Trying to keep up with Seiko’s release schedule is a bit like trying to count the stars. Barely a month goes by without the Japanese giant unveiling something new, whether it’s a fresh Seiko 5 Sport, a collector-worthy Prospex or another eye-catching Presage. Next month, it’s the brand’s 145th Anniversary ‘Edo Purple’ collection stealing the spotlight, inspired by the rich purple hue that became synonymous with elegance and refinement in Japan’s Edo period.
If that beautiful tone doesn’t tempt you, we don’t know what will. In October, Seiko will release nine limited-edition Edo Purple watches to celebrate its 145th anniversary, all arriving on 9 October. Of the bunch, the standout is the Prospex Alpinist.
Long regarded as a cult classic among Seiko fans, it pairs a striking sunburst dial inspired by Edo Murasaki, the rich purple hue associated with Japan’s Edo period, with gold accents that elevate one of the brand’s most handsome field watches. Inside is Seiko’s in-house Calibre 6R55 automatic movement, delivering a healthy 72-hour power reserve, while the signature internal compass bezel, sapphire crystal and 200m water resistance ensure it’s as capable on the trail as it is under a shirt cuff. Limited to 7,000 pieces worldwide, the Alpinist is priced at £850 and looks set to be one of the most sought-after watches in the anniversary collection.
The Speedtimer has become one of Seiko’s biggest modern success stories, reviving the spirit of the brand’s legendary 1960s racing chronographs for a new generation. For its 145th anniversary, Seiko has given the fan favourite a regal makeover, swapping the classic panda look for a rich Edo Purple dial, contrasting black sub-dials and gold accents that somehow make a motorsport watch feel surprisingly elegant. Under the hood is Seiko’s V192 solar chronograph movement, which runs for up to six months on a full charge, meaning you can leave it in the watch box and it’ll still be ready when you are.
Add a tachymeter bezel, sporty proportions and no need to wind or replace a battery, and you’ve got one of the easiest everyday chronographs to recommend. Limited to 8,000 pieces worldwide, it’ll set you back £640. Seiko’s Cocktail Time series has built a reputation around beautiful dials, and this might be its most striking yet.
Inspired by the “Edo Murasaki” cocktail created at Tokyo’s famous STAR BAR, the dial combines a rich translucent purple finish with radial texturing that catches the light from every angle. Unlike the standard Cocktail Time models, this version adds genuine travel credentials thanks to the automatic 4R34 GMT movement, complete with a gold GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. Elegant enough for formal wear but practical enough for frequent flyers, it’s limited to 6,000 pieces world wide for £532.
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