Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches: Discover the Edo Purple Collection
Seiko is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 2026: 145 years of watchmaking. Since Kintaro Hattori founded the company in Tokyo in 1881, Seiko has become known for its innovative approach to watchmaking, Japanese design and ability to bring together tradition and modern technology.
To mark its 145th anniversary, Seiko has introduced a series of special Seiko limited-edition watches, with the latest collection centred around a distinctive colour with deep roots in Japanese history: Edo Purple.
From the adventurous Seiko Prospex Alpinist to the sophisticated Presage Cocktail Time and the sporty Seiko 5 Sports, the collection brings the anniversary theme to several of Seiko's best-known watch families.
So, what makes these Seiko 145th Anniversary watches special, and what is the story behind Edo Purple?
What Is the Seiko 145th Anniversary?
Seiko was founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori as a watch and clock repair shop in Ginza, Tokyo. Over the following 145 years, the company developed into one of Japan's most recognised watchmakers, with a history spanning mechanical, quartz, solar and GPS Solar technology.
Seiko's anniversary collection celebrates that history while looking towards the future. Rather than focusing on one particular watch style, the 145th Anniversary releases appear across different Seiko collections, giving each timepiece its own character.
The Edo Purple series is the third group of commemorative limited editions created for the 145th anniversary, following earlier releases featuring gold-coloured details and Seiko Blue. Seiko describes Edo Purple as a colour that reflects traditions passed down from historic Edo to modern-day Tokyo.
What Is Edo Purple?
The name Edo Purple refers to a traditional shade associated with Edo-period Japan, when modern-day Tokyo was known as Edo.
For Seiko, the colour provides more than simply an eye-catching dial. It connects the anniversary watches to the city where the company began and to the changing character of Tokyo itself.
The result is a collection that combines a distinctly Japanese influence with some of Seiko's most recognisable contemporary watch designs.
And although purple is the common thread, each watch interprets the colour differently.
Discover the Seiko 145th Anniversary Edo Purple Watches
The collection includes limited-edition watches from Prospex, Presage, Seiko 5 Sports and Seiko Selection, giving watch enthusiasts a choice of different styles and movements.
Seiko Prospex Alpinist 145th Anniversary Purple Dial Strap Watch
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist is one of the most recognisable watches in the Edo Purple collection.
The modern Alpinist traces its roots back to the Laurel Alpinist of 1959, Seiko's first sports watch. The HBC006J1 brings that heritage into the anniversary collection with a rich Edo Purple dial complemented by gold-coloured details.
Inside is Seiko's automatic movement, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The 39.5mm stainless steel case features a sapphire crystal, rotating compass inner ring and 20-bar water resistance, making it a versatile option for both everyday wear and outdoor adventures.
The HBC006J1 is limited worldwide and is scheduled for release in October 2026.
For anyone looking for a Seiko 145th Anniversary watch that combines heritage, practicality and a distinctive dial, the Alpinist is a particularly interesting part of the collection.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 145th Anniversary Solar Chronograph Purple Dial Watch
The second Prospex model takes a very different approach.
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer is a solar-powered chronograph inspired by Seiko's Speedtimer designs of the 1960s and 1970s. Rather than using purple across the entire watch, the Edo Purple theme is incorporated into the dial and other details for a more understated interpretation of the anniversary colour.
The solar movement means there is no need for regular battery replacement, while the chronograph adds practical timing functionality.
The watch is a natural choice for those who prefer the sporty character of the Speedtimer collection.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 145th Anniversary GMT Purple Dial Bracelet Watch
For a more refined look, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 145th Anniversary GMT Purple Dial Bracelet Watch takes inspiration from the world of Japanese cocktails.
Its Edo Purple dial is inspired by the Edo Murasaki cocktail, bringing together Seiko's watchmaking heritage with the sophisticated atmosphere of Tokyo's cocktail culture.
The watch features an automatic movement and GMT functionality, giving the wearer the ability to track a second time zone. Its combination of a detailed purple dial, gold-coloured accents and stainless steel bracelet gives the watch a more dressy character than the Prospex models.
