Few watchmakers have a history as closely connected with innovation, craftsmanship and changing tastes as Seiko. Founded in Tokyo in 1881, the Japanese watchmaker is celebrating its 145th anniversary in 2026 with a series of commemorative limited-edition timepieces.
Among the anniversary releases, Seiko 145th Anniversary purple dial watches stand out for their distinctive use of “Edo purple” – a colour inspired by the heritage and evolving character of Tokyo. Seiko has used the shade across several collections, giving each model a different interpretation of the anniversary theme.
At T.H.Baker, four of these distinctive purple-dial models are available to discover, spanning the adventurous Prospex Alpinist, precision-focused Prospex Speedtimer, sophisticated Presage Cocktail Time GMT and sporty Seiko 5 Sports SKX.
From mechanical movements and solar technology to GMT functionality and everyday sports styling, each watch offers a different way to experience Seiko's 145th anniversary.
Why Purple for Seiko’s 145th Anniversary?
Colour plays an important role in Seiko's anniversary collection, and purple is more than simply an eye-catching choice.
Seiko describes Edo purple as a colour that reflects traditions passed down from ancient Edo to modern-day Tokyo, as well as the creative spirit that has helped the city evolve over generations. The shade therefore connects the watches with both Japanese heritage and contemporary design.
This idea of combining heritage with innovation is particularly appropriate for Seiko. Since its beginnings in Tokyo in 1881, the company has continued to develop watches that balance traditional watchmaking with new technologies and changing lifestyles.
The result is a collection that feels distinctly contemporary while retaining a clear connection to Seiko's Japanese roots.
Four Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches to Discover at T.H.Baker
At T.H.Baker, we’re pleased to showcase four distinctive Seiko 145th Anniversary limited-edition watches, each offering a different take on the collection’s Edo purple theme. From the adventure-ready Prospex Alpinist and Speedtimer to the sophisticated Presage Cocktail Time GMT and the sporty 5 Sports SKX, each model brings together Seiko’s Japanese watchmaking heritage with its own character, functionality and style. Let’s take a closer look at each timepiece.
Seiko Prospex Alpinist 145th Anniversary Purple Dial
For those drawn to watches with an adventurous character, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist 145th Anniversary offers a particularly distinctive take on the purple-dial theme.
Its 39.5mm stainless-steel case houses a rich purple dial, complemented by luminescent hands and markers for visibility in low-light conditions. A practical date display adds everyday functionality, while the automatic movement provides the traditional mechanical experience many watch enthusiasts appreciate.
The specification also reflects its robust Prospex character. It features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, 200-metre water resistance and a black leather strap with a push-button deployment clasp. The automatic movement has 24 jewels and offers a power reserve of up to 72 hours.
It's a particularly interesting option for anyone who wants a watch that can move comfortably between outdoor-inspired styling and everyday wear.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 145th Anniversary Solar Chronograph
The second model takes the anniversary purple in a sportier direction.
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 145th Anniversary Solar Chronograph combines a 41.0mm stainless-steel case with a bold purple dial, chronograph functionality and a stainless-steel bracelet. Its solar movement converts both natural and artificial light into energy, offering convenient everyday performance without the regular need for battery replacement.
For enthusiasts who appreciate the technical side of chronograph watches, the specification is equally compelling. The watch features a tachymeter, date display, luminescent hands and markers, sapphire crystal and 100-metre water resistance.
At 41mm, it also occupies a versatile size for a modern sports chronograph, while the silver bracelet adds a crisp contrast to the purple dial.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 145th Anniversary GMT
Moving from sporty functionality to refined mechanical watchmaking, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 145th Anniversary GMT offers perhaps the most dress-oriented interpretation of the collection.
Its purple dial takes inspiration from the world of cocktails, giving the watch a sophisticated appearance with plenty of visual depth. The additional GMT hand allows the wearer to track a second time zone, adding useful functionality to its elegant design.
