Seiko’s 145th Anniversary: 6 New Purple Watches

Marking its 145th anniversary, Seiko has unveiled a six-watch “Edo Purple” collection drawing on historical Japanese color traditions, according to industry reporting from Fratello. The release spans multiple core lines, including the Prospex Alpinist, Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph, Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph, Presage Cocktail Time, Seiko 5 Sports SKX, and the digital Seiko Selection “Rotocall,” with prices ranging from €450 to €3,000.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist and Presage Cocktail Time Mechanical Editions

Leading the mechanical side of the 145th-anniversary drop is the Seiko Prospex Alpinist reference HBC006, priced at €980 and limited to 7,000 pieces worldwide, as reported by Fratello. The 39.5mm watch features a water resistance of 200 meters and runs on the Seiko caliber 6R55 movement, delivering a three-day power reserve visible through a display caseback. It pairs a purple dial with a black alligator-pattern leather strap and purple stitching.

In the dress watch category, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time reference HCB006 draws direct inspiration from the “Edo Murasaki” cocktail created by STAR BAR owner Hisashi Kishi. Retailing at €620 with a production run capped at 6,000 pieces globally, this 40.5mm timepiece utilizes the caliber 4R34 movement with a GMT hand, visible through a transparent case back. Fratello notes the dial features a deep purple radial pattern paired with a gold Seiko logo and silver hands.

Solar and GPS Quartz Offerings in Edo Purple

For quartz and solar enthusiasts, Seiko introduced the Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph reference HBJ005, limited to 8,000 pieces at a €790 retail price. Powered by the V192 solar caliber, the 41.1mm chronograph features a purple dial with black subdials, gold-toned hands, and a tachymeter scale on the black bezel. Meanwhile, the high-precision Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph reference HAB011 features a titanium 43.3mm case and caliber 5X83, offering perpetual calendar accuracy until 2100 and world time across 38 time zones. Limited to 2,000 pieces, it retails for €3,000.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX and Selection Rotocall

Rounding out the mechanical sports offerings, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX reference HDB003 delivers 100 meters of water resistance via the caliber 4R36 movement. Priced at €450 and limited to 9,999 pieces, it measures 42.5mm across and features a sunray purple dial accented by gold printing for the brand logo and automatic text. On the digital front, the Seiko Selection “Rotocall” reference HFL001 revives a 1982 space-program design using the A824 quartz movement. Measuring 37mm in a black hard-coated stainless steel case, it features a purple bezel and is limited to 4,000 pieces globally at a €670 retail price, according to Fratello.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Edo Purple” signify in this Seiko anniversary collection?

According to Fratello, “Edo Purple” refers to the historical Edo period spanning from 1603 to 1868, which forms the cultural foundation of modern Tokyo. Seiko uses this traditional color to pay homage to the city’s heritage.

Which watches are included in the Seiko 145th anniversary purple drop?

The collection includes six models: the Prospex Alpinist Mechanical, Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph, Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph, Presage Cocktail Time, Seiko 5 Sports SKX, and the Seiko Selection “Rotocall.”

Are these Edo Purple Seiko models limited editions?

Yes, all six watches are produced in limited quantities worldwide, ranging from 2,000 pieces for the Astron GPS up to 9,999 pieces for the Seiko 5 Sports SKX.