King Seiko VANAC Limited Edition SLA089J1 (similar to SLA083J1, SLA085J1, SLA087J1 & SLA091J1) - A Captivating Retro-Modern Reinterpretation, Distinguished by its Exclusivity , A Review (plus Video)

My anticipation for the VANAC series re-crafted models has been steadily building since I first caught wind of their launch announcement several months ago. The promise of a modern reinterpretation of a classic design immediately captured my imagination. As subsequent details gradually emerged – glimpses of the dial, specifications, and craftsmanship – my initial excitement was tempered by a growing, almost instinctive suspicion. A quiet voice in the back of my mind whispered that such a significant revitalization, coupled with the brand's heritage, would inevitably command a premium. Unfortunately, that intuition proved accurate when the official pricing was revealed, placing the watches firmly in the five-figure territory. While the cost gave me undeniable pause, the sheer allure of the design proved irresistible. It wasn't just attractive; it felt genuinely refreshing – a harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary execution that stood apart. Ultimately, the aesthetic appeal and the emotional pull outweighed the financial hurdle, solidifying my decision to acquire one.

Faced with a compelling selection of five distinct models within the VANAC re-crafted line, the decision required careful consideration. Each piece offered its own unique character and appeal. However, my focus quickly narrowed to the limited edition SLA089J1. Its defining characteristic – a global production run restricted to a mere 700 pieces – imbued it with an undeniable sense of exclusivity and future collectibility. This inherent rarity was a powerful draw. The truly surprising factor, and the decisive one, was the revelation that this limited-edition gem carried the exact same price tag as its standard-production siblings within the series. This unexpected price parity transformed the SLA089J1 from a tempting option into the clear, value-driven choice. Acquiring a watch with such inherent scarcity without paying a premium felt like securing a unique opportunity, making the selection not just a matter of preference, but a remarkably logical decision.

 

 

The VANAC Series

 

In 1972, King Seiko launched the VANAC, renowned for its vibrant hues and innovative, multifaceted look. The VANAC name is an acronym of its original design features: V for a ‘Vibrant case design’ – a structure that is both playful yet practical; A for ‘Active lifestyle’ – for both formal and informal occasions; N for ‘Novel dial ring’ – its angular edges resembling a metropolis cityscape; A for ‘Alternative dial design’ – a 3-dimensional dial design inspired by the horizon; C for ‘Comfortable bracelet’ – a short-pitch length bracelet, completed with a mirror and hairline finish. Over half a century later, the VANAC in re-introduced under the King Seiko line. This new era embraces a potent angularity and a modern mechanical heart, reinterpreting the original's pioneering spirit for King Seiko's future.  Currently, there are five members to the new VANAC series. 

 

Examples of vintage King Seiko VANAC watches

 

The design finds its muse in the sprawling Tokyo skyline—the very horizon King Seiko calls home. Like this iconic vista, depicted throughout art and culture, the watch's expression shifts with the light.

Though sculpted with strong, dynamic angles that evoke chiseled metal, the bezel-less construction achieves surprising elegance and slenderness. Its case boasts an immaculate mirror finish, achieved through sophisticated polishing, which dances with dramatic shadows and brilliant highlights for an undeniable presence.

The dial features a horizontal stripe pattern. Indexes are set within a dedicated ring seamlessly embedded into its surface. Notably, both the 12 o'clock marker and the seconds hand counterweight showcase a distinctive "V" silhouette – the series' signature initial. A newly developed bracelet combines links with alternating mirror and hairline finishes. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures exceptional comfort while radiating unmistakable luxury and sophistication.

Marking a first for King Seiko since its 2022 relaunch, the new VANAC features a sapphire crystal case back. This reveals the movement within and elegantly displays the returning King Seiko shield emblem. Powering the watch is the new Caliber 8L45, Seiko's most precise production mechanical movement, achieving an accuracy of +10 to -5 seconds per day. This movement delivers a robust 72-hour power reserve via an enhanced mainspring, coupled with exceptional accuracy. Engineered specifically for the demands of modern mechanical sports watches, it prioritizes durability and performance. Exquisite wave patterns adorn the rotor and bridges, infusing its design with luxury. Combining high performance with refined aesthetics, Caliber 8L45 represents the pinnacle of Seiko's mechanical movement mastery.

 

The new series is offered with dials in purple, navy, and silver tones, with each color taking inspiration from the Tokyo horizon at a different time of day: evening twilight, midnight, and sunrise. 

 

Evening twilight	Midnight	Sunrise
SLA083J1 MSRP RM15,600 Standard production	SLA085J1 MSRP RM15,600 Standard production	SLA087J1 MSRP RM15,600 Standard production

 

Apart from the there standard production models, there are also another two, one a limited edition model with just 700 units available worldwide and a special boutique edition. These two watches are listed in the table below.

