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 Seiko marks its 145th anniversary, it presents a 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, 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 express Seiko’s enduring commitment to enriching lives with joy and beauty. In total there are 16 commemorative models clustered in three distinctive series.
 King Seiko KS1969 #800 units |  Prospex SRQ059 #700 units |
 Astron SSH186 #1450 units |  Presage SPB538 #1450 units |
In the second series of commemorative limited-edition watches celebrating Seiko’s 145th anniversary, a blue accent inspired by “Seiko Blue” is used. Established in the 1960s and refined over time, Seiko Blue continues to embody the Seiko brand identity.
 Presage HCC004 #2500 units |  Presage HCC007 #1500 units |
 Astron HAB004 #2000 units |  Prospex HBB001 #9999 units |
 Prospex HBC005 #4000 units |  King Seiko HKF004 #800 units |
 Prospex HBC006 #7000 units |  #8000 units |
 Astron HAB011 #2000 units |  Presage HCB006 #6000 units |
 Seiko 5 Sports HDB003 #9999 units |  Seiko Selection HFL001 #4000 units |
From a sub-brand perspective, King Seiko is represented by two models; Astron is represented by three models; Prospex is represented by five models; Presage is represented by four models; Seiko 5 Sports is represented by one model; and Seiko Selection is represented by one model as well (Seiko Selection was used in Seiko's website. This is first time I noticed this sub-brand).
The Watch
Anniversary watches often arrive draped in extravagance, packed with complications, precious metals, or eye-catching designs meant to announce their significance from across a room. The Seiko Presage Classic Series 145th Anniversary Limited Edition HCC004J1 takes a different approach. Rather than shouting about its celebratory status, it embraces restraint, refinement, and a distinctly Japanese sense of beauty. Produced as a limited edition of 2,500 pieces worldwide, the watch commemorates 145 years of Seiko's watchmaking journey through subtle design cues and thoughtful craftsmanship rather than overt spectacle.
At first glance, the HCC004J1 presents itself as a classically elegant dress watch. The combination of a soft white dial, polished steel case, blue accents, and navy leather strap creates an impression of timeless sophistication. Yet the longer one spends with the watch, the more apparent its intricacies become. This is not a piece designed to impress through sheer presence but through layers of detail that reveal themselves gradually, rewarding close inspection and long-term ownership.
Its aesthetic feels purposeful and mature, avoiding unnecessary embellishments. The watch exudes the sort of understated confidence that has become increasingly rare in a market where many commemorative editions often rely on bold colours and oversized proportions to stand out.
The dial is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the watch. Inspired by Shironeri, a traditional Japanese shade associated with pure white silk, the dial exhibits a subtle luminosity that changes character depending on the lighting conditions. A delicately textured radial pattern stretches across its surface, intended to evoke the appearance of raw silk thread. The result is a remarkable sense of depth that elevates the watch beyond what its relatively modest price might suggest. Against this textured backdrop, the blue hands and applied markers stand out beautifully, their colour referencing Seiko's signature corporate blue while adding a welcome touch of contrast and personality.
Perhaps most importantly, Seiko has resisted the temptation to clutter the dial. The absence of a date display preserves symmetry and allows the intricate texture to take centre stage. It is a reminder that simplicity, when executed properly, can be every bit as compelling as complexity.
Case Construction and Finishing
The case itself reflects the philosophy behind the wider Presage Classic Series. Soft curves, flowing lines, and carefully polished surfaces create an organic appearance that feels welcoming rather than imposing. Adding further visual interest is a dual-curved sapphire crystal that mirrors the contours of the dial beneath it. This feature not only enhances the watch's vintage aesthetic but also creates a pleasing sense of depth when viewed from different angles. Combined with anti-reflective treatment on the inner surface, legibility remains excellent while preserving the warmth and character often associated with traditional dome-shaped crystals.
This limited edition also features a specially refined bezel finish that differentiates it from standard models within the collection. It is a subtle detail, but one that reflects the thoughtful approach Seiko has taken with the anniversary model.
