Tag: Solar Powered

In 2026, Seiko marks 145 years since Kintaro Hattori founded the company in Tokyo in 1881. Over the course of its history, Seiko has introduced numerous technical and design milestones, spanning traditional mechanical watchmaking, professional sports watches, and advanced electronic timekeeping. To commemorate this anniversary, the brand has unveiled a limited-edition collection comprising four models from its core lines: King Seiko, Prospex, Astron, and Presage.

A shared design theme runs across the collection, inspired by the engraved decorative patterns found on Seiko’s early pocket watches. Gold-coloured accents appear on each model, applied to dials, hands, indices, and case details, while every watch retains the defining characteristics of its respective family.

King Seiko KS1969 145th Anniversary Limited Edition SJE121

The King Seiko SJE121 interprets the anniversary theme through the sharp, architectural case design of the modern KS1969 series. Its dial features a grey gradient finish that becomes darker toward the edges, combined with a finely engraved texture inspired by historic decorative motifs used on early Seiko timepieces.

Gold-toned hands and applied indices contrast against the textured surface, while the overall layout remains clean and restrained. The stainless steel case measures 39.40 mm in diameter and showcases a combination of brushed surfaces and Zaratsu-style mirror-polished facets, emphasizing the crisp geometry of the case. A box-shaped sapphire crystal reinforces the vintage-inspired profile.

Inside, the watch is powered by the automatic Calibre 6L35. This high-grade movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Its slim architecture allows the case to maintain refined proportions. The watch is paired with a multi-link stainless steel bracelet designed for comfort and flexibility.

King Seiko KS1969 145th Anniversary LE, SJE121. Grey dial, stainless steel case, 39.40 mm diameter, 9.90 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 50 meters water resistance. Stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Calibre 6L35, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, date, 28,800 Vph, 26 jewels, 45 hours of power reserve. Price: € 3,200 limited to 800 pieces.

Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph 145th Anniversary SRQ059

The Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 highlights Seiko’s long-standing chronograph expertise, which began in 1964 with Japan’s first wrist chronograph and evolved into the automatic Speedtimer of 1969.

This anniversary edition features a white dial decorated with a fine engraved pattern inspired by early Seiko pocket watches. Gold-coloured hands, applied indices, and a matching Seiko logo introduce warmth while preserving strong legibility. The overall layout remains faithful to the Speedtimer’s functional, tool-oriented design.

The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter and houses Seiko’s in-house automatic Calibre 8R48. This chronograph movement uses a column wheel and vertical clutch for precise and smooth operation, while MEMS-manufactured components contribute to consistent performance and durability. The watch maintains the robust construction expected of the Prospex line.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph 145th Anniversary LE, SRQ059. White dial, stainless steel case with a super-hard coating, 42 mm diameter, 14.60 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 100 meters water resistance. Stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Calibre 8R48, automatic movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph, 28,800 Vph, 34 jewels, 45 hours of power reserve. Price: € 2,700 limited to 700 pieces.

Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph 145th Anniversary SSH186

The Astron SSH186 represents Seiko’s leadership in high-precision electronic watchmaking and traces its lineage back to the 1969 Quartz Astron. This anniversary edition applies commemorative design details to the Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph platform.

The case and bracelet are crafted from titanium and finished with a black super-hard coating to enhance scratch resistance and reduce weight. Gold-coloured accents appear on the hands, indices, bezel markings, and dial details, creating contrast against the dark case. The sapphire crystal bezel insert features gold UTC numerals positioned at 1, 4, and 5, subtly referencing the 145th anniversary.

Powering the watch is the Calibre 5X83 GPS Solar movement, which automatically adjusts to the local time zone anywhere in the world by connecting to the GPS network. The movement also offers dual-time functionality, a chronograph, and solar charging, eliminating the need for regular battery replacement.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph 145th Anniversary LE, SSH186. Black dial, titanium case with a black super-hard coating, 44.10 mm diameter, 14.40 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 100 meters water resistance. Titanium bracelet with a black super-hard coating and a folding clasp. Calibre 5X83, quartz solar-powered movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, perpetual calendar, chronograph, dual-time. Price: € 3,400 limited to 1,450 pieces.

Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel Dial 145th Anniversary SPB538

The Presage SPB538 reflects Seiko’s early watchmaking heritage through traditional materials, compact dimensions, and artisanal dial production. Its design draws inspiration from the 1895 Timekeeper pocket watch and the 1913 Laurel, Japan’s first wristwatch.

The white enamel dial is crafted by Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team using traditional firing techniques, resulting in a smooth surface with depth and warmth. Black Roman numerals provide high contrast, while gold-coloured leaf-shaped hands and an applied gold Seiko logo align with the anniversary theme. For the first time in this design line, the seconds are displayed centrally rather than on a sub-dial.

The gold-coloured stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter and 12.3mm in thickness. Movable lugs and an onion-shaped crown reference early wristwatch construction derived from pocket watches. A box-shaped sapphire crystal protects the dial while preserving a vintage profile.

The watch is powered by the automatic Calibre 6R51, operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a 72-hour power reserve. It is paired with a brown leather strap sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel Dial 145th Anniversary LE, SPB538. White enamel dial, stainless steel case, 35 mm diameter, 12.30 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 50 meters water resistance. Brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle. Calibre 6R51, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, 21,600 Vph, 24 jewels, 72 hours of power reserve. Price: € 2,000 limited to 1,450 pieces.

A Cohesive Anniversary Across Seiko’s Watchmaking Spectrum

Seiko’s 145th Anniversary collection demonstrates the brand’s ability to operate across multiple disciplines of watchmaking. From high-grade mechanical movements and professional chronographs to satellite-controlled quartz technology and traditional enamel craftsmanship, each model represents a distinct chapter in Seiko’s history while sharing a unified commemorative design language.

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