Recently, our platform has featured numerous articles about Seiko, and it seems like this is just the beginning.
This year, Seiko celebrates its 145th anniversary, and the company is actively emphasizing the importance of this event. This morning, we received a new batch of watches directly from Japan - six models from different collections, united by a rich purple color. As you probably guessed, there is a historical reason behind this. Seiko calls the shade 'Edo Purple' in honor of the Edo period (1603–1868), which became the cultural foundation of modern Tokyo. According to Seiko, this traditional Japanese color is very popular and used to pay tribute to Edo and today's Tokyo.
Seiko Collection in 'Edo Purple'
Let's look at the six new models released for Seiko's 145th anniversary and determine which one deserves special attention. We won't delve into technical specifications, as these watches are already part of collections and have been extensively reviewed. The main difference is the unique purple color scheme that distinguishes them from existing models.
Seiko Prospex Alpinist Mechanical
The Alpinist collection has long been loved by fans, and we even participated in the pre-sale of an exclusive European version several years ago. The watches sold out quickly, and it's no surprise - they are perfect for everyday wear (GADA) at a reasonable price. The new Alpinist model with a purple dial, reference HBC006, will be limited to 7,000 pieces, priced at €980. The dial is in a rich purple color, paired with a black leather strap embossed to resemble alligator with purple stitching. The watch includes a convenient three-fold clasp.
Inside is the Seiko 6R55 caliber with a 3-day power reserve. The case is 39.5 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm thick, with water resistance up to 200 meters. The movement is visible through a transparent case back.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph
The 'Edo Purple' collection includes three quartz models, one of which is the Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph. As the name suggests, the watch is solar-powered and equipped with the V192 caliber. The model features a 24-hour hand and a power reserve indicator, allowing for timely recharging of the battery.
The purple dial is decorated with black chronograph sub-dials at the 9, 9:30, and 6 o'clock positions. The date window is located at 4:30. The black sub-dials feature a concentric pattern and white hands. The hour and minute hands are gold-colored, matching the gold indices and Seiko logo. The purple color is repeated on the black bezel with a tachymeter scale. Model HBJ005 comes on a steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. The case diameter is 41.1 mm and the thickness is 13 mm. Limited to 8,000 pieces, priced at €790.
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph
The second quartz model is equipped with the famous GPS system for precise time and timezone adjustments. The Astron collection is popular among those who value maximum accuracy. The Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph features a dark purple dial with a horizontal pattern. The dial is rich with functions characteristic of Astron (more details below). The Seiko logo is in gold, which matches the central seconds hand and the rim around the black ceramic bezel.
The 5X83 caliber offers a perpetual calendar (up to 2100), world time function supporting 38 time zones, power saving, and other features. The titanium case is 43.3 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick, with a titanium bracelet featuring ceramic central links and a convenient three-fold clasp with a button. Water resistance is 100 meters. The limited edition HAB011 includes 2,000 pieces, priced at €3,000.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
The Presage collection has added a model with a purple dial, reference HCB006, dedicated to the 145th anniversary. It is inspired by the original 'Edo Murasaki' cocktail, created by Hisashi Kishi, owner of STAR BAR in Tokyo. Now you know what to order on your next visit to the Japanese capital. The deep purple dial is adorned with a radial pattern, adding depth. The Seiko logo is in gold, there is a GMT hand, and the other hands are silver.
The Presage Cocktail Time HCB006 case diameter is 40.5 mm, and the thickness is 12.8 mm. The glass is convex Hardlex, and the watch comes on a steel bracelet. The 4R34 caliber is visible through a transparent case back. Limited to 6,000 pieces, priced at €620.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX
The last mechanical model with a purple dial is the Seiko 5 Sports SKX, reference HDB003. The watch has water resistance up to 100 meters and is powered by the 4R36 caliber. To commemorate the 145th anniversary, a version with a purple dial with a sunburst effect was released. The logo, inscription, and the word 'Automatic' are in gold, while the hands and hour markers are silver. The case diameter is 42.5 mm, and the thickness is 13.9 mm.
The limited edition Seiko 5 Sports SKX HDB003 includes 9,999 pieces, priced at €450.
The 'Rotocall' model in a black and purple design is based on the original digital Seiko watches from 1982, used by many astronauts. It houses a quartz caliber A824, and the bezel is used to select functions (hence the name 'Selection'). The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel with a black hard coating. The bezel is predominantly purple, which pairs well with the black case and bracelet. The dial (glass) features a gold print.
The Seiko Selection 'Rotocall' HFL001 case diameter is 37 mm, and the thickness is 10.6 mm. Water resistance is 100 meters. Limited to 4,000 pieces, priced at €670.
Final Conclusions
From the entire new 'Edo Purple' collection, my favorite is the Seiko Selection HFL001. I have a special connection to 'Rotocall,' and I own several original models. Owning these watches is not only a joy but also a chance to touch a significant historical chapter, especially if you are interested in space and watches. This black and purple version is a stylish and unusual digital Seiko.
You can find detailed information on the official Seiko website.
Which model did you like? Share your opinion in the comments.