A limited piece, the watch offers a particularly distinctive interpretation of the Seiko 145th Anniversary theme.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX 145th Anniversary Purple Dial Bracelet Watch
The Edo Purple theme takes on a more casual, contemporary character with the Seiko 5 Sports Watch.
Based on Seiko's popular SKX-inspired design, the watch combines a deep purple dial with gold-coloured accents. It is powered by Seiko's automatic Calibre and offers 10-bar water resistance, making it well suited to everyday wear.
The HDB003K1 is a limited piece, making it the largest production run among the main Edo Purple anniversary models.
Its familiar sports-watch silhouette also makes it one of the more accessible ways to enjoy the 145th Anniversary design.
Which Seiko 145th Anniversary Watch Is Right for You?
One of the most interesting things about the collection is that there isn't a single design philosophy running through every model.
Instead, the watches offer several different ways to experience Seiko's anniversary theme.
· For outdoor-inspired style: the Prospex Alpinist combines the Edo Purple dial with the practical features associated with the Alpinist.
· For chronograph fans: the Prospex Speedtimer brings the anniversary theme to one of Seiko's most recognisable sporting designs.
· For a dressier look: the Presage Cocktail Time pairs its purple dial with GMT functionality and cocktail-inspired design.
· For everyday wear: the Seiko 5 Sports offers the familiar SKX-inspired silhouette with a bold anniversary colourway.
· For retro enthusiasts: the Seiko Selection revisits a distinctive piece of Seiko's digital history.
Why Are the Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches Limited Edition?
Limited editions have become an important part of Seiko's way of celebrating its watchmaking heritage.
The 145th Anniversary Edo Purple watches are produced in individually specified quantities, with edition sizes ranging from thousands of pieces rather than being part of Seiko's permanent collections. Each model also features anniversary-related details, including limited-edition markings on the case back.
For collectors, this gives the watches an additional connection to a particular moment in Seiko's history.
It also means the collection is not simply about introducing a new colour. Each model marks 145 years of Seiko watchmaking while drawing attention to a different part of the brand's history.
When Are the Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches Available?
Seiko has announced the Edo Purple anniversary watches for release from October 2026, through Seiko Boutiques and selected authorised retailers.
For the latest availability, specifications and pricing, it is always worth checking the individual product listing before purchasing, as availability can vary between models.
Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches FAQs
What is the Seiko 145th Anniversary?
Seiko's 145th Anniversary celebrates 145 years since Kintaro Hattori founded the company in Tokyo in 1881. The anniversary is being marked with several series of limited-edition watches.
What is Edo Purple?
Edo Purple is a traditional Japanese colour associated with the historic city of Edo, now Tokyo. Seiko has used the colour as the central design theme for its third series of 145th Anniversary commemorative watches.
How many Seiko 145th Anniversary Edo Purple watches are there?
The main UK collection includes six Edo Purple models across Seiko Prospex, Astron, Presage, Seiko 5 Sports and Seiko Selection. Seiko has also announced additional anniversary models for other markets, so the worldwide line-up is broader than the UK collection.
Are Seiko 145th Anniversary watches limited edition?
Yes. The Edo Purple models are commemorative limited editions, with individual production quantities varying between models.
When will the Seiko Edo Purple watches be released?
The main Edo Purple 145th Anniversary watches are scheduled for release from October 2026. Availability can vary by model and retailer.
Where can I buy Seiko 145th Anniversary watches in the UK?
The collection is being released through Seiko Boutiques and selected authorised retailers. House of Watches is an authorised Seiko retailer and offers a broad range of Seiko watches across collections including Prospex, Presage, Seiko 5 Sports and Astron.
Explore Seiko Watches at House of Watches
From the historic Alpinist to the modern Astron, Seiko has built a collection of watches that reflects more than a century of Japanese watchmaking.
The 145th Anniversary Edo Purple releases continue that tradition by bringing together heritage-inspired designs, modern technology and a colour connected to Tokyo's history.
Whether you're drawn to the adventurous character of Prospex, the refined style of Presage, the technology of Astron or the everyday appeal of Seiko 5 Sports, the anniversary collection offers several distinctive ways to celebrate this milestone.
Explore the latest Seiko watches at House of Watches to discover the collection and find a timepiece that suits your style.