 

SLA089J1 Limited Edition Sunrise in Tokyo with a  golden color 700 units worldwide MSRP RM15,600

SLA091J1 Seiko Boutique Exclusive Edition Ice blue Tokyo scenery reflecting  clear blue sky on a bright sunny day Standard production MSRP RM15,600

  

In is interesting to note that the last two models do have a premium attached to their MSRP. In fact, all the five models are prices the same - RM15,600.

 

The Watch

 

Made out of stainless steel, the SLA089J1 VANAC is a revived sub-series for the King Seiko range that are powered by a new Grand Seiko derived movement (more about this later). The case profile for the VANAC series comes straight from the early 1970s (see a short history about this sub-series in the previous section) and was part of a whole series of very funky and colourful watches. A key element in all of them is the use of faceted angles and surfaces, with alternating finishings to reflect light as much as possible. 

 

 

The case has a width of 41.0 mm with a thickness of 14.3 mm. Lug-to-lug length is 45.1 mm. The casing is paired with a faceted, integrated steel bracelet that follows the profile of the case down to the folding clasp. As the bracelet is similarly thick like the casing, the total weight of the watch tips the scale at 192 grams - a rather chunky timepiece that will always remind the wearer its there on the wrist.

 

The dial is inspired by the sunrise in Tokyo with a golden color. On close inspection the dial is not actually flat with bits and pieces attached. It actually has depth to it. At the edge of the dial is an applied/recessed ring where the outer circle is a 12-sided polygon and decorated with a thin line of gold paint while the edge of the inner circle is indeed circular and also decorated with a thin line of gold paint. This ring is painted grey overall with railway track line marking in white throughout. On this ring too lies the applied hour markers with a special V-shaped marker at 12:00. All the markers are coated with LumiBrite paint. 

 

 

The surface of the dial has a texture of horizontal grooves similar to a corrugated zinc roof. Some say it looks like horizontal teak pattern. Regardless, it evokes urban grids which enhances the vintage look. Coupled with the stacking of other elements mentioned earlier, the whole dial design creates a very visible 3D effect. 

The date window is located at 3:00 and has beveled metal frame painted with golden colour. The location of the date aperture conforms to the original design of the initial VANACs but I would be happier if the designers would consider repositioning it to 6:00 instead. I think this would make the dial looks for symmetrical.

 

 

 

There are four lines of text on the dial. For this particular model, the SLA089J1, the texts are painted in gold where the brand is applied on the upper quadrant while the rest of the texts such as, "KING SEIKO", "AUTOMATIC 3 DAYS" and some production codes in very small size are painted and located at the lower quadrant.

 

 

 

The handset on the watch is also vintage in styling. The dauphine hands has faceted edges with the polished, multi-faceted hour and minute hands reflect light dynamically, aligning with the case’s angular geometry. However, their excessive thickness draws criticism for resembling "diver watch hands", clashing with the dressier retro aesthetic. While historically tied to the VANAC name (re-imagined as "Vibrant, Active, Novel, Alternative, Comfortable"), the V-counterweight that is unique at the end of the seconds hand is oversized. Its dominance risks distracting from the dial’s artistry.

 

 

 

The sapphire crystal on the SLA089J1 is a significant design and functional element, reflecting both modern engineering and nostalgic inspiration. The crystal features a high, box-shaped dome with a concave edge, designed to mimic the aesthetic of vintage acrylic crystals while offering modern durability. This creates a pronounced 3D effect over the dial. AR coating is applied only on the inner surface. Exterior reflections can occasionally obscure the dial in bright light. The crystal extends to the edge of the bezel-less case, creating seamless continuity with the angular lugs. This amplifies the case’s "carved from solid metal" appearance but contributes to the watch’s 14.3 mm thickness.  

 

 

 

The screw-down crown sits at the traditional 3:00 position, maintaining symmetry with the case's angular geometry. It is slightly recessed into the casing to preserve the watch's streamlined profile and reduce snagging risks. It features a deeply engraved King Seiko shield logo, emphasizing brand identity without disrupting the case's minimalist lines. Despite its compact size, the crown has sharp, defined grooves for secure manipulation during time/date adjustments. There is a tactile, precise feel when setting the watch. 

The crown's faceted edges mirror the case's brutalist geometry, extending the sharp lug lines and polished bevels for cohesive aesthetics. Proportionally scaled to the 41.0 mm wide case, avoiding visual bulk while ensuring usability.  

 

 

 

The VANAC features distinctive integrated lugs that are fundamental to its bold, angular design. These lugs extend sharply from the hexagonal mid-case, creating a seamless transition to the bracelet while ensuring a pronounced wrist presence. Their geometry showcases faceted surfaces with a blend of mirror polishing and hairline brushing, emphasizing precision craftsmanship reminiscent of Japanese sword-making (evoking comparisons to a "katana" or "shuriken").

 

 

The SLA089J1 features a stainless steel integrated bracelet meticulously crafted to complement its angular case design. Measuring 17 mm in width at the lugs, the bracelet tapers elegantly toward the deployment clasp, ensuring a balanced fit on the wrist. Its construction emphasizes both aesthetics and ergonomics, with a short-pitch link configuration that enhances flexibility and conforms naturally to the wearer’s wrist. The bracelet’s surfaces showcase contrasting finishes: center links are mirror-polished to catch light dynamically, while outer links feature subtle hairline brushing, creating a sophisticated interplay of textures that echoes the case’s faceted geometry.

