The story of Seiko began in 1881 when its founder, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop in Tokyo’s Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. In the years since, the company has grown alongside Japan’s largest metropolis, creating innovative timepieces that reflect the rich culture and aesthetics that Tokyo has cultivated over generations. 

As Tokyo, once known as Edo, evolved, so too did its cultural expressions, including distinctive colors that reflected the sensibilities of each era. During the Edo period (1603 to1868), when the cultural foundations of present-day Tokyo were laid, a traditional Japanese color known as “Edo purple” emerged. While part of the broader lineage of purples long appreciated in Japan, it came to be loved as a color reflecting the distinctive character of Edo and has been passed down to the present day. 

As Seiko marks its 145th anniversary, it presents a new series of limited-edition timepieces. 

Representing the traditions that were born in Edo and passed on to modern Tokyo, as well as the spirit of creativity that defines Japan’s largest city, Edo purple-inspired colors serve as a central design element across the commemorative models. Guided by its founding philosophy to be “Always one step ahead of the rest,” Seiko continues to take on new challenges while remaining closely connected to people’s lives through time. Each model also incorporates gold-colored accents that express Seiko’s enduring commitment to enriching lives with joy and beauty.