Movement and Performance
Powering the HCC004J1 is Seiko's automatic Calibre 6R51 (You may notice that the gold tone rotor is signed with calibre number “6R51A”. The “A” represents the first version of the 6R51. It is simply an evolution or version indicator. “A” is the first version, therefore 6R51 is the same as 6R51A. At the time of this post, 6R51B or 6R51C does not exist). Visible through the exhibition case-back, the movement offers a robust 72-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to remain running throughout an entire weekend when left unworn. While its published accuracy figures are modest by luxury Swiss standards, the movement places greater emphasis on reliability, durability, and long-term practicality. For many enthusiasts, the ability to enjoy a dependable in-house movement with an extended power reserve remains one of the strongest arguments in favour of Seiko's modern mechanical offerings.
The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and includes both hacking seconds and manual winding functionality. These may not be headline-grabbing specifications, but they deliver exactly what enthusiasts expect from a modern mechanical watch designed for everyday ownership.
My only gripe is the lack of a special serial number to commensurate with its Limited Edition status. No where can you see the number "2,500" which should have been on the case-back. Instead, a generic serial number was given.
Strap and Wearing Experience
The deep navy leather strap serves as the perfect complement to the watch's white-and-blue aesthetic. Its rich colour enhances the anniversary theme while adding a touch of sophistication that works equally well in formal and casual environments. Seiko has sourced the leather from a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group, reflecting a growing emphasis on responsible sourcing and sustainability.
The leather creaks when it came out of the box. It will take some time before the leather becomes supple with constant wearing.
The Wearing Experience
On the wrist, the watch feels exceptionally balanced. The combination of compact dimensions, curved lugs, and relatively short lug-to-lug measurement ensures a comfortable fit throughout the day. It slips neatly beneath a shirt cuff and never feels cumbersome, qualities that many modern dress watches have unfortunately forgotten.
Everyday Versatility
Although fundamentally a dress watch, the HCC004J1 offers considerably more versatility than appearances suggest. With 100 metres of water resistance and a durable stainless steel case protected by Seiko's super-hard coating, it is more than capable of handling daily wear.
This versatility is one of the watch's greatest strengths. It looks perfectly at home paired with a tailored suit, yet feels equally natural alongside an Oxford shirt, lightweight knitwear, or smart-casual weekend attire. Rather than being reserved for special occasions, it is a watch that encourages regular wear.
Value and Collectability
What makes the HCC004J1 particularly compelling is the balance it strikes between exclusivity and accessibility. Limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide and priced at approximately USD1,000 at launch, it offers a level of craftsmanship and individuality rarely found at this price point.
Collectors are not simply paying for a commemorative engraving or special packaging. They are getting a thoughtfully designed watch featuring a distinctive dial, an in-house automatic movement, a practical power reserve, premium materials, and proportions that set it apart from much of the contemporary market. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.
Final Thoughts
The Seiko Presage Classic Series 145th Anniversary Limited Edition HCC004J1 is a celebration of restraint done right. Rather than relying on extravagance to mark an important milestone, Seiko has chosen to honour its heritage through proportion, craftsmanship, texture, and thoughtful design. The result is a watch that feels authentic to the brand's history while remaining highly relevant to modern collectors.
More than merely a commemorative edition, the HCC004J1 encapsulates many of the qualities that have made Seiko one of the most respected names in watchmaking: attention to detail, mechanical reliability, exceptional value, and a strong sense of identity. For enthusiasts who appreciate understated elegance and genuinely wearable design, this anniversary edition stands among the most attractive and accomplished modern Presage releases to date.
Reference: HCC004J1
Case Material: Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Glass Material: Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Dial Colour: Texture radial in white
Case Size: Diameter 36.0 mm × Thickness 12.5 mm × Length 41.4 mm
Lug Width: 18.0 mm
Weight: 82 gm
Band Type & Material: Cow leather
Clasp type: Three-fold clasp with push button release
Caliber: 6R51
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding
Jewels: 24
Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours
Accuracy: +25 to -15 seconds per day
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Launch Date: June 2026
MSRP: RM4,700
Purchase Date:
Vendor: AWG, Mid Valley
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