Prospex and King Seiko: A comprehensive introduction to Seiko's new watches for 2026!

Here's a comprehensive look at Seiko's new watches for 2026. Numerous brands, including Seiko Prospex, King Seiko, and Seiko Presage, are releasing a wide range of attractive new models.

Seiko Prospex "Divers 1965 Heritage Shohei Ohtani 2026 Limited Edition"

　Seiko Prospex will release two limited-edition models to commemorate the achievements of Shohei Ohtani, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani has served as the brand image character for Seiko Prospex, and collaborative models have been released in the past; these new models are based on that partnership.

　The base model is the "Divers 1965 Heritage," a modern, upgraded version of Seiko's first diver's watch, which was created in 1965. Both models feature a design based on the gray and blue colors used in the Los Angeles Dodgers' away uniform. Furthermore, inspired by the fact that the MLB logo patch on the back of Shohei Ohtani's uniform is gold, a color given only to select players such as the 2025 MVP and Rookie of the Year winners, gold is also incorporated into this model.

　The variations include the Ref. SBDC222, which is based on gray, and the Ref. SBDC224, which is based on blue, both of which are limited to 1700 pieces worldwide, in honor of Shohei Ohtani's jersey number "17". Other special design features include the number "17" on the top of the gold-colored crown and Ohtani's signature marked on the buckle.

Seiko Prospex "Marinemaster 1968 Heritage JAMSTEC Collaboration Limited Edition" Ref. HBF002J

　Seiko has announced the Seiko Prospex "Marinemaster 1968 Heritage JAMSTEC Collaboration Limited Edition" Ref. HBF002J as a collaboration model with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), with which it has a cooperative relationship. The base model is the "Marinemaster 1968 Heritage," which is making its debut at the same time as this model. This is a new design added to the Marinemaster lineup of professional diver's watches, and its inspiration comes from the diver's model released in 1968. The streamlined form and the crown at the 4 o'clock position of this model are characteristic of that model.

　The Marinemaster 1968 Heritage JAMSTEC Collaboration Limited Edition features a dial design inspired by JAMSTEC's recent Arctic research. The design evokes the image of an icebreaker navigating icy seas, symbolizing how Arctic research will pave the way for Japan's future. A newly developed, three-dimensional stamped pattern, reminiscent of shipping routes etched into sea ice, has been incorporated. The deepening blue gradient towards the center, combined with the depth created by carefully polishing a thick layer of transparent paint, expresses the clear, deep waters of the Arctic Ocean. The bezel insert is made of blue ceramic, color-coordinated with the dial and boasting a glossy finish for superior aesthetics.

Seiko Prospex "Marinemaster 1968 Heritage" Ref. HBF001J

　The Seiko Prospex "Marinemaster 1968 Heritage" Ref. HBF001J is the regular model that served as the basis for the aforementioned collaboration with JAMSTEC. The color is black, a classic choice for professional diver's watches. The base of the dial has a textured finish, creating a matte and expressive look. This also helps to reduce reflections and ensure legibility.

　The watch is equipped with the Cal.8L45 automatic movement. By improving the shape and design of the mainspring to stabilize the energy output and performing rigorous precision adjustments during assembly, it achieves both a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and stable accuracy of +10 to -5 seconds per day. Such performance provides a sense of reliability that supports users not only in the marine environment where diver's watches are used, but also in active lifestyles and business settings.

　Compared to conventional diver's models, this watch offers improved wearability and practicality, employing a newly developed one-push diver adjuster system. This system allows for eight length adjustments of approximately 2mm increments, with a maximum adjustment range of approximately 16mm, and these adjustments are easily made with a button. A notable feature is that it allows for fine-tuning, as the length can be shortened while the buckle is closed.

King Seiko "VABAC"

　King Seiko has announced a new model in its "VANAC" series that features titanium for both the case and bracelet—a first for the brand. The VANAC design is characterized by its case and bracelet, which are made up of many facets and sharp edges. In this new model, these components are crafted from lightweight titanium, resulting in a finish with the slightly dark appearance characteristic of titanium.

　The titanium model is available in three variations: purple, gray, and black. Based on VANAC's design concept, "Tokyo Horizon," the dial design is themed around the exhilarating feeling of speeding along Tokyo's expressways. Each color is inspired by the scenery a driver sees: purple represents "the quiet horizon at twilight," gray represents "the inorganic, urban structural beauty of expressways," and black represents "the gust of wind when a car speeds through Tokyo at night." Furthermore, while previous models featured horizontal lines on the dial, a new design has been adopted that combines horizontal lines with a pattern radiating outwards from the center.

King Seiko "KSK BEAMS 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model" Ref.SDKA025

The "King Seiko KSK BEAMS 50th Anniversary Limited Edition" is a limited edition model commemorating the 50th anniversary of BEAMS' founding. Seiko has a long history of collaboration with BEAMS, a company that has had a significant influence on Japanese fashion culture and continues to evolve, and this model reflects that history.

　Founded in 1976, BEAMS has incorporated various trends from a global perspective under the theme of "Basic & Exciting." By fusing the fundamentals of casual wear such as sports, workwear, and military styles with fashion trends like Ivy League, rock, and surf-skate, BEAMS continues to exert a significant influence on Japanese fashion culture.

