Early historyEdit

Seiko's history began in 1881,^[7] when its founder Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop called "K. Hattori" (服部時計店) in Tokyo, Japan.

Kintarō Hattori had been working as clockmaker apprentice since the age of 13, with multiple stints in different watch shops, such as “Kobayashi Clock Shop”, ran by an expert technician named Seijiro Sakurai, “Kameda Clock Shop” in Nihonbashi, as well as “Sakata Clock Shop” in Ueno, where he learned how to both sell and repair timepieces.

In 1881, a new age of Japan-made clocks and watches was dawning. Pioneers in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya were studying and producing pocket watches based on Western products. Japanese wholesalers needed to purchase all the imported timepieces from foreign trading companies established in Yokohama, Kobe, and other open port areas.^[8][9]

In 1885, Mr. Hattori began dealing directly with these foreign trading firms in the Yokohama settlement focused on the wholesaling and retailing of western (imported) timepieces and machinery.^[10]

Over the years, Kintarō Hattori developed a close partnership with multiple foreign trading firms, including the likes of C&J Favre-Brandt, F. Perregaux & Co., Zanuti & Cie. and Siber & Brennwald, allowing him to obtain exclusive imported timepieces and machinery which was not available to anyone else at that time.^{[11][12][13][14]}

Mr. Hattori's shop became increasingly popular due to the rarity of the imported watches the shop was selling, items that couldn't be found anywhere else in Japan. This growing success allowed him to relocate the company to the main street of Ginza (Tokyo), still the epicenter of commerce in Japan to this day.

The amount of support from his customers encouraged Mr Hattori to pursue the next step, which was becoming a manufacturer himself, an endeavor he would pursue shortly after by purchasing a factory in Tokyo and renaming it 'Seikosha' (精工舍).

In 1891, 10 years after the establishment of K. Hattori & Co., the 31-year-old Kintaro was asked to take up two important positions in industry, one as a director of the Tokyo Clockmaker and Watchmaker Association and one as a member of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce.

In 1892, Mr. Hattori began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha (精工舎, Seikōsha), meaning roughly, "House of Exquisite Workmanship." According to Seiko's official company history, titled A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko (2003), Seiko is a Japanese word with the character meaning "exquisite" (精巧, Seikō); it is homophonous with the word for "success" (成功, Seikō).^[15]

In 1895, the successful watch dealer purchased the whole corner of Ginza 4-chome (the present-day location of WAKO), constructed a building with a clock tower (16 meters from top to bottom), setting up shop at the new address.

Seiko released the first pocket watch in 1895, the first wristwatch in 1913 and the first Seiko-branded watch in 1924.^[5]

In order to avoid an ill omen, believed to be associated with the word "GLORY" in Japanese, Seikosha changed its trade mark to "SEIKO" in 1924.^[16]

In 1929, Seiko pocket watch was adopted as the official watch for the drivers of Japanese Government Railways.^[5]

Recent developmentEdit

In 1956, Seiko launched the Marvel, the first wristwatch to be designed and manufactured entirely in-house.^[4]

In 1960, Seiko released the Grand Seiko, which aimed to be the most accurate wristwatch in the world.^[4][5]

Seiko released the first chronograph watch in Japan in 1964 and the first diver's watch in Japan in 1965.^[4][5]

In 1967, Seiko won second and third place in a watch accuracy competition at the Neuchatel Observatory competition. The competition was canceled after that year.^[5][17]

In 1968, Seiko took first place in the Geneva Observatory competition with a score of 58.19, surpassing all previous records. Swiss companies ranked first to third for their quartz movements and Seiko ranked fourth to tenth for its mechanical movements. In the competition, there were special movements for the competition.^[5][17]

In 1969, Seiko introduced the Astron, the world's first production quartz watch; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko later went on to introduce the first quartz chronograph.^[4][5]

Seiko released the world's first TV wristwatch in 1982, the world's first voice recording wristwatch in 1983 and the world's first wristwatch with UC -2000 computer function in 1984.^[5]

In the late 1980s, Seiko produced the first automatic quartz that combined the self-energizing attributes of an automatic watch with quartz accuracy. The watch is entirely powered by its movement in everyday wear.^[18] In 1991, to increase popularity, these watches were relaunched under the name Seiko Kinetic.^[19]

In 1985, Orient and Seiko established a joint factory.

