Seiko 145th Anniversary: Four Limited-Edition Watches Honor Founder Kintaro Hattori's Legacy
Seiko Marks 145 Years With Four Gold-Accented Limited Editions
Seiko has kicked off its 145th anniversary celebrations with a quartet of limited-edition watches that all feature golden accents. Each of the four models comes from a different corner of the Japanese manufacturer's catalog — King Seiko, Prospex, Presage, and Astron — and the golden details are intended to express the brand's "enduring commitment to enriching lives with joy and beauty."
According to aBlogtoWatch's Ripley Sellers, "The watches themselves couldn't be more different from each other, and their use of gold ranges from just the dial and hands to an entirely gold-finished case."
The Four 145th Anniversary Models
1. King Seiko KS1969 SJE121 — $3,100 (800 Pieces)
The King Seiko KS1969 SJE121 is a dial variation of the standard KS1969 that debuted in 2024 as a revival of the vintage King Seiko 45KCM from 1969. It features a gray gradient dial adorned with a motif inspired by the pattern Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori originally had engraved on select timepieces sold at the brand's original Ginza shop.
- Case: 39.4mm × 9.9mm stainless steel
- Movement: Caliber 6L35 automatic, 4Hz, 45-hour power reserve
- Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire
- Edition: 800 pieces
2. Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ059 — $2,500 (700 Pieces)
The Speedtimer SRQ059 brings the Kintaro-inspired pattern to a white dial surface. Despite featuring a more complex automatic chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch, it's priced lower than its King Seiko sibling.
- Case: 42mm × 14.6mm stainless steel
- Movement: Caliber 8R48 automatic chronograph, 4Hz, 45-hour power reserve
- Crystal: Domed sapphire
- Edition: 700 pieces
3. Presage Classic Series "Craftsmanship" Enamel Dial SPB538 — $1,900 (1,450 Pieces)
The most unusual model in the collection, the Presage SPB538 features a gold-finished case and a glossy white enamel dial with golden hands and black Roman numeral indexes. At 35mm with an onion-shaped crown, it leans heavily into vintage aesthetics. The brown leather strap recalls the design fitted to the very first Seiko Laurel watch from 1913.
- Case: 35mm × 12.3mm gold-finished stainless steel
- Movement: Caliber 6R51 automatic, 3Hz, 72-hour power reserve
- Dial: White enamel with gold accents
- Edition: 1,450 pieces
4. Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph SSH186 — $3,300 (1,450 Pieces)
The most technologically advanced of the four, the Astron SSH186 is crafted from titanium with Seiko's "Super Hard" black coating. It features GPS solar technology that autonomously synchronizes to GPS signals, plus dual-time display, chronograph, perpetual calendar, and world time with 38 time zones.
- Case: 44.1mm × 14.4mm titanium with black hard coating
- Movement: Caliber 5X83 solar quartz
- Functions: GPS sync, dual-time, chronograph, perpetual calendar, world time
- Edition: 1,450 pieces
Complete Specifications Comparison
| Model | Size | Movement | Power Reserve | Price | Edition |
| King Seiko SJE121 | 39.4mm | 6L35 Auto | 45 hrs | $3,100 | 800 |
| Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 | 42mm | 8R48 Auto Chrono | 45 hrs | $2,500 | 700 |
| Presage SPB538 | 35mm | 6R51 Auto | 72 hrs | $1,900 | 1,450 |
| Astron SSH186 | 44.1mm | 5X83 Solar Quartz | Solar | $3,300 | 1,450 |
The Kintaro Hattori Connection
All four watches feature design elements inspired by patterns originally engraved by Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori. This shared motif creates a through-line connecting four very different watches — from the dressy King Seiko to the high-tech Astron — under a single anniversary theme.
Seiko was founded in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch and clock repair shop in Tokyo's Ginza district. The 145th anniversary represents a significant milestone for one of the world's most vertically integrated watch manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the watches priced so differently?
A: The pricing reflects the complexity and materials of each model. The King Seiko SJE121 uses a premium movement (6L35) in a refined case, while the Presage SPB538's enamel dial is handcrafted. The Astron commands the highest price due to its titanium construction and GPS solar technology.
Q: Can I buy these in stores?
A: These are limited editions available through Seiko's official channels and authorized retailers. Given the limited production numbers (700-1,450 pieces), early purchase is recommended.
Q: What is the Kintaro Hattori pattern?
A: It's a motif originally engraved on select timepieces sold at Seiko's original Ginza shop in the late 19th century. The pattern represents the brand's founding heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.
Source: aBlogtoWatch — New Release: Seiko Celebrates Its 145th Anniversary With Four Limited-Edition Watches
Related reading: Seiko: A Complete Brand History | King Seiko Collection Guide