Seiko 145th Anniversary Edo Purple Collection: Alpinist, Presage GMT & 5 Sports

Seiko Celebrates 145 Years with Traditional "Edo Purple" Limited Editions

In 1881, a young Kintaro Hattori opened a shop in Tokyo's Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. That small beginning grew into one of Japan's most important watch brands. To mark its 145th anniversary, Seiko has released a series of limited-edition watches united by a single, culturally significant color: Edo Purple — a traditional hue that dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) when Tokyo was known as Edo.

The Meaning Behind Edo Purple

According to Monochrome Watches, as Tokyo evolved through different eras, so too did its cultural expressions, including distinctive colors that reflected the sensibilities of each period. During the Edo period, "Edo purple" emerged as a beloved color reflecting the distinctive character of the city. While part of the broader lineage of purples appreciated in Japanese culture, it came to symbolize the spirit of Edo itself and has been passed down through generations to the present day.

Seiko's 145th Anniversary "Edo Purple" collection includes six models in total, with three mechanical versions spanning the brand's core product families: Prospex, Presage, and Seiko 5 Sports.

Prospex Alpinist "Edo Purple" HBC006

The Alpinist — Seiko's first sports watch, originally designed in 1959 for mountain exploration — receives the Edo Purple treatment in a modern interpretation. The 39.5mm stainless steel case houses a sunray-brushed light purple dial with the model's classic wedge-shaped indexes, Arabic numerals, and gold-colored accents on the Seiko logo and seconds hand. The internal rotating compass bezel at 360 degrees remains a signature Alpinist feature.

Presage Cocktail Time GMT "Edo Purple" HCB006

The Presage Cocktail Time GMT brings the Edo Purple color to Seiko's dress watch line. The 40.5mm steel case features a glossy, textured dial with a vibrant purple tone inspired by "Edo Murasaki" — an original cocktail created by Hisashi Kishi, owner of Tokyo's Star Bar. Gold-colored accents complement the deep purple, while a GMT function (office-style) adds practical travel functionality via the calibre 4R34.

The dial's radial pattern is visible beneath the translucent purple tone, creating a sense of depth that shifts under different lighting conditions. The 5-link steel bracelet with folding clasp completes the refined presentation.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX "Edo Purple" HDB003

The most accessible entry in the collection applies the Edo Purple color to the redesigned 5 Sports SKX platform. The 42.5mm steel case features a deep sunray-brushed purple dial with gold-colored accents and the sharp, vertically striated indexes introduced on the 2025-generation SKX series. A black Hardlex bezel insert with 60-minute scale and 100m water resistance round out the spec sheet.

Availability

All three mechanical models in the Edo Purple collection will be available beginning in October 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide. The collection also includes three additional quartz models not covered in this article.

FAQ

Q: Why "Edo Purple" specifically for the 145th anniversary?
A: Edo Purple is a traditional color deeply connected to Tokyo (formerly Edo), where Kintaro Hattori founded Seiko in 1881. The color represents the cultural heritage of the city that grew alongside the company for 145 years.

Q: Which model offers the best value?
A: The 5 Sports SKX HDB003 at EUR 450 offers the most accessible entry with a proven 4R36 movement and the highest limited edition count (9,999). The Presage GMT HCB006 at EUR 620 adds a GMT complication, while the Alpinist HBC006 at EUR 980 delivers 200m water resistance and the calibre 6R55 with 72-hour power reserve.

Q: Are these available globally?
A: Yes, all models will be available at Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers worldwide starting October 2026.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
• The History of Seiko Alpinist: From 1959 to Today

Source: According to Monochrome Watches, published August 6, 2026.