Seiko Celebrates 145 Years with New "Edo Purple" Watches
A Traditional Colour Inspired by Ancient Tokyo
145 years ago, a young man known as Kintaro Hattori opened a shop in Tokyo's Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. This story, which started in 1881, is that of one of the most important brands incorporated in Japan: Seiko. In the years since, the company has grown alongside Japan's largest metropolis, the two being closely related still. Honouring its 145th anniversary as well as the city that saw its creation, Seiko is now releasing several limited edition models – the Alpinist HBC006, Presage Cocktail Time HCB006 and Seiko 5 Sports SKX HDB003 – all using a traditional, Tokyo-inspired colour, Edo Purple.
As Tokyo, once known as Edo, evolved, so too did its cultural expressions, including distinctive colours that reflected the sensibilities of each era. During the Edo period (from 1603 to 1868), when the cultural foundations of present-day Tokyo were laid, a traditional Japanese colour known as "Edo purple" emerged. While part of the broader lineage of purples long appreciated in Japan, it came to be loved as a colour reflecting the distinctive character of Edo and has been passed down to the present day.
Prospex Alpinist "Edo Purple" HBC006
First in line for this commemorative collection is a classic of the brand, the modern interpretation of Seiko's first sports watch, a 1959 model designed for exploration, the Alpinist. Contrary to previous vintage-inspired models, we're here looking at a contemporary version based on the SARB-series introduced in 1995, with its rotating compass bezel and additional crown at 4 o'clock.
Housed in a steel case, the new Alpinist HBC006 measures 39.5mm in diameter and 12.7mm in height. It's also a fairly robust model, with a 200m water-resistance. Like most modern Alpinist watches, it is characterised by its internal rotating bezel with a 360-degree compass. This limited edition is rendered unique with a sunray-brushed, light purple dial with the model's classic wedge-shaped indexes and Arabic numerals, and gold-coloured accents on the Seiko logo and seconds hand.
Power comes from the calibre 6R55, an in-house automatic movement with date and 3-day power reserve. The watch is worn on a black leather strap, with crocodile pattern, purple stitching and a three-fold clasp. It is limited to 7,000 pieces worldwide and priced at EUR 980.
Presage Cocktail Time GMT "Edo Purple" HCB006
The second mechanical model in this 145th collection is based on Seiko's modern and distinctive interpretation of a dress watch, the Cocktail Time. Part of the Presage family, these watches have never been shy of using colours, and the new HCB006 is no exception to the rule. Housed in a steel case measuring 40.5mm in diameter and 12.8mm in thickness, it combines polished and brushed surface and the dial is protected by a box-shaped Hardlex crystal.
The most distinctive element is the dial, and its GMT function – a complication launched in 2024 within this series – it features a glossy, textured dial with a vibrant purple colour. The watch is inspired by an original cocktail, "Edo Murasaki," created by Hisashi Kishi (owner of Star Bar). The radial pattern is visible under the deep yet translucent purple tone, combined with gold-colored accents on the logo and GMT hand. The HCB006 is powered by the calibre 4R34, an office-style automatic GMT movement. This new Presage Cocktail Time GMT "Edo Purple" is limited to 6,000 pieces and retails for EUR 620.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX "Edo Purple" HDB003
Last, at least when it comes to the mechanical models, Seiko also applied the Edo Purple colour to its entry-level sports/aquatic model, the 5 Sports SKX series. Based on one of the brand's most iconic watches, the SKX007, this accessible model retains everything that has made the 5 Sports series successful so far: a fairly robust case measuring 42.5mm, a crown at 4 o'clock, a rotating bezel with black Hardlex insert and 60-minute scale and a decent 100m water-resistance.
The main distinction with other watches from the series is, as you'd expect, the dial. This new HDB003 features a deep, sunray brushed purple dial with gold-colored accents and the sharp, vertically striated indexes that were part of the new generation, redesigned 5 Sports SKX Series launched in 2025. It is limited to 9,999 pieces and priced at EUR 450.
| Model | Case Size | Movement | Water Resistance | Limited Edition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinist HBC006 | 39.5mm x 12.7mm | 6R55 | 200m | 7,000 pieces | EUR 980 |
| Presage Cocktail GMT HCB006 | 40.5mm x 12.8mm | 4R34 | 50m | 6,000 pieces | EUR 620 |
| Seiko 5 SKX HDB003 | 42.5mm x 13.9mm | 4R36 | 100m | 9,999 pieces | EUR 450 |
FAQ
Q: When will the Edo Purple collection be available?
A: All watches will be available beginning in October 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide.
Q: What is the significance of Edo Purple?
A: Edo Purple is a traditional Japanese colour that emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868), reflecting the distinctive character of Tokyo when it was known as Edo.
Q: Are these watches good investments?
A: Limited edition Seiko watches often hold their value well, especially those celebrating significant anniversaries. The 145th anniversary collection combines heritage significance with attractive designs.
Sources: Monochrome Watches, Seiko Official