Seiko celebrates 145 years with limited-edition watches honoring Edo purple, a color reflecting Tokyo’s heritage.

The story of Seiko began in 1881 when its founder, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop in Tokyo’s Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. In the years since, the company has grown alongside Japan’s largest metropolis, creating innovative timepieces that reflect the rich culture and aesthetics that Tokyo has cultivated over generations.

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

As Seiko marks its 145th anniversary, it presents a new series of limited-edition timepieces. Representing the traditions that were born in Edo and passed on to modern Tokyo, as well as the spirit of creativity that defines Japan’s largest city, Edo purple-inspired colors serve as a central design element across the commemorative models. Guided by its founding philosophy to be “Always one step ahead of the rest,” Seiko continues to take on new challenges while remaining closely connected to people’s lives through time. Each model also incorporates gold-colored accents that express Seiko’s enduring commitment to enriching lives with joy and beauty.

Prospex

A new Alpinist creation joins the Prospex lineup, reflecting the heritage of the first Alpinist watch, introduced in 1959 as the brand’s entry into the emerging category of watches designed for sports.

The watch features a dial layout defined by wedge-shaped indexes and Arabic numerals that ensure high legibility. A matching purple stitch on the leather strap enhances its distinctive character, while gold-colored accents on the Seiko logo and seconds hand add a subtle touch of brilliance.

A solar chronograph inspired by the iconic Speedtimer models of the 1960s and 1970s also joins the Prospex lineup, reflecting Seiko’s long-standing pursuit of precision and legibility in sports timing. The dial and aluminum bezel insert, which has a tachymeter scale, feature purple accents, lending the watch a distinctive yet highly functional design.

Astron

Seiko took electronic watchmaking to a new level in 2012 with the Astron GPS Solar, which connects to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and adjusts to every time zone* with the simple push of a button while generating all the energy it needs from light alone.

A new Astron creation captures the changing hues of the sky at dusk through a purple dial with a vertical gradation combined with a horizontal pattern featuring lines of varying widths, creating a rich sense of depth and visual dynamism. Ceramic center links enhance the bracelet’s refined appearance.

*If there are changes in the region / time zone / DST, manual selection may be required.

Presage

A new limited-edition creation joins the Presage Cocktail Time series, which features vibrant, glossy dials reminiscent of cocktails. The watch is inspired by an original cocktail, “Edo Murasaki,” created by Hisashi Kishi, owner of STAR BAR and the first bartender to receive Japan’s prestigious “Contemporary Master Craftsman” award. The watch’s dial expresses a deep purple tone with a translucent quality and subtle highlights reminiscent of scattered gold flakes. A radial pattern adds depth, while gold-colored accents on the logo and GMT hand complete its refined yet vibrant presence.

Seiko 5 Sports

A new Seiko 5 Sports creation based on the SKX series, one of the brand’s most iconic sports watch designs, reinterprets a classic design with a refined aesthetic. The watch’s deep purple dial is complemented by gold-colored accents, creating a balance of sportiness and elegance, while vertically striated indexes and a glossy Hardlex bezel add a refined and sophisticated touch.

A revival of a digital classic from the 1980s

And finally, there is a new creation based on a model known among enthusiasts as the “Rotocall,” first introduced in 1982 and recreated in 2025. Its distinctive design, along with its reported use among astronauts, contributed to its popularity overseas. The original model featured a distinctive rotary switch, allowing for easy access to functions such as an alarm, a timer, and a stopwatch. The new model retains this iconic feature while introducing a purple rotary switch paired with an all-black case. The combination expresses a bold and distinctive aesthetic, complemented by gold-colored accents on the Seiko logo and function indicators.

Each anniversary creation is marked “LIMITED EDITION” on its case back. The watches will be available beginning in October 2026 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide.

https://www.seikowatches.com/in-en/special/145years/