In 1998, Grand Seiko was released with the first new mechanical movement in 20 years.^[5]

In 1999, Seiko released Spring Drive, the world's first mechanical wristwatch with the accuracy of quartz.^[5]

The company was incorporated (K. Hattori & Co., Ltd.) in 1917 and was renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983 and Seiko Corporation in 1990. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation and Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a holding company in 2001 and was renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation as of July 1, 2007. On May 10, 2022, Seiko Holdings Corporation announced that it would rename Seiko Group Corporation as of October 1, 2022.^[20]

Seiko is perhaps best known for its wristwatches, all of which were at one time produced entirely in house: "Seiko, which was established in Tokyo in 1881 by Kontaro Hattori as a watch and jewellery shop, made its first watch in 1913."^[21] In-house production includes not only major items such as micro-gears, motors, hands, crystal oscillators, batteries, sensors, and LCDs, but also minor items such as the oils used in lubricating the watches and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials. Seiko watches were originally produced by two different subsidiaries. One was Daini Seikosha Co.,(now known as Seiko Instruments Inc.), and the other was Suwa Seikosha Co.(now known as Seiko Epson Corporation). Having two companies both producing the same brand of watch enabled Seiko to improve technology through competition and hedge risk. It also reduced risk of production problems, since one company can increase production in the case of decreased production in the other parties.

Currently watch movements are made in Shizukuishi, Iwate (SII Morioka Seiko Instruments), Ninohe, Iwate (SII Ninohe Tokei Kogyo), Shiojiri, Nagano (Seiko Epson) and their subsidiaries in China, Malaysia and Singapore. The fully integrated in-house production system is still practiced for luxury watches in Japan.

Seiko in the United StatesEdit

Seiko Corporation of America is responsible for the distribution of Seiko watches and clocks, as well as Pulsar and Lorus brand watches, in the United States. The models available in the United States are normally a smaller subset of the full line produced in Japan. Seiko Corporation of America has its headquarters (and Coserv repair center) in Mahwah, New Jersey. In the United States, Seiko watches are sold primarily by fine jewelers and department stores as well as 19 company stores located in various cities.

MarketingEdit

On Friday, January 10, 2014 on the eve of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Shinji Hattori, President of Seiko Watch Corporation, presented to Novak Djokovic a Seiko 5 limited edition worth $1700. It was launched worldwide with a million units, symbolizing Seiko's partnership with the world's no.1 professional tennis player.^[22]

Seiko – often criticised for quality standards that let misaligned chapter rings and bezels slip through – decided to move its brand positioning upmarket. In 2015, the Financial Times reported that the “spring drive” movement’s enthusiastic reception prompted the launch of higher-end pieces.^[21] But the company's marketing to move its image upmarket (hampered by a reputation for misaligned chapter rings, bezels, etc.) dates back to 2003. Harvard Business School reported: "In 2003, Shinji Hattori, a great-grandson of Seiko's founder, became Seiko Watch Company's president and CEO and felt that Seiko should raise its perceived image outside Japan. In management's view, Seiko could claim distinction as the only 'mechatronic manufacturer' in the world – a vertically integrated watchmaker that excelled in both mechanical watchmaking and micro-electronics."^[23]

Seiko Holdings is one of the three core companies of the Seiko Group. The Seiko Group consists of Seiko Holdings Corporation (Seiko), Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), and Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson). Although they have some common shareholders, including the key members of the Hattori family (posterity of Kintarō Hattori), the three companies in the Seiko Group are not affiliated. They are managed and operated completely independently. Seiko Watch, an operating subsidiary of Seiko Holdings, markets Seiko watches, while SII and Epson manufacture their movements.

On January 26, 2009, Seiko Holdings and Seiko Instruments announced that the two companies would be merged on October 1, 2009, through a share swap. Seiko Instruments became a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Holdings as of October 1, 2009.

SubsidiariesEdit

• Seiko Watch Corporation — Planning for watches and other products and domestic and overseas sales
• Seiko Nextage Co., Ltd. — watches: Alba and licensed brand watches
• Seiko Clock Inc. — Development, manufacturing and sales of clocks (desk clocks, wall clocks, alarm clocks)
• Seiko Service Center Co., Ltd. — repair and after service for watches
• Seiko Time Systems Inc. — Sale and incidental installation work for system clocks, varied information display equipment and sports timing equipment, as well as timing and measurement services for various sports
• Seiko Precision Inc. — Manufacturing/sales for electronic devices, shutters for cameras and peripherals, and production equipment
• Seiko NPC Corporation — Development, manufacturing and marketing of integrated circuits (IC)
• Seiko Solutions Inc. — Development, manufacturing, sales, maintenance, services and consultations for the hardware and the software relating with information systems and network services
• Seiko Optical Products Co., Ltd. — Wholesale marketing of lenses and frames for glasses along with other optical-related products
• Seiko Instruments Inc. — Development, manufacturing and sales of watches, precision components and machine tools, electronic components, printers, measurement and analysis instruments
• Wako Co., Ltd. — Sales of watches, jewelry, accessories, interior supplies, art goods and crafts, glasses and foodstuffs
• Cronos Inc. — retail sales of watches, jewelry items and eyeglasses
• Seiko Business Services Inc. — human resources
• Ohara Inc. (Seiko owns 32.2% TYO: 5218) — specialty optical glass (glass materials for lenses and prisms)

