Seiko Unveils Edo Purple Limited-Edition Watches for Its 145th Anniversary
Seiko is celebrating its 145th anniversary with a fresh wave of limited-edition watches, and this time the spotlight is on one of the brand’s rarest color choices: Edo purple. The new lineup brings six special releases across the Prospex, Presage, Astron, Seiko 5 Sports, and Seiko Selection families, giving collectors a distinctive alternative to the gold and blue anniversary models revealed earlier in the year.
All six watches are scheduled to arrive in October 2026, with production numbers ranging from 2,000 to 9,999 pieces depending on the model. The theme is inspired by Edo Murasaki, a purple dye associated with fashion in Edo-period Tokyo. It gives the collection a historical Japanese character while still feeling modern and wearable.
Earlier anniversary releases followed a color-focused approach. The first wave used gold accents across several major Seiko lines, while the second wave highlighted Seiko Blue, a shade tied to the brand’s design identity from the 1960s. This third release stands apart because purple is not a color Seiko uses often, making the collection especially appealing to fans looking for something less common.
The most exclusive model in the group is the Seiko Astron HAB011J1, limited to 2,000 pieces. It features the GPS-solar caliber 5X83 and comes in a 43.3 mm titanium case with a ceramic and titanium bezel. Its dial has a horizontal ridged texture with a gradient purple finish, adding depth and a futuristic look that suits the Astron line’s high-tech character.
The Prospex Speedtimer HBJ005P1 brings the Edo purple theme to a sporty solar chronograph. Powered by caliber V192, it measures 41.4 mm wide and 13 mm thick. The watch also features a two-tone aluminum tachymeter bezel inspired by vintage Speedtimer models from the 1960s and 1970s. Seiko will produce 8,000 pieces of this model.
For fans of outdoor watches, the Prospex Alpinist HBC006J1 offers a more rugged take on the anniversary theme. It includes the Alpinist’s signature rotating inner compass ring, a 20-bar water resistance rating, and a 39.5 mm case paired with a leather strap. Inside is Seiko’s caliber 6R55, offering a 72-hour power reserve. This model is limited to 7,000 pieces.
The Presage Cocktail Time HCB006J1 may be the most elegant watch in the collection. Its radial dial is designed to evoke Edo Murasaki, a purple cocktail created for Seiko by Hisashi Kishi, head bartender at STAR BAR in Ginza. The 40.5 mm case houses the 4R34 movement, which adds a 24-hour hand for extra functionality. Seiko will make 6,000 examples.
The largest production run belongs to the Seiko 5 Sports HDB003K1, limited to 9,999 pieces. It uses the familiar SKX-style 42.5 mm case, a three-row bracelet, and the automatic caliber 4R36. A gold Seiko 5 logo adds a warm accent against the purple dial, giving the watch a more celebratory look while keeping the everyday appeal of the Seiko 5 Sports line.
Japanese pricing has already been listed ahead of the October 9 launch in Japan. The Astron HAB011J is priced at 330,000 yen, the Alpinist HBC006J at 130,900 yen, the Speedtimer HBJ005P at 111,100 yen, the Presage HCB006J at 80,300 yen, and the 5 Sports HDB003J at 63,800 yen. These prices include Japanese consumption tax. Pricing for other markets has not yet been announced.
One notable absence from this wave is King Seiko, which appeared in the earlier anniversary releases but does not join the Edo purple collection. The sixth model in the October lineup is a digital Seiko Selection watch based on the 1982 Rotocall. Unlike the other watches, which reinterpret current models with a new color theme, the Rotocall release revives a discontinued design, making it a different kind of anniversary piece.
With its unusual purple palette, historical inspiration, and broad range of styles, Seiko’s latest 145th anniversary collection gives collectors plenty to consider. Whether the draw is the advanced Astron, the vintage-flavored Speedtimer, the adventure-ready Alpinist, the refined Presage Cocktail Time, or the accessible Seiko 5 Sports, the Edo purple series is one of Seiko’s most distinctive limited-edition releases of 2026.
