Suzuki
Naito says what makes Suzuki a perfect embodiment of King Seiko is his mindset. “As a professional, [Ryohei] continues to evolve, while staying true to his craft. He is a strong, forward-looking, international figure. In that sense, he truly symbolizes King Seiko, ‘The Newest Classic,’” he says.
Interestingly, Suzuki has been a fan of King Seiko prior to taking on the ambassador role. “What I love about King Seiko is that the watches feel really modern, yet I can still clearly see the DNA of the vintage King Seiko, because I am a vintage watch fan myself,” he reveals in an interview published on Seiko’s official website.
Suzuki says the watch is versatile—stylish enough to wear with a suit, practical enough for daily use.
“I actually have two vintage King Seiko from the sixties. So I have a huge respect for the sense of beauty from that era. That’s why I am very happy to see the brand has the same kind of affection and pride for its history. And at the same time, they are giving the watches modern designs and modern specs for today’s users,” Suzuki says. He believes that these make the brand King Seiko special and timeless.
Naito explains that the original Vanac series, launched in the 1970s, marked a bold departure from Seiko’s classic designs with its vivid colors and sharp, angular style. Reflecting the era’s forward-looking spirit and fascination with space, Vanac captured the innovative energy of that time.
The Vanac, released in 1972
“Now, more than 50 years later, it returns—not as a replica, but as a reborn collection, bringing its original spirit to a new generation. By introducing Vanac as the sporty expression of King Seiko, we aim to expand the collection and allow customers to enjoy King Seiko across a broader range of lifestyles and occasions,” Naito says at the launch.
According to Naito, the theme of the new series was inspired by the vibrant city where King Seiko was born. “We call it ‘The Tokyo Horizon.’ The new Vanac models reflect both the excitement of fast-paced city life, and the quiet strength of a design that embraces a long history. This duality is at the heart of what makes the Vanac series so special,” he says.
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The design of the King Seiko Vanac case and dial draws inspiration from the Tokyo skyline. The dial features a horizontal stripe pattern, with hour markers set on a raised ring embedded into the surface. Both the 12 o’clock marker and the counterweight of the seconds hand form a distinctive “V” motif, a subtle nod to Vanac.
The mainline models feature dial colors inspired by the Tokyo skyline at different times of day—twilight, midnight, and sunrise.
Powering the watch is the Caliber 8L45, a mechanical movement known for its precision and durability, offering +10 to -5 seconds per day in accuracy and a 72-hour power reserve. This combination of performance and craftsmanship reflects the finest tradition of Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking.
The series includes five models: three continuous-production pieces and two special editions. The mainline models feature dial colors inspired by the Tokyo skyline at different times of day—twilight, midnight, and sunrise.
For Suzuki, it’s the contrast that makes Vanac special—its vibrant ’70s-inspired design paired with precision engineering.
Seiko Watch Corporation led by president Akio Naito (third from left) with King Seiko's first global ambassador Ryohei Suzuki (middle), and Thai actor Ananda Everingham (second from right).
“I was surprised when I first saw it—because it was nothing like any other King Seiko watches I knew. You know, its colorful dials, that V-mark on the seconds hand, the case with sharp edges, the bracelet, everything was very unique. And I like that funky, retro-futuristic look from the seventies. But what surprised me even more, was that they built it with that new movement and gave it 10 bar water resistance. And of course the see-through case back is also fun to look at. So, on the outside, it’s bold and colorful, but inside, it’s all about serious watchmaking. To me, Vanac is a watch for people who are not afraid to stand out,” he says. Suzuki says the watch is versatile—stylish enough to wear with a suit, practical enough for daily use.
The King Seiko Vanac collection is available in Seiko boutiques, premium stores, and online at https://share.google/soTz2pDs8vUM0wJrW, with prices starting at P188,100.
