Seiko has kicked off 2026 in a way that feels bigger than most anniversary drops. Instead of a single tribute piece, the brand has revealed four limited-edition models spread across some of its most loved lines to celebrate 145 years of watchmaking. Each watch feels like a thoughtful nod to a different chapter of Seiko’s long history, and they all share subtle gold coloured touches that tie the collection together.
What is interesting here is Seiko’s approach. This is not about loud branding or exaggerated style. Each watch draws from a meaningful part of the company’s past. The subtle gold accents are inspired by the engraved patterns that Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori used on early timepieces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and that detail unified look gives the quartet a sense of occasion without feeling over the top.
Across the collection you have options that will appeal to very different tastes. The Presage SPB538 is perhaps the most direct tribute to Seiko’s origins. It’s inspired by the 1895 Timekeeper pocket watch and the 1913 Laurel, Japan’s first wristwatch. The white enamel dial, Roman numerals, gold coloured hands and an onion crown feel classic and elegant while still remaining wearable today. It comes in a modest 35 millimetre case with movable lugs and a leather strap that feels deeply rooted in tradition.
For those drawn to Seiko’s sportier side, the Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 brings vintage chronograph heritage into 2026. This model recalls Seiko’s early automatic chronographs from the 1960s and balances that lineage with a modern feel. The white dial and gold coloured accents add warmth and refinement, and the calibre 8R48 movement with its column wheel and vertical clutch brings a level of mechanical engagement that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Then there is the King Seiko SJE121. King Seiko has undergone a sort of quiet renaissance in the last few years, and this anniversary edition continues that story with a design inspired by classic motifs from early Seiko pieces. The grey gradient dial with a decorative engraving pattern provides a textured backdrop for gold toned indices and hands, and the overall effect feels understated and classy rather than showy. It sits confidently in the realm of refined dress watches.
Completing the quartet is the Astron SSH186, which brings technological prowess into the mix. This model is powered by Seiko’s GPS Solar movement, meaning it adjusts to time zones automatically using satellite signals and charges itself through light. The titanium case with black super hard coating gives it a more contemporary look, and gold accents echo throughout the design. It combines advanced functionality with the anniversary theme in a way that feels uniquely Seiko.
All four models are limited editions with confirmed release in February 2026, and they vary in production numbers depending on how punchy their stories are. This staggered approach feels fitting for a collection that is about celebrating different facets of Seiko’s identity rather than just grabbing headlines.
What stands out most about this anniversary collection is the balance between heritage and relevance. These are not museum pieces or reissues that look stuck in the past. They are watches that carry design lessons from Seiko’s long history into a form that feels appropriate for today. Whether it is the enamel dial of the Presage, the mechanical character of the Speedtimer, the quiet elegance of King Seiko, or the forward thinking of the Astron, each piece tells a different story about why Seiko still matters more than most.
If you are interested in how a major brand can commemorate its legacy without relying on hollow nostalgia, this is one of those moments worth paying attention to. These are watches that celebrate real milestones in design and technology, and they feel like more than just anniversary limited editions. They feel like snapshots of what makes Seiko enduring in a crowded marketplace.
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