Birthday Watch October 1973! King Seiko 5256-6010 Vanac Weekdater DAINI 25J Automatic Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: King Seiko Vanac Special
Year of Production: October 1973
Movement: 5256
BPH: 28,800
Number of Jewels: 25
Hand and Dial: 3D Block Indices with Baton Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 21mm
Strap: Original King Seiko Vanac Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According  to most reliable online sources, the Seikosha DAINI factory produced the first (mechanical) King Seiko in 1961 to compete with the Grand Seiko made by the Seikosha SUWA that made its debut in 1960. However, the first automatic King Seiko was launched by SUWA in 1968, with the new 56xx movement which is the same movement as the Grand Seiko.

DAINI responded in 1970 with the KS Special 52xx movement. This KS/KS Special couple is similar to the LM/LM Special couple. They will co-exist for the next 5 odd years until Seiko abandons the King range. It was in circa 1972 that Seiko launched the eccentric KS Vanac/Vanac Special range with the same (Hi-Beat 28,800) calibers. The KS Vanac / Vanac Special were not widely produced because they ceased manufacture in 1974; hence, their scarcity worldwide.

Seiko ceased producing King Seiko's altogether in 1975 to allow the emergence of the Grand Seiko as the undisputed high-end Seiko watch. Thus, this is a highly sort-after Collectible because of its unique appearance, hi-beat movement and dwindling numbers.

So, for Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a King Seiko JDM Vanac Special DAINI in near mint condition!

This uniquely shaped silver case was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and a good polish while maintaining its super sexy curves and lines. Most age imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape. The "jeweled faceted" crystal is original and was given a good polish as well. The 14K gold-plated bezel is in immaculate condition with practically zero wear & tear as well.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first level to adjust the date and day via clockwise or counterclockwise. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out to the second level.

The day is in English and Kanji - cool!

The movement had undergone a complete overhaul. It was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 22 August 2023. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the excellent 5256 movement, it has an impressive 25 Jewels that operate at 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +5 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 224 with a straight centered line! Such readings extremely exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 21mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The bracelet is an original Seiko Vanac Signed SS Bracelet and it too was given a good ultrasonic wash and polish to remove all hairline scratch and age marks albeit a few miniscule marks do remain.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Even though the relevant seals and gaskets are in place, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in supreme condition and well maintained. It was also demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that someone special born in October 1973! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Collectors King Seiko KS52 Vanac Special in near mint condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source. In fact, purchase it as an investment or for the next generation to appreciate.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!