Multifaceted Actor
Ryohei Suzuki
Named Face of King Seiko

Artistry. Refinement. Authenticity. Timelessness. These are the core characteristics shared by the new King Seiko VANAC series and its global brand ambassador, Ryohei Suzuki, an actor known for the high level of passion he brings to his craft. These characteristics were on display on July 18, 2025, in the Kingdom of Thailand, at a momentous event organized to announce both the line and the ambassador.

“King Seiko is a collection that pursues the essence of watches,” says Akio Naito, President of Seiko Watch Corporation. “And like King Seiko, Ryohei Suzuki holds a deep respect for heritage while pushing boundaries. That’s what makes him the perfect choice to represent the collection on the global stage.” Suzuki echoed this sentiment, adding, “They’re choosing to take a bold step now. I want to express that spirit — the boldness, but also the authentic substance behind it.”

With that alignment of vision, the new series and its ambassador were introduced to the world at an international event in Bangkok, as opposed to Tokyo itself. “By holding the event outside of Japan, we’re making a clear statement that King Seiko is ready to step fully onto the global stage,” Naito says.

Launching a bold new era in Japanese watchmaking

The reintroduction of King Seiko’s VANAC series — vintage-inspired yet unmistakably contemporary — is a confident move from the brand that helped define mid-20th-century Japanese horology. Sharp-edged, colorful and elegantly unconventional, the new VANAC models stand apart from the sleek understatement of modern dress watches. They are designed for individuals with a deep appreciation for heritage and an eye for quiet rebellion.

Originally launched in 1972, the King Seiko VANAC series was a design outlier in its time, standing apart from the dressier models associated with the King Seiko collection’s legacy. Its faceted case construction, sunray-finished dials and signature bracelet links turned heads back then — and still do today. The new lineup has revived this bold spirit with a fresh trio of VANAC models, now available in purple, navy and silver. Under the theme “Tokyo Horizon,” each color represents the Tokyo sky at a different moment — evening twilight, midnight and sunrise.

In addition to the three watches joining the main King Seiko collection, one limited edition and one Seiko boutique exclusive also join the collection. The limited edition expresses sunrise in Tokyo and features a gold-colored dial. The lettering on the dial and the King Seiko logo on the case back are also gold-toned. This special model is limited to a production run of 700 pieces.

The dial of the boutique-exclusive creation is ice blue, expressing the Tokyo scenery reflecting a clear blue sky on a bright sunny day. This exclusive creation is available at Seiko Boutiques around the world.

“The dynamism of Tokyo itself is reflected in this collection,” Naito explains. “When we decided to revive King Seiko, we wanted to express that dynamism, but at the same time we wanted to achieve all of the functional aspects and design qualities of a wristwatch that are up to today’s standard.” The VANAC's bold expression is what first attracted Suzuki. “The colorful dial, the V mark on the seconds hand, the sharp-edged case and bracelet — everything was unique,” he says. “To me, the VANAC is a watch for people who are unafraid to be different.”

Introduced in 1961, King Seiko was created to showcase Seiko’s ability to produce beautifully designed and finished mechanical watches with high accuracy. While Grand Seiko aimed to rival top Swiss brands, King Seiko took a parallel path, with its own factory, design vision and technical specs. King Seiko sought to meet the needs of Tokyo's discerning individuals, offering timepieces that reflected both professional reliability and aesthetic sophistication. The result was a line known for accuracy, durability and elegant design — qualities still admired by collectors today. The modern King Seiko collection upholds that tradition as a premium expression of Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking.

Today’s VANAC blends vintage flair with modern function. “Under its philosophy, 'The Newest Classic,' rather than simply replicating the original, we’re updating specifications while preserving the elements King Seiko valued at the time,” Naito explains. Features like scratch-resistant box-shaped sapphire glass demonstrate that balance.

Positioned as the flagship of Seiko’s premium segment, King Seiko plays a vital role in the brand’s global growth. “We revived King Seiko back in 2022 because we wanted to have a truly image-leading premium collection,” Naito says. “So with the new VANAC series, we are pushing the collection more into the premium segment, and we believe King Seiko could be a leading collection in that role.”

The newest classic, inside and out

Inside, each VANAC model houses Seiko’s automatic Caliber 8L45, delivering a 72-hour power reserve — ample autonomy for today’s lifestyles without compromising on mechanical precision. But it’s not only what ticks beneath the surface that defines these timepieces. Everything about the VANAC — its sharp lines, sunray dials and signature multi-row bracelets — speaks to a legacy of innovation that, even in the 1970s, dared to challenge convention.

Reintroducing this once-unorthodox design in 2025 is a deliberate move by King Seiko to embrace and elevate the full spectrum of its heritage. With the new VANAC models, King Seiko reminds the world that authenticity can take many forms. Whether expressed with classic restraint or unexpected boldness, the collection’s vision for the future lies in honoring the richness of its past — without being bound by it.

With its blend of heritage and modern refinement, the partnership between King Seiko and Ryohei Suzuki feels less like a marketing decision and more like a natural alignment. Known for his powerful yet restrained film performances, Suzuki commands attention not with flash or flair, but with his presence — anchored by quiet strength and authenticity.

That presence mirrors the design philosophy of King Seiko: precision, purpose and enduring elegance. But Suzuki’s connection to the brand goes deeper than image — he is a genuine watch collector with a long-standing admiration for Seiko’s craftsmanship. Among the watches in his personal collection are vintage King Seiko pieces from the 1960s, which he says continue to inspire his appreciation for design and detail. “I have deep respect for the aesthetics of that era,” explains Suzuki. “What’s truly impressive is how the brand retains its unwavering affection and pride for its history while updating the specs and design for modern users. That kind of commitment is what makes King Seiko special and why it’s loved across generations.”

When philosophy meets style

Suzuki’s appreciation extends to the new VANAC series, as well. “The decision to revive the VANAC series is truly remarkable,” he says. “Until now, my impression was that the collection had been focused on reinterpreting classic designs in a modern way. But with the addition of the VANAC lineup, I think the diversity of King Seiko will resonate even more strongly with both watch enthusiasts and the general public.”

Suzuki’s approach to his craft mirrors the spirit of King Seiko. “While Ryohei Suzuki is seriously pursuing his career, he's determined to evolve and continues challenging himself on the global stage,” Naito says. “That’s the fundamental connection with King Seiko.” Both the actor and collection embody a distinctly Japanese pursuit of excellence — quiet on the surface, but uncompromising at the core.

As King Seiko steps confidently into its next chapter, the collection is focused on more than just reviving history — it’s about reimagining heritage for a new generation of collectors, creatives and connoisseurs. With bold expressions like the VANAC series and partnerships rooted in shared ideals, the brand is forging a future where Japanese watchmaking stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest — on its own terms.

For Akio Naito, this evolution is about staying true to Seiko’s original spirit while daring to define modern premium watchmaking in its own voice: “We will strengthen the collection and appeal to a diverse audience, from watch enthusiasts to young, discerning consumers seeking timepieces that blend historical heritage with modern appeal.”

Carrying the torch with purpose

Ryohei Suzuki shares that sense of forward momentum. “Being chosen as King Seiko’s global ambassador feels like a recognition of me as a Japanese actor, and I’m deeply honored,” he reflects. “I feel that the collection's approach, based in authenticity and being loved across generations, resonates with my philosophy as an actor. Through this campaign, I hope to share that belief with others.”

As the VANAC returns and the brand expands its international presence, King Seiko reasserts its identity as a maker of watches that aren’t just beautiful — they mean something. Watches that reflect character, honor legacy and look boldly toward the horizon.