　The announced limited-edition collaboration model is themed around "BEAMING," the origin of the BEAMS name, and features a black dial with a light-inspired embossed pattern. The embossed pattern, along with the gold-colored logo and hands, and the three-dimensional indices, creates a design that gives the impression of light radiating outwards. As a feature unique to this limited edition model, the words "BEAMS Limited Edition" and a serial number are engraved on the case back, and it will be delivered to the user in a special box bearing the BEAMS logo.

Seiko Presage "Classic Series Craftsmanship Enamel Dial" Ref.SART013

　Seiko has announced a new addition to its Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Enamel Dial collection, featuring enamel dials, a material in which Seiko excels. Enamel is created by firing a vitreous glaze onto the surface of metal, resulting in a warm luster and excellent weather resistance. Historically, it has been used for pocket watch dials and has many fans due to its unique charm. Enamel production requires deep knowledge and skill in controlling the amount of glaze, firing time, and temperature, and this new model is supervised by enamel craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa.

　The new model features a tonneau-shaped case combined with a dial design inspired by Seiko's first pocket watch, the "Timekeeper," and includes a 24-hour display at the 6 o'clock position. Highlights include the glossy, distinctly white enamel dial, the elegant and classic Roman numeral indices, and the blue hour, minute, and second hands.

　The movement features the automatic Cal.6R5H with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The balance wheel's operation and the gold-colored rotor can be admired through the transparent case back.

Seiko 5 Sports "HUF Collaboration Limited Edition"

　As a collaboration model with HUF, a lifestyle brand that incorporates the spirit of skateboarding and street culture, Seiko has announced a new "HUF Collaboration Limited Edition" Seiko 5 Sports model inspired by the 1970s "Time Sonar."

　HUF is a brand founded in 2002 by professional skateboarder Keith Hufnagel. This is the third collaboration between HUF and Seiko 5 Sports. For this latest customization by HUF, they selected the case from the "Field" series of Seiko 5 Sports. The dial has been changed to a semi-transparent color and is colored in HUF's brand image color, "HUF Green." This vibrant HUF Green is also used on the case back.

　The dial design is characterized by its white line indices and the detailed minute markings. The name "Time Sonar" combines "time" and "sonar," which measures the positional relationship of an object by reflecting sound, and this dial is designed to resemble a sonar display.

　Furthermore, this watch will be delivered to the user in a special stainless steel box featuring the message "make the most of your time" from Seiko and HUF. A watch cloth featuring a popular HUF design will also be included.

Seiko 145th Anniversary Special Model

　To celebrate its 145th anniversary in 2026, Seiko will release limited edition models from four of its flagship brands: King Seiko, Seiko Prospex, Seiko Presage, and Seiko Astron. The design code for these limited edition models uses gold, a color that symbolizes success, prosperity, and the refined elegance backed by a long history.

King Seiko "KS1969 Limited Edition Model"

　The limited edition King Seiko model is based on the "KS1969." The KS1969, released in 1969, features a design inspired by a model characterized by its elegant cushion-shaped case. The announced limited edition model features a stamped pattern on the dial, paying homage to pocket watches from before the establishment of Seikosha, and is finished in a gray gradient. Gold accents are used on the hour, minute, and second hands, indices, and date window, creating a chic and elegant style.

Seiko Prospex "Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition"

　This limited edition Seiko Prospex model is based on the "Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph," a mechanical chronograph. The dial is a crisp white, with gold accents on the hands and indices, creating a sporty yet chic impression. This model also features the same stamped pattern as the KS1969 limited edition. The sub-dials do not have this stamped pattern and are positioned lower, creating a visual contrast and ensuring legibility, befitting a tool watch.

Seiko Presage "Classic Series Craftsmanship Enamel Dial Limited Edition"

　This limited edition Seiko Presage model is a classic timepiece that pays homage to the "Timekeeper," Seiko's first pocket watch. Its classic feel comes not only from its compact 35mm case diameter and dial design, but also from the use of an enamel dial, also used in pocket watches, giving it a distinctive luster. It's paired with Roman numeral indices, commonly found on pocket watches.

　The bezel features a design reminiscent of the edge of a coin, and the crown is onion-shaped. Furthermore, the strap uses a pass-through design with a movable structure, similar to that of the "Laurel," Japan's first domestically produced wristwatch.

Seiko Astron "Nexter GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph Limited Edition"

　The limited edition Seiko Astron is based on a high-performance model capable of measuring time in 1/20th of a second increments. It features a titanium case and bracelet finished in black with Super Black DiaShield, and is characterized by a contrasting design with a gold-colored bezel and accents. As a special feature befitting a commemorative model, the time zone display on the inside of the dial has only the numbers "1," "4," and "5" highlighted in gold, in honor of the company's 145th anniversary.

　As befits a high-performance Astron Nexter, it boasts an incredible array of features, including solar power, power saving function, automatic time correction via GPS satellite signal reception, time zone correction, world time function, dual time function, perpetual calendar, stopwatch, and much more—too many to list—making it a reliable support system for busy business professionals.