Architecture shapes how we feel in a city: the height and spacing of buildings, the play of light and shadow, reflections, textures. Tokyo, being one such city, is full of dramatic contrasts — ultra modern towers, neon facings, metal railings, glass surfaces, concrete, also more traditional elements. And if you’ve seen the city often enough, they’re all set against the grand backdrop of natural elements: the soft gold of sunrise over skyscrapers, violet-grey hues of twilight, deep indigo during midnight, and luminous blues of daylight. Seiko translates these into dial colours and finishes across five references in the revived King Seiko VANAC lineup earlier this year. The colorful horizon of Tokyo’s skyline inspires the monikers for each watch — “Tokyo Sunrise”, “Tokyo Twilight”, “Tokyo Midnight”, “Tokyo Horizon”, and “Tokyo Brilliant Sunlight” — evoking times of day in Tokyo’s ever-shifting skyline.

The King Seiko VANAC’s design personality

With thematic design comes risk: too literal a translation becomes kitsch; too abstract becomes generic. In Japanese culture, the act of drawing inspiration from nature and materialising it into craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the philosophy of “shizen” (自然) — a reverence for the natural world and its effortless harmony. Unlike Western notions of mastering or imitating nature, shizen embraces an organic coexistence with it, allowing artistry to arise from observation, patience, and respect for imperfection. In the case of the King Seiko VANAC, the finish on the dial rings, the quality of polish, the accuracy of the movement, all anchor the poetic idea in craftsmanship. Also, by offering several colour variants, Seiko gives wearers flexibility, but limited editions such as the Tokyo Horizon (only 700 pieces) ensure certain flavours are special.

King Seiko VANAC “Tokyo Twilight”

The horizon line alone is a silhouette echoed in VANAC’s angular dial ring, which resembles the city’s skyline. Architecture influences proportions: the lugs, the bracelet links, the casing shape combine form and function in ways reminiscent of Tokyo’s layered visual density.

Beyond colour, Seiko backs up the Tokyo Horizon concept with materials and movement. Each VANAC is powered by Seiko’s in-house calibre 8L45 — self-winding with excellent accuracy (+10/−5 seconds/day), and a three-day power reserve. The case size is consistent (41mm, stainless steel), and the integrated bracelet, from its polished and brushed surfaces to mirror-finish edges, recall the metallic sheen seen on high-rises, glass façades. 

King Seiko VANAC “Tokyo Horizon” is limited to 700 pieces

King Seiko VANAC “Tokyo Midnight”

From the case to the bracelet, the exterior integrates mirror & hairline finishes

The sapphire display case back shows off the self-winding in-house caliber 8L45

How do lifestyle and cultural narratives in Tokyo sneak into Seiko’s design?

The 1970s marked a dazzling chapter in Japan’s cultural evolution — a decade when the country, having rebuilt its postwar identity, turned its gaze outward with newfound confidence and flair. Japanese glamor in this era was not ostentatious in the Western sense, but bold in attitude and experimentation. The decade’s cinema portrayed a world pulsing with neon light and urban rebellion — visual cues that would come to define Tokyo’s electric allure. While in fashion, the streets of Shinjuku and Ginza became showcases for eclectic style. This aesthetic bled into industrial design: cars, stereos, and watches gleamed with faceted edges and polished surfaces. The King Seiko VANAC emerged from this very milieu — a timepiece that embodied the optimism and exuberance of the age. 

Thus the VANAC revives a 1970s spirit of integrated-bracelet silhouettes, unconventional case shapes and a willingness to use bold colours and textures. As a contemporary iteration, it embraces retro energy but renders it with modern materials, tolerances and finishing. That combination gives the watch a dual appeal: nostalgic enough to delight design purists, contemporary enough to compete in today’s crowded market of retro-inspired pieces.

Original VANAC case designs when it was released in 1972

The Tokyo Horizon theme shows watchmaking is increasingly about context: telling stories about place, time of day, light and mood. Seiko, with the VANAC, leans into that. And by anchoring that in strong know-how and fine finishing, Seiko has made a collection that resonates both with traditional lovers of craftsmanship and those drawn by story and atmosphere.

Explore the King Seiko VANAC collection here.