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Seiko is “always one step ahead of the rest.”
Determined to challenge itself and stay ahead of the competition, Seiko has always aspired to perfection.
Not only has Seiko led Japan’s watch industry into many ‘firsts’, it has also proven to be a world leader in innovation and accuracy, setting many of the world’s ‘firsts’ at the same time.
Such as with the Seiko Quartz Astron, when it was introduced as the world’s first quartz watch. Along with Japan’s first wrist stopwatch and first diver’s watch.
Seiko has operated as one of the top pioneers since the beginning and continues to lead as one today.
“Always one step ahead of the rest.”
A History of Seiko
1881
In 1881 a newly founded watch and jewelry shop opened its doors in Tokyo, Japan. It was named K. Hattori after its founder Kintaro Hattori.
Before opening his shop at the age of 21, Kintaro Hattori had worked for 8 years as an apprentice selling and repairing watches and clocks.
Over the next 11 years Kintaro Hattori became admired by many for offering rare imported watches and machinery.
He had developed partnerships with foreign traders and wholesalers which allowed him access to exclusive and difficult to obtain imports of the time.
1892
In 1892 the name Seikosha was born when Kintaro Hattori purchased and moved to a factory to manufacture wall clocks.
The word Seikosha holds multiple meanings; exquisite, minute and success, while sha means house. Unfolding all of these together, the translation can be understood as House of Exquisite Workmanship.
1895
It was in 1895 that the first Seikosha pocket watch, named the Timekeeper, was introduced.
1913
Then in 1913 another of the company’s greatest milestone was hit when The Laurel watch made its debut as Japan’s first ever wristwatch.
1924
After an earthquake destroyed the factory in 1923, the company made a fresh start by introducing a new watch under the new brand name Seiko in 1924.
Dropping the ‘sha’ revealed the iconic name Seiko which we have all come to love and recognize for excellence.
“In Japanese, “Seiko” means “exquisite”, “minute” or “success.”
1929
The Seiko pocket watch continued its success when in 1929 it was endorsed by the Japan National Railway and made into their official Railway Watch.
1960
In 1960 Seiko tasked themselves with producing the best watch, and then did so with the creation of the Grand Seiko.
The achievements this watch brought with it was beyond the current mechanical abilities of the competition.
With the combination of endurance, legibility and precision, other watches could not compare.
1965
Another ground breaking first for Seiko was the production of the first Japanese made diver’s watch introduced in 1965.
Able to withstand high water pressure and depths of 150 meters, this watch was a unique complication of its time.
1969
While often referred to by Swiss companies as the ‘quartz crises’, to Seiko it was the ‘Quartz Revolution’ and they had started it all.
With the introduction of the Seiko Quartz Astron in 1969, the world’s watch industry would never be the same again.
All watch makers would eventually be required to embrace this new technology.
1983
Over the next twenty years, while many in the watch industry had to take the time to catch up with Seiko’s breakthrough achievements, Seiko consistently continued to stay ahead of the rest.
With the introduction of many new advanced technologies such as the first quartz chronograph, the 1982 world’s first TV watch, the 1983 world’s first voice recording wristwatch, and the 1984 world’s first wristwatch with computer functionalities, Seiko proved itself as a true visionary leader.
1998
In 1998 the Grand Seiko was revised with new mechanical movements followed by Seiko’s 1999 release of the world’s first Spring Drive mechanical wristwatch which operates with the timekeeping accuracy of a quartz.
Today
While Seiko produces many categories of watch for different budgets, it still remains a leader in the luxury watch industry.
This brand alone has forced all other brands to reinvent their manufacturing processes and technologies, all while reshaping the world’s industry.
More progress and innovation has come out of this one company, allowing for the many advancements of today.
Seiko is not only recognized for its excellence, but also for the invention of advanced technology.
This company is a grand example of what you can accomplish when you set high expectations for yourself.
Seiko’s leadership has benefited the watch industry more than any other company. Whether it has been liked or not.
Seiko will always need to be watched as we are guaranteed to witness them continue to stay ahead of the rest.
Seiko Official Site: www.seikowatches.com
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