Seiko Celebrates 145th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Watches and Edo Purple Collection
Seiko Celebrates 145 Years of Watchmaking Excellence
In January 2026, Seiko kicked off its 145th anniversary celebrations by releasing a quartet of limited-edition watches featuring golden accents. Founded by Kintaro Hattori in 1881 with a shop in Tokyo's Ginza district, Seiko has grown into one of the world's most important watch manufacturers. The golden details across these models express the brand's "enduring commitment to enriching lives with joy and beauty."
Four Golden-Accented Limited Editions
Each of the four 145th Anniversary models hails from a different corner of Seiko's catalog, showcasing the breadth of the brand's capabilities across dress watches, sport chronographs, dressy automatics, and high-tech GPS watches.
King Seiko KS1969 SJE121
The King Seiko KS1969 SJE121 revives the vintage King Seiko 45KCM from 1969 with a 39.4mm stainless steel case measuring 9.9mm thick. Powered by the Caliber 6L35 automatic movement (4Hz, 45-hour power reserve), it features a gray gradient dial adorned with a Kintaro Hattori-inspired motif. Limited to 800 pieces at $3,100 USD.
Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ059
Based on a 42mm stainless steel case, the SRQ059 houses Seiko's Caliber 8R48 automatic chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch. The white dial showcases the same Kintaro-inspired pattern. Limited to 700 pieces at $2,500 USD.
Presage Classic Series "Craftsmanship" Enamel Dial SPB538
The most vintage-leaning model features a 35mm gold-finished case with an onion-shaped crown and box-shaped sapphire crystal. Its glossy white enamel dial with golden hands and black Roman numerals is powered by the Caliber 6R51 automatic (3Hz, 72-hour power reserve). Limited to 1,450 pieces at $1,900 USD.
Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph SSH186
The premium offering uses a 44.1mm titanium case with Seiko's "Super Hard" black coating and gold accents. The Caliber 5X83 solar quartz movement offers GPS time synchronization, dual-time display, chronograph, perpetual calendar, and world time across 38 zones. Limited to 1,450 pieces at $3,300 USD.
145th Anniversary Models Specifications
| Model | Case Size | Movement | Power Reserve | Price (USD) | Limited To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Seiko SJE121 | 39.4mm x 9.9mm | Cal. 6L35 Auto | 45 hours | $3,100 | 800 pcs |
| Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 | 42mm x 14.6mm | Cal. 8R48 Auto Chrono | 45 hours | $2,500 | 700 pcs |
| Presage Enamel SPB538 | 35mm x 12.3mm | Cal. 6R51 Auto | 72 hours | $1,900 | 1,450 pcs |
| Astron GPS Solar SSH186 | 44.1mm x 14.4mm | Cal. 5X83 Solar Quartz | Solar powered | $3,300 | 1,450 pcs |
The Edo Purple Collection: Honouring Tokyo's Heritage
In August 2026, Seiko extended its 145th anniversary celebrations with the Edo Purple collection, drawing on the traditional colour that emerged during Tokyo's Edo period (1603–1868). Three mechanical models feature distinctive purple dials with gold-coloured accents:
- Prospex Alpinist HBC006 – 39.5mm steel, Cal. 6R55, 200m WR, EUR 980 (7,000 pieces)
- Presage Cocktail Time GMT HCB006 – 40.5mm steel, Cal. 4R34 GMT, EUR 620 (6,000 pieces)
- Seiko 5 Sports SKX HDB003 – 42.5mm steel, Cal. 4R36, 100m WR, EUR 450 (9,999 pieces)
All Edo Purple models will be available from October 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 145th anniversary for Seiko?
Seiko was founded by Kintaro Hattori in 1881 in Tokyo's Ginza district. The 145th anniversary marks nearly a century and a half of continuous watchmaking innovation, from Japan's first wristwatch to cutting-edge Spring Drive and GPS Solar technologies.
Why does the Edo Purple collection use purple dials?
"Edo purple" is a traditional Japanese colour that emerged during the Edo period (1603–1868) in what is now Tokyo. Seiko uses this colour to honour its founding city and Japanese cultural heritage as part of the 145th anniversary celebrations.
Are the 145th anniversary watches available for purchase?
The four golden-accented models were released in January 2026, while the Edo Purple collection becomes available from October 2026. All models are limited editions and may sell quickly through authorized dealers.
Sources: aBlogtoWatch, Monochrome Watches