Welcome to another exciting Sunday morning! It’s time to brew some espresso and dive into this week’s thrilling watch face-off. In one corner, we have Mike showcasing the new **Tudor Monarch**, the brand’s standout release from Watches and Wonders 2026. In the opposing corner, Jorg presents the **King Seiko Vanac**, a watch that’s sure to turn heads. While the Tudor has sparked a divide among fans—people either adore it or vehemently dislike it—the Seiko’s retro ’70s vibes have also created strong opinions among aficionados. So, who will take home the prize in this week’s Sunday Morning Showdown?

The Tudor Monarch certainly stands out from the brand’s usual offerings. As Lex notes, this watch celebrates a century of Tudor with a case design reminiscent of the very first Oyster case from 1926. With a new caliber and a price tag of **€5,400**, the Monarch represents a premium choice from Tudor. On the other hand, we have the King Seiko Vanac—reintroduced just last year—retaining its vintage charm from the 1970s. It features sharp angles akin to the Monarch but brings a friendlier price of **€3,400**. Will affordability be a game-changer in this week’s showdown? Let’s see!

Last Week’s Watch Battle Recap

Before we dive into today’s showdown, let’s take a quick look at last week’s matchup. Thomas’s impressive Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive Ushio 300 faced off against Daan’s elegant Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in titanium. To everyone’s surprise, the Grand Seiko emerged victorious with 53% of the voting. Even though the comments hinted a slight preference for the Yacht-Master, the voting results spoke volumes in favor of the Ushio 300. It’s a testament to Grand Seiko’s strategy of introducing smaller series divers. Let’s see if Grand Seiko’s sister brand can also claim victory this week!

Jorg’s Choice: King Seiko Vanac

When the modern **King Seiko Vanac** models launched last year, I was both thrilled and intrigued. I’ve always had a soft spot for the vintage Vanac line, including the eye-catching King Seiko Vanac 5626-7140 that I featured in our Buying Guide. Known for its geometric case and vibrant dial options, it’s truly unforgettable. I was curious if Seiko would take another bold step forward with this release. And they did! The current Vanac beautifully combines elements of classic ’70s designs without mirroring any single original model.

Although Seiko didn’t go all out in the extravagance department this time, I can see their inspiration in the case’s angular design. After checking out the first couple of models, I started to appreciate their direction. The design captures the essence of the original Vanac line seamlessly, and combined with a brilliant bracelet, you have a vintage-inspired timepiece that also feels fresh. The top-notch manufacturing quality is what really caught my attention—the weight and exquisite finishing are notable. Plus, equipped with the Seiko 8L45 caliber, it definitely outshines the Tudor Monarch in terms of craftsmanship at its price point.

Overcoming Initial Reservations

I initially had some doubts about the case dimensions and dials. At first glance, I questioned why the King Seiko team opted for a 41 × 14.3mm case, thinking it felt a bit bulky for a vintage-inspired watch. However, as someone who generally wears larger pieces, I reassured myself that I could pull it off.

Steel King Seiko Vanac SLA083 (left) next to the titanium HKF001 (right)

However, those dials? They had a distinctly retro vibe that initially felt outdated. Surprisingly, I soon realized that the gold-tone details on certain models really embrace that nostalgic look, while the silver-tone options yield a much more modern appeal. The latter became my favorites, particularly with the titanium models that Lex reviewed. Trying them on solidified my preference, and once they were on my wrist, it all fell into place.

Comfort on the Wrist: King Seiko Vanac Wins

All those doubts faded as soon as I put the Vanac on my wrist. The fit was fantastic; despite the dimensions, it was incredibly comfortable. The weight gives it a luxurious feel that’s hard to find in this price range. And those dials? They quickly grew on me!

The best of these was the **145th-anniversary Vanac HKF004** that I had the chance to review. Typically, I gravitate towards darker dials, so the combination of a white and blue palette wasn’t my go-to. However, as soon as I slipped it on, I was enchanted. The comfort, quality, and the silvery-white dial with its dark blue accents had me enchanted. It’s clear that the King Seiko Vanac line boasts an unexpected charm.

In contrast, the Tudor Monarch didn’t quite strike the same chord with me. While it’s beautifully proportioned with an elegant dark champagne dial and a superior caliber, it left me puzzled. The dial layout didn’t resonate with my expectations.

The unique retro California dial and the unconventional handset didn’t blend well with the more contemporary case and bracelet. I also missed the substantial feel that makes the King Seiko so appealing. Overall, the Monarch left me somewhat underwhelmed. With **€2,000** separating these watches, I would happily choose the King Seiko Vanac every time.

Mike’s Perspective: Tudor Monarch

Despite the general consensus that 2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Tudor at Watches and Wonders, the Monarch quietly caught my attention. Its sophisticated appearance—including a *sexy* sub-seconds complication and a formal champagne dial—has an understated allure that took time to appreciate. But wearing it? That was a whole different experience.

Tudor is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and the Monarch reflects this milestone with a 39 × 46mm stainless steel case and a sleek 11.9mm thickness. This watch seamlessly combines the characteristics of a sports watch with an elegant aesthetic—boasting a **100m** water resistance and a dependable screw-down crown.

An Angular Case Design

The reason for pitting the Tudor Monarch against the King Seiko Vanac lies in their shared angular stainless steel cases. The Monarch’s design draws inspiration from the iconic Rolex Oyster case, which may not be immediately evident, but it meshes beautifully. Anytime Rolex or Tudor releases a new case, it’s worth taking note of. The polished bezel, dome sapphire crystal, and stylish chamfers complement the dial’s California-like allure.

A Robust Movement

While the King Seiko celebrates its 145th anniversary with a commendable mechanism, the Monarch edges ahead with the impressive **Kenissi-manufactured automatic MT5662-2U**. This caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and offers a generous 65-hour power reserve—just a few hours shy of the Seiko 8L45. Plus, this movement flaunts gold accents and brushed finishing, making it a visual treat. If it performs like the Kenissi caliber I’m familiar with in my Black Bay 58, you can expect stellar accuracy.

The Monarch’s Comfort

With a case that’s almost 20% slimmer than the Vanac, the Monarch feels fantastic on the wrist. The H-link bracelet is a high-quality offering from Tudor, featuring smaller links that enhance the look. However, I found one aspect slightly mismatched: the T-fit clasp. While it’s perfectly functional for a sports model, it feels a tad out of place here. A more elegant clasp or mechanism akin to that of the Datejust could enhance its dressy appeal.

Time to Make Your Choice

With a **€5,400** price tag, the Tudor Monarch stands **€2,000** above the King Seiko Vanac. While that gap is significant, it aligns with typical Tudor pricing. Both contenders boast their respective merits, but at the end of the day, you can only choose one. Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments below!