The Japanese brand is the first of many with a big anniversary in 2026. To celebrate, Seiko has come out swinging with four new limited editions!
One hundred and forty-five years ago, a man named Kintarō Hattori (服部 金太郎) laid the groundwork for Seiko. While it would not officially become ‘Seiko’ until 1924, it quickly rose to prominence as the most important name in Japanese horological history. While other players exist in the East today, such as the Citizen Group or the Beijing Watch Factory, none have achieved the same level of reverence as they have.
With 2026 marking such a momentous birthday, Seiko has gone all out in what is set to be a landmark year for the brand. Spanning four watches across four iconic collections, the new set of limited-edition releases offers a reflective journey from the brand’s humble beginnings to its rise as a major force in the industry. Given how distinct each watch is, I will cover them individually throughout this article.
Seiko Presage SPB538J
The first — and technically the oldest — of the four collections is the new Seiko Presage Classic 145th Anniversary Edition, Ref. SPB538J. I say “oldest” because it takes its primary inspiration from the Timekeeper Type 17 produced in 1895. Given this heritage influence, you can expect a wealth of vintage flair to come through in the watch’s design.
The SPB538J measures just 35mm in case diameter, with a gold PVD stainless steel case and a thickness of 12.6mm. Small yet period-appropriate, it’s offset by the brown leather bund-style strap that accompanies it. Completing the old-school look is a stark white enamel dial with leaf hands and black Roman numerals, but that doesn’t mean the movement is antiquated as well.
Inside sits the automatic Calibre 6R51, a capable movement with a 3Hz (21,600VpH) beat rate and a 72-hour power reserve. Bringing a classic aesthetic into the modern age, this piece is a refined and elegant conversation starter wherever it is worn.
Reference: SPB538J
Specifications
- Dimensions: 35mm case diameter x 12.6mm thick
- Case Material: Yellow gold PVD stainless steel
- Dial: White Enamel
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 6R51
- Beat Rate: 3Hz (21,600VpH)
- Power Reserve: 72h
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Brown leather bund strap with yellow gold PVD steel pin buckle
Australian RRP: AU$3,000
Availability: Limited to 1,450 pieces. Available in February, through Seiko boutiques, retailers, or online at SeikoBoutique.com.au
King Seiko 1969 SJE121J
Though the King Seiko KS1969 145th Anniversary Limited Edition is ostensibly just a colour change, that doesn’t make it any less significant in the brand’s catalogue. Ever since the collection was reintroduced in 2020, it’s made an impact by offering an elegant range of timepieces that sit neatly between the lower and higher tiers of the Seiko Group.
We’ve previously gone hands-on with an ice-blue version of the King Seiko 1969, so we’re well attuned to the wearing experience. Spoiler alert: it’s good. Measuring 39.4mm across, 43.6mm lug-to-lug, and just under 10mm thick, it’s a slim-wearing, retro-inspired design refreshed for the modern age.
If the deep brown-grey dial doesn’t win you over, perhaps the Calibre 6L35 will. With a luxury-standard beat rate of 4Hz (28,800vph) and a respectable 45-hour power reserve, it’s rare to find such specifications in the brand’s roster, making the King Seiko KS1969 145th Anniversary a compelling pick indeed.
Reference: SJE121J
Specifications
- Dimensions: 39.4mm case diameter x 43.6mm lug-to-lug x 9.9mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Textured brown-grey with rose gold accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 6L35 with date complication
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Battery Life: 45h
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Multi-link steel bracelet with butterfly clasp
Australian RRP: AU$4,650
Availability: Limited to 800 pieces. Available in February, through Seiko boutiques, retailers, or online at SeikoBoutique.com.au
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059J
Also introduced in 1969 were the first Seiko Speedtimer references, which made their mark as the world’s first chronographs to feature both a vertical clutch and a column wheel. Now residing firmly within the Prospex (short for Professional Specifications) line, introduced four years prior, the Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph 145th Anniversary Limited Edition offers a more refined take on the chronograph series.
Measuring 42mm wide, 49.5mm lug-to-lug, and 14.6mm thick, the stainless steel case and bracelet are coated with Seiko’s Diashield super-hard coating. This allows the Speedtimer to handle everyday wear better than most. The off-white dial, accented with yellow-gold tones, features a textured pattern reminiscent of early engravings by Hattori-san, creating a warm visual contrast against the cool steel.
Inside, the automatic Calibre 8R48 powers the watch, offering a 45-hour power reserve and a 4Hz (28,800VpH) beat rate. Of course, the star of the show remains the chronograph, which continues to employ both a vertical clutch and a column wheel for smooth, precise operation.
Reference: SRQ059J
Specifications
- Dimensions: 42mm case diameter x 49.5mm lug-to-lug x 14.6mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless steel with super-hard coating
- Dial: Textured cream with yellow gold accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 8R48 with chronograph (30min, 12hr registers) & date complications
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Battery Life: 45h
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Strap: Multi-link steel bracelet with butterfly clasp
Australian RRP: AU$3,900
Availability: Limited to 700 pieces. Available in February, through Seiko boutiques, retailers, or online at SeikoBoutique.com.au
Seiko Astron SSH186J
As it turns out, 1969 was also a massive year in Seiko’s history. Why? Because the year ended with the Astron, a watch so innovative it nearly brought the Swiss watch industry to its knees. While the Astron isn’t as feared by the industry these days, the reputation it holds in horological history still precedes it.
Seiko isn’t quite done with the collection yet, either. Encased within a 44.1mm-wide, 50mm-long, and 14.4mm-thick case is the Solar Calibre 5X83. While it’s a solar quartz movement, it’s by no means an industrial cop-out.
Features of the 5X83 include a perpetual calendar, GPS timekeeping with satellite synchronisation, a chronograph, and dual-time capability. Delivered in a super-hard black and yellow-gold PVD titanium case, the assertive design serves as the perfect frame for the high-tech within.
Reference: SSH186J
Specifications
- Dimensions: 44.1mm case diameter x 50mm lug-to-lug x 14.4mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium with black super-hard coating & yellow gold PVD
- Dial: Textured black with yellow gold accents
- Movement: Solar Cal. 5X83
- Complications: GPS timekeeping, perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator, chronograph, dual time
- Battery Life: 6 months (2 years in power-saving mode)
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Strap: Black and yellow gold PVD titanium bracelet with folding clasp
Australian RRP: AU$5,200
Availability: Limited to 1,450 pieces. Available in February, through Seiko boutiques, retailers, or online at SeikoBoutique.com.au
Final Thoughts
Though I have yet to go through the Seiko Museum in Ginza like our founder Chamath did, I suppose this quartet of releases may be the next best thing. Given how common the Seiko name has become, it can sometimes be hard to believe the brand has been around for so long. Then again, how could it have succeeded so many times without building on a wealth of experience along the way?
Through the Presage, King Seiko, Prospex Speedtimer, and Astron lines, this release offers a rare glimpse into Seiko’s deep and storied heritage. Though the phrase may sound a little contrived, it genuinely feels like history made metal. That said, I won’t celebrate too much just yet. If Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary last year was anything to go by, I don’t think Seiko’s 145th birthday party is over quite yet…