In 1881, a young entrepreneur named Kintaro Hattori opened a small shop in Tokyo, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most respected names in watchmaking. Fast forward 145 years, and Seiko continues to push boundaries while honoring its rich past. To celebrate this milestone, the Japanese brand has released a special four-watch limited-edition collection, drawing inspiration from Hattori's earliest pocket watches. Each piece incorporates gold-colored accents and engraved patterns that echo those vintage designs, blending heritage with the reliability Seiko is known for today.
What stands out about this anniversary set is how it spans the brand's most iconic lines: Presage, King Seiko, Prospex, and Astron. These aren't just commemorative trinkets—they're fully functional timepieces built with the kind of engineering that has earned Seiko generations of loyal wearers. From dress watches that evoke early 20th-century elegance to high-tech models that adjust themselves across time zones, the collection offers something for different tastes while staying true to the company's innovative spirit.
Image credit: Seiko
The Presage SPB538 might be the one that feels closest to Seiko's origins. It takes direct cues from the 1895 Timekeeper pocket watch and the 1913 Laurel, which was Japan's very first wristwatch. Master artisan Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team handcraft the white enamel dial, giving it that warm, deep glow only true fired enamel can deliver. Black Roman numerals stand out clearly against the white background, paired with gold-colored leaf-shaped hands. The applied Seiko logo in gold adds a fitting anniversary touch.
At 35mm in diameter, the gold-colored stainless steel case wears comfortably, with movable lugs and an onion-style crown that recall those early wristwatches adapted from pocket models. The box-shaped sapphire crystal and slim bezel keep the vintage feel without sacrificing modern durability. Inside ticks the automatic Calibre 6R51, offering a solid 72-hour power reserve and running at 21,600 vibrations per hour. For the first time in this style of Presage, the seconds hand sweeps from the center rather than a sub-dial, making for a cleaner layout. The brown leather strap comes from environmentally responsible tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. With only 1,450 pieces available worldwide and priced around EUR 2,000, this one captures that old-school craftsmanship in a watch you could wear every day.
Image credit: Seiko
Moving to the King Seiko SJE121, this model revives the sharp, faceted style of the 1960s originals while incorporating anniversary details. The grey gradient dial darkens toward the edges and features a textured pattern based on engravings from Kintaro Hattori's early pocket watches. Gold-toned applied indices, hands, and logo provide subtle warmth against the cooler tones.
The 39.4mm stainless steel case measures just 9.9mm thick, thanks in part to the slim Calibre 6L35 automatic movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 45-hour power reserve. Brushed and mirror-polished surfaces give it a refined look, and the multi-link bracelet feels supple on the wrist. Like the others, it has a box-shaped sapphire crystal and 50 meters of water resistance. Limited to 800 examples at about EUR 3,200, it's a sophisticated choice for anyone who appreciates understated mechanical watches with historical roots.
Image credit: Seiko
For those who lean toward sportier pieces, the Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 brings chronograph heritage to the forefront. Seiko's chronograph story started with Japan's first wrist chrono in 1964 and hit a high point with the 1969 Speedtimer—one of the world's earliest automatic chronographs featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch. This new version builds on that legacy with a crisp white dial textured in the same engraved motif as the rest of the collection.
Gold-colored hands, markers, and logo warm up the layout, ensuring excellent legibility. The tri-compax arrangement places the 30-minute counter at 9 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 6, and running seconds at 3, with a date window tucked between 4 and 5. The 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet get a super-hard coating for scratch resistance, and the Calibre 8R48 inside uses advanced MEMS components for precision timing. It offers a 45-hour power reserve and smooth chronograph operation. With 100 meters of water resistance and a secure three-fold clasp, it's ready for real-world use. Production is capped at 700 pieces, priced near EUR 2,700.
Image credit: Seiko
Completing the quartet is the Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph SSH186, a direct nod to the revolutionary 1969 Quartz Astron that changed the industry forever. This modern descendant packs cutting-edge technology into a bold package. The titanium case and bracelet feature a black super-hard coating, contrasted by golden hands, indices, subdials, and bezel accents. A clever detail on the sapphire bezel insert: gold UTC markings at the 1, 4, and 5 positions, quietly referencing the 145th anniversary.
Powered by the Calibre 5X83 GPS Solar movement, it connects to satellites for automatic time zone adjustments anywhere on the planet, accurate to within 15 seconds per month even without a signal. Features include a perpetual calendar good until 2100, 1/20-second chronograph, dual-time display with AM/PM indicator, and automatic daylight saving adjustments. At 44.1mm, it's the largest in the set but keeps weight down thanks to titanium. Water resistance hits 100 meters, and only 1,450 units will be made at around EUR 3,400.
Taken together, these four watches show why Seiko has endured for nearly a century and a half. They honor Kintaro Hattori's early engravings and pioneering spirit while delivering the accuracy, durability, and innovation the brand is famous for. Whether you prefer the elegant enamel of the Presage, the refined lines of the King Seiko, the timing prowess of the Prospex chronograph, or the globe-trotting tech of the Astron, each limited edition offers a tangible piece of watchmaking history. For collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike, this anniversary collection proves Seiko's legacy is as strong as ever.