 

It secures with a push-button deployment clasp engineered for both security and ease of use, engraved with the King Seiko insignia for brand cohesion. Weighing 192 grams overall, the bracelet balances substantial presence with everyday comfort, avoiding slippage or pinching during motion. Collectively, this bracelet transcends mere functionality – it embodies Seiko’s fusion of artisan metalwork and wearer-centric innovation, solidifying the SLA089J1 as a statement of refined engineering.

 

 

  

The SLA089J1 features a sapphire crystal exhibition case-back, a significant milestone as it marks the first transparent case-back in the modern King Seiko collection since its 2022 relaunch. This design allows a clear view of the high-performance Caliber 8L45 movement, showcasing its intricate wave-pattern finishing on the rotor and bridges—a testament to Seiko’s fusion of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement. The case-back is screw-down for enhanced water resistance (10 bar) and bears the engraved King Seiko "shield" logo rendered in gold tone, aligning with the limited edition’s sunrise-inspired theme. Limited to 700 pieces, this model also includes the text "LIMITED EDITION" on the case-back, emphasizing its exclusivity. The integration of both functional robustness and decorative elegance through this transparent design reflects Seiko’s commitment to honoring heritage while embracing modern horological transparency.

 
The VANAC is powered by the Caliber 8L45, Seiko’s newest and most precise mechanical movement, marking a significant evolution in the brand’s horological engineering. This automatic movement, assembled at Seiko’s renowned Shizukuishi Studio in Morioka, boasts a 72-hour power reserve, enabled by an optimized mainspring and operates at a high frequency of 28,800 BPH for enhanced timekeeping stability. Its accuracy is certified at +10 to -5 seconds per day, outperforming predecessors like the 8L35 (rated at +15/-10 seconds) and positioning it as Seiko’s current benchmark for precision in production movements.

Beyond its technical prowess, the 8L45 emphasizes both robustness and aesthetic refinement. The movement features exquisite wave-pattern finishing on its rotor and bridges, visible through the watch’s sapphire exhibition case-back. This transparency allows wearers to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship, aligning with the VANAC’s blend of functional innovation and luxury. Engineered for durability, the movement includes 35 jewels to minimize friction and ensure longevity, alongside a stop-seconds function for precise time-setting. As a cornerstone of Seiko’s strategy, the 8L45 is poised to replace older calibers in premium models, underscoring its role in elevating the VANAC’s status as a fusion of heritage design and cutting-edge mechanics. 

 

Below is the photo of the watch in the dark to showing you how the LumiBrite paint ensures readability in low light. 

 

 

  

The Wearing Experience  

Wearing the King Seiko VANAC SLA089J1 is an experience defined by bold sophistication and tactile refinement, beginning with its commanding yet ergonomic stainless steel case that sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to the seamlessly integrated H-link bracelet—meticulously finished with alternating polished and brushed surfaces that echo the case’s sharp, faceted geometry. The limited-edition "Tokyo Sunrise" dial, rendered in a radiant golden brown, immediately draws the eye with its horizontal grooves and sunburst effect, evoking dawn over the city’s skyline, while the applied indices and V-shaped 12:00 marker catch light dynamically, further accentuated by subtle gold-toned branding and luminous accents for nighttime legibility. 

 

The weight of the watch feels purposeful and premium, balanced by the bracelet’s secure deployment clasp, and the box shaped sapphire crystal amplifies the dial’s depth without distorting its view, making every glance a reminder of its artful fusion of 1970s funk and modern horology. This 700-piece rarity is both a statement piece and a reliable daily companion.

 

 

 

 

Specifications

 

Brand Series: King Seiko VANAC Limited Edition 

Reference: SLA089 

Dial: Horizontal stripe pattern with the theme of sunrise in Tokyo in a golden colour

Case: Stainless steel

Bracelet: Stainless steel integrated bracelet with deployment clasp and push button release

Diameter: 41.0 mm

Thickness: 14.3 mm

Lug Width: 17.0 mm

Lug-to-Lug Length: 45.1 mm

Weight: 192 gm
Crystal: Box shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inner surface

Case Back: Screw-down case-back w

Luminous Paint: Lumibrite paint on hands and index(es)

Movement: Automatic with manual winding 8L45

Jewels: 35

Frequency: 28,800 BPH (or 4 Hertz)

Power Reserve: 72 hours

Accuracy: +10 to -5 seconds per day 

Water Resistance: 100 meter (10 Bar)

Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds & date

Production Run: Limited edition with 700 examples only 

Launch Date: July 2025 

MSRP: RM15,600

Vendor: Seiko Boutique, Mid Valley Megamall

Purchase Date: 3 July 2025

Purchase Price: RM11,700

Warranty: Three (3) years

Serial Number: 294/700

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