The 40.5mm stainless-steel case is paired with a silver bracelet and sapphire crystal, while the automatic movement features 24 jewels and a power reserve of up to 41 hours. With 50-metre water resistance, it is designed as a versatile everyday watch rather than a purely formal timepiece.
For watch lovers who appreciate the traditional appeal of a mechanical movement but want something distinctive enough to stand apart from a conventional dress watch, the purple-dial Presage makes a compelling statement.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX 145th Anniversary Purple Dial
Completing the four-watch collection is the Seiko 5 Sports SKX 145th Anniversary, bringing the anniversary theme to Seiko's recognisable sporty aesthetic.
The 42.5mm case gives this model a confident wrist presence, while the purple dial adds a contemporary edge. Luminescent details help with visibility, and the day-and-date display brings practical functionality to everyday wear.
Like the Presage, it is powered by an automatic movement with 24 jewels and a power reserve of up to 41 hours. It also features sapphire crystal and 100-metre water resistance, with a stainless-steel bracelet completing the robust look.
The larger 42.5mm case makes this the most substantial of the four models, making it an option for those who prefer a stronger presence on the wrist.
How Do the Four Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches Compare?
Although these watches share the same anniversary inspiration, they are designed for quite different tastes and lifestyles.
The Prospex Alpinist focuses on outdoor-inspired design and mechanical watchmaking, with a 39.5mm case, compass bezel and 72-hour power reserve.
The Prospex Speedtimer takes a technical approach, pairing solar technology with chronograph functionality and a tachymeter scale.
The Presage Cocktail Time GMT is the more refined choice, with a richly patterned purple dial, automatic movement and dual-time functionality.
Meanwhile, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX keeps things sporty and versatile, combining the familiar SKX-inspired design with an automatic movement and practical day-date display.
This variety is what makes the collection particularly interesting. Rather than creating four versions of the same watch, Seiko has used the shared Edo purple theme to give each collection its own personality.
The Significance of Seiko's 145th Anniversary
Seiko's 145th anniversary provides an opportunity to look back at a history that began in Tokyo in 1881, while also looking towards the future of watchmaking.
The purple-dial models form part of Seiko's third series of commemorative limited editions for the anniversary. Alongside the Edo purple colour theme, gold-coloured details appear across the watches as another recurring design element.
The anniversary collection therefore brings together several aspects of Seiko's identity: Japanese design, mechanical watchmaking, precision technology and a willingness to reinterpret established watch styles.
For collectors and Seiko enthusiasts, that makes these watches interesting not only as anniversary pieces, but also as individual expressions of the collections from which they come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Seiko 145th Anniversary collection?
The Seiko 145th Anniversary collection is a series of commemorative limited-edition watches created to celebrate 145 years since Seiko's beginnings in Tokyo in 1881. The 2026 third series includes models featuring Edo purple as a central design element.
What is Edo purple on Seiko's 145th Anniversary watches?
Edo purple is a traditional Japanese colour associated with the heritage of Edo, the historical name of Tokyo. Seiko uses the shade in its anniversary designs to reflect the traditions and creative spirit that have developed from Edo into modern-day Tokyo.
Which Seiko 145th Anniversary watches have purple dials?
At T.H.Baker, the purple-themed anniversary models include the Prospex Alpinist, Prospex Speedtimer, Presage Cocktail Time GMT and Seiko 5 Sports SKX. Seiko's wider third anniversary series also includes other models, including an Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph.
Discover Seiko 145th Anniversary Watches at T.H.Baker
The Seiko 145th Anniversary purple dial watches offer four very different interpretations of the same Japanese-inspired design theme. Whether your preference is adventurous Prospex styling, the precision of a Speedtimer chronograph, the refined character of Presage or the everyday versatility of Seiko 5 Sports, each model brings something distinctive to the anniversary collection.
Explore the Seiko 145th Anniversary watches at T.H.Baker, or discover the wider Seiko watch collection to find more of the brand's latest designs.
