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

Seiko Celebrates 145 Years with "Edo Purple" Limited Edition Collection

145 years ago, a young man known as Kintaro Hattori opened a shop in Tokyo's Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. This story, which started in 1881, is that of one of the most important brands incorporated in Japan: Seiko. Honouring its 145th anniversary as well as the city that saw its creation, Seiko is now releasing several limited-edition models — the Alpinist HBC006, Presage Cocktail Time GMT HCB006, and Seiko 5 Sports SKX HDB003 — all bearing a purple dial inspired by traditional "Edo Purple."

The History of "Edo Purple": A Colour Rooted in Tokyo's Cultural Heritage

As Tokyo, once known as Edo, evolved, so too did its cultural expressions, including distinctive colours that reflected the sensibilities of each era. During the Edo period (1603–1868), when the cultural foundations of present-day Tokyo were laid, a traditional Japanese colour known as "Edo purple" emerged. Part of the broader lineage of purples long appreciated in Japan, it came to be loved as a colour reflecting the distinctive character of Edo and has been passed down to the present day.

Prospex Alpinist "Edo Purple" HBC006

First in this commemorative collection is a modern interpretation of Seiko's first sports watch — a 1959 model designed for exploration. The new Alpinist HBC006 is based on the contemporary SARB-series format, featuring a rotating compass bezel and additional crown at 4 o'clock. Housed in a steel case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 12.7mm in height, it offers 200m water resistance. The sunray-brushed, light purple dial features the classic wedge-shaped indexes and Arabic numerals with gold-coloured accents. Powered by the calibre 6R55 automatic movement with 72-hour power reserve. Limited to 7,000 pieces at EUR 980.

Presage Cocktail Time GMT "Edo Purple" HCB006

The second mechanical model combines Seiko's dressy Cocktail Time aesthetic with a GMT complication — launched in 2024 within this series. Housed in a 40.5mm × 12.8mm steel case with 50m water resistance, the HCB006 features a glossy, textured dial with vibrant purple colour inspired by "Edo Murasaki," a cocktail created by Hisashi Kishi of Star Bar. Gold-coloured accents on the logo and GMT hand complement the translucent purple tone. Powered by the calibre 4R34 office-style automatic GMT movement. Limited to 6,000 pieces at EUR 620.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX "Edo Purple" HDB003

The entry-level model applies the Edo Purple colour to Seiko's iconic 5 Sports SKX series. Based on the legendary SKX007, this 42.5mm × 13.9mm steel case features a crown at 4 o'clock, rotating bezel with Hardlex insert, and 100m water resistance. The deep, sunray-brushed purple dial with gold-coloured accents uses the sharp, vertically striated indexes introduced in the redesigned 2025 generation. Powered by calibre 4R36 with 41-hour power reserve. Limited to 9,999 pieces at EUR 450.

Availability & Pricing

All three Edo Purple limited editions 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 here), bringing the total to six watches in the anniversary series. With prices ranging from EUR 450 to EUR 980, the collection offers accessible entry points to Seiko's heritage story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Edo Purple" represent in Japanese culture?

"Edo Purple" is a traditional Japanese colour that emerged during the Edo period (1603–1868) in Tokyo, then known as Edo. It reflects the distinctive cultural character of the city and has been passed down as a colour of historical and artistic significance in Japanese tradition.

How many watches are in the Seiko 145th Anniversary collection?

The full collection includes six models total. The three mechanical models covered here (Alpinist HBC006, Presage GMT HCB006, and 5 Sports SKX HDB003) are joined by three additional quartz-powered variants to complete the anniversary series.

When will the Edo Purple watches be available?

All models in the Edo Purple collection will be available from October 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and authorized retail partners worldwide. Given the limited production numbers, early availability is recommended.

Internal Links

• Discover our Seiko Alpinist Collection Guide
• Read about Japanese Watchmaking Heritage: Seiko to Grand Seiko

Sources: Monochrome Watches (August 6, 2026), aBlogtoWatch, Seiko Official Website. All specifications verified against manufacturer data.