Seiko Marks 145 Years With a Quartet of Limited‑Edition Timepieces
The collection spans King Seiko, Prospex, Presage and Astron, each honoring founder Kintaro Hattori.
Summary
- Seiko celebrates its 145th anniversary with four limited‑edition watches across King Seiko, Prospex, Presage and Astron lines
- Each model features gold accents and historic design cues, from pocket watch silhouettes to engraved patterns
- Releases begin February 2026
This year marks Seiko’s 145th anniversary, and the Japanese watch brand has unveiled a series of four limited-edition timepieces to honor the pioneering spirit of its founder, Kintaro Hattori. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s origins in 1881, these anniversary models across the King Seiko, Prospex, Presage and Astron series, feature signature gold-colored accents designed to express Hattori’s founding commitment to enriching lives with beauty and joy. Each model incorporates unique historical design cues, ranging from intricate engravings found on early timepieces to the silhouette of the company’s first pocket watch. These limited editions will be available worldwide starting in February through Seiko and select retail partners.
Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Enamel Dial
The Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Enamel Dial (SPB538) draws direct inspiration from a variation of the Timekeeper, Seiko’s first pocket watch created in 1895. It features a smooth white enamel dial marked by slender Roman numerals and an onion crown, housed in a 35mm stainless steel case with movable lugs. The bezel is adorned with intricate, dimensional detailing that echoes the historical silhouette of its predecessor.
Every glance reveals a rich depth created by the box-shaped sapphire crystal, while the pull-through leather strap – sourced from sustainable LWG-certified tanneries – anchors this vintage silhouette to the modern wrist. The watch is powered by the automatic Caliber 6R51 and comes with a 72-hour power reserve. Limited to 1,450 examples, the SPB538 will retail at €2,000 EUR (approx. $2,340 USD).
King Seiko KS1969
Joining the KS1969 series, the King Seiko KS1969 (SJE121) is a tribute to the delicate patterns Kintaro Hattori once hand-arranged for his early timepieces. A moody gray gradation flows across the dial, darkening as it reaches the edges to create a vignette effect that amplifies the sparkle of the gold-colored hands and faceted indices. Housed in a 39.4mm case, its sleek profile is achieved through the use of the slimline Caliber 6L35 – a low center of gravity case design – and a comfortable multi-row bracelet with mixed mirror and brushed finishing. Limited to just 800 pieces, this anniversary edition is priced at €3,200 (approx. $3,744 USD).
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph
The Prospex SRQ059 marries the rugged soul of a tool watch with the refined elegance of Seiko’s early heritage. Its white dial is brought to life by a subtle, repeating pattern reimagined from Hattori’s 19th-century engravings, providing a delicate contrast to the bold, gold-colored Seiko logo and chronograph hands. The 42mm case finds its aesthetic roots in the gracefully contoured “flowing” bracelets and silhouettes of the original 1960s Speedtimers. Beneath the dual-curved sapphire crystal, the hand-assembled movement utilizes a column wheel and vertical clutch to provide a tactile, precise operation that honors Japan’s legacy of sports timing. This chronograph is limited to 700 pieces and is recommended at a retail price of €2,700 (approx. $3,159 USD).
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph
Representing the “spirit of innovation,” the Astron SSH186 is a futuristic sculpture of light and shadow. Its deep black titanium case and bracelet are illuminated by gold-colored accents that trace every curve, from the dial’s markers to the center links. The sapphire crystal bezel insert adds a celestial dimension, catching the light to reveal hidden depth while housing the high-tech GPS heart that connects to the stars for atomic-level accuracy. In a final, subtle nod to the Maison’s history, the UTC scale features gold-colored markers at the 1, 4, and 5 positions to quietly honor the 145th anniversary. Limited to 1,450 pieces, this high-tech anniversary model is priced at €3,400 (approx. $3,970 USD).
