Another two special anniversary editions by Seiko

It can hardly have escaped notice: Seiko is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year and this is celebrated with special anniversary editions of existing watch models. The latest - limited - edition takes its inspiration from the Tokyo neighborhood where it all started for Seiko: Ginza. A model from the Prospex collection and a model from the Presage collection, which incorporate the modern and the classic face of Ginza.    

Inspiration 'Ginza style': history and progress

The Ginza neighborhood was where Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori opened a shop selling and repairing clocks and watches in 1881. Even today, Seiko is still present in Ginza, the luxury shopping district of Tokyo; With a flagship store, several Seiko stores, the Seiko museum and Seiko Dream Square, a place where the public can experience the rich heritage of Seiko.

Ginza is incorporated into the watches in three ways: The dial pattern is based on the traditional cobblestones that pave the streets in Ginza. The second hand has the colour Komparu blue. And the soft grey-green teal color evokes the feeling of the contemporary buildings from Ginza today.

The combination of history and progress: there is really no better metaphor for Seiko.

Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Reinterpretation: SPB259

The Ginza Prospex Anniversary Limited Edition is based on the modern reinterpretation of the 1959 Alpinist watch introduced earlier this year.

The dial features two different patterns that reflect the texture and feel of the Ginza cobblestones. This gives the watch a three-dimensional appearance.

The colour of the second hand is a tribute to Komparu street. This soft blue-green color has been used in designs since the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) and was loved by the many geishas who lived there. As the influencers of their time, the geishas made the colour popular with the general public.

The 38mm automatic watch is powered by a 6R35 caliber movement, with a 70-hour power reserve. The domed sapphire crystal is resistant to scratches and the watch is water resistant up to 20 bar.

The Seiko Prospex SPB259 will be released in a limited edition of 3,500 copies worldwide.

Seiko Presage: SSA445

Like the Prospex watch, the Presage Ginza anniversary watch features the Ginza cobblestone-inspired dial pattern and the Komparu color second hand.

This model has a retro 60's style design, inspired by the Seiko Crown Chronograph from 1964. Characteristic elements are the box-shaped glass, the clean-cut hands and the sporty bezel with Arabic numerals. 
The open-heart dial gives a glimpse into the delicate precision work of the escapement  (the wheel that makes the watch tick); In addition, the 24-hour sub-dial shows at a glance which part of the day the wearer is in.

This Presage watch with an 4R39 automatic movement with 41 hour power reserve is released in a limited edition of 4,000 copies worldwide and - like the Prospex - is only available in Seiko Boutiques and at selected retailers.

More exclusive Seiko watches at Watch.co.uk

In addition to the exclusive Seiko anniversary collection, you can visit Watch.co.uk for more special Prospex and Presage watches. But you will also find an extensive collection of Seiko 5 Sport and modern Seiko ladies and men's watches in all price ranges.