The legacy of Seiko runs back to the year 1881 when an enthusiastic Japanese young entrepreneur named Kintaro Hattori started a small watch repairing shop in Tokyo. With 11 years of hard work and dedication in 1892, Kintaro was able to turn his modest watch store into a full-fledged factory for manufacturing wall clocks. His factory was named “Seikosha”. With the growth of the business in 1895, Seikosha manufactured the first Japanese pocket watch. Later in 1913, Kintaro launched the first Japanese wristwatch, known as “The Laurel”.
The name we know today, “Seiko,” came into use due to a particular incident. In 1923 the Seikosha factory was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake, but the company quickly rebuilt itself. By the beginning of 1924, they launched a brand new wristwatch under the name Seiko. That is how their brand name “Seiko” was introduced to the world. In 1956 Seiko was able to revolutionize horology with the invention of the “Diashock”, a device built into the watch that can absorbshock from the balance-staff pivot, which was one of the most vital components in a mechanical watch.
In 1960 Seiko released The Grand Seiko model, which was one of the most notable and iconic watch models in Seiko. By that time, Grand Seiko watches werecredited by many Horologists for their accuracy and durability. Seiko did not have much space in the international market during that time. Nevertheless, in 1964 Seiko became the Official Timekeeper for Tokyo Olympics and to mark the occasion, they introduced their first wrist chronograph in the same year. With that incident, Seiko started being recognized by the international community.
In 1960 Seiko released The Grand Seiko model, which was one of the most notable and iconic watch models in Seiko. By that time, Grand Seiko watches werecredited by many Horologists for their accuracy and durability. Seiko did not have much space in the international market during that time. Nevertheless, in 1964 Seiko became the Official Timekeeper for Tokyo Olympics and to mark the occasion, they introduced their first wrist chronograph in the same year. With that incident, Seiko started being recognized by the international community.
Also, in 1965 Seiko released their first diver’s watch, which was water-resistant up to 150 meters. Later, in 1969, Seiko was able to mark another milestone in their journey with the launch of the world’s first Quartz watch, which was named “Seiko Quartz Astron”. Aftermath, Seiko started releasing some exotic watches such as the TV watch, a voice recording watch named the Voice Note and the UC-200, which was the first watch in the world with computer functions.
Seiko was able to introduce the Spring-Drive technology in 1999. Spring Drive technology combines both mechanical and quartz watch making technologies. Later, Seiko introduced their subsidiary brand, “Credor”, which manufactured luxury high-end watch models. Seiko is known as the most affordable watch brand by many watch enthusiasts. If you ask a collector what is the best watch to buy under $1000, he/she will most probably recommend a Seiko.
In 2014 Seiko won the “Petite Aiguille” prize at the 2014 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Seiko remains an icon in the international watch industry with a legacy of 140 years.