Seiko produces watches with quartz, kinetic, solar, and mechanical movements of varying prices, ranging from around ¥4,000 (US$45) to ¥50,000,000 (US$554,000).^[24] To separate the customer groups, Seiko has created many different brands in Japan and the international market including Lorus, Pulsar, and Alba.

Seiko has several lines such as the Seiko 5,^[25] luxury "Credor," "Prospex," "Presage," "Velatura" and the "Grand Seiko" series.

Seiko 5Edit

Seiko 5 is a sub brand that spawned with the introduction of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 in 1963. Since then, many models have been introduced into the lineup, comprising a variety of different styles.

The name of the Seiko 5 sub brand is a reference to 5 attributes that any watch belonging to it would typically exhibit, those being:

1. It must feature an automatic watch movement
2. It must display the day and the date on the dial
3. It must be water resistant to an acceptable degree
4. It must have a recessed crown at the 4 o'clock position
5. It must have a durable case and bracelet^[26][27]

In spite of their association with the brand, not all of these characteristics are universal across the lineup, as certain models have omitted the Day-Date display (such as the SSA333) and/or the 4 o'clock positioning of the crown (such as the SRPG31K1 and the aforementioned SSA333).

Seiko has released many models under the Seiko 5 sub brand, including large as well as small divers, watches featuring different strap options such as leather, nylon or steel, transparent or sterile case-back versions and many other variations. Today, the Seiko 5 lineup mostly comprises entry-level mechanical watches that act as an affordable entry point for consumers looking to enter the world of automatic watches.

NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz wore a Seiko 5 model 6119-8460 during the height of his career. It was on his wrist when the Apollo 11 crew touched down on the lunar surface, when the Apollo 13 explosion occurred, and throughout the remainder of his career at NASA.

Seiko PresageEdit

The Seiko Presage series is an all-mechanical lineup, a step up from the entry-level Seiko 5 models. It has slightly more elaborate designs and complex movements, such as urushi-lacquer dials, and self-winding movements with power reserve indicators.^[28] The Presage line watches are usually priced between US$200 to US$3,000.^[29]

Seiko entered a cooperation with the traditional cloisonné maker Ando Cloisonné Company from Nagoya to produce the dial for the limited edition in 2018.^[30][31]

Seiko ProspexEdit

The Seiko Prospex series includes their professional series of watches such as their diving watches, which are typically ISO 6425 rated from 200 to 1000 metres of water resistance. Other watches in the Prospex line include field and pilot style watches.

In 2021, Akio Naito, President of the Seiko Watch Corporation,^[32] said that enthusiasts' respect for the brand can "influence the wider range of consumers."^[33] This influence can be seen in the Prospex range, where Seiko fans' nicknames resulted in the company eventually adopting these product names. For example, Seiko's own London boutique identifies the Prospex SPB191J1 watch using the fans' sobriquet: "Nicknamed 'Shogun' by fans, meaning Japanese 'Commander-in-chief', because of its strong looks."^[34]

Grand SeikoEdit

Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men's watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).

The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, and it was based on Seiko's previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko's own chronometer standard.^[35]

Some Grand Seiko timepieces also incorporate the company's revolutionary Spring Drive movement, a movement that is a combination of both automatic and quartz timekeeping methods, leading to unparalleled accuracy in the world of automatic wristwatches. The most famous example is the SBGA011 Grand Seiko "Snowflake", housing the 9R Spring Drive movement.

With the repositioning of Grand Seiko from a Seiko subbrand to an independent brand in 2017, Grand Seiko is aiming to transition to a true luxury brand. In 2022, 'Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT 003', which is the world's first combination of tourbillon and constant-force mechanism on the same axis, will be sold for 370,000 euros.^[36]

King SeikoEdit

The King Seiko line was created by Daini Seikosha to compete directly with Grand Seiko. The first King Seiko was released the year after the first Grand Seiko, in 1961. The first King Seikos were made with unmarked, manual winding, 25 jewel movements, that were not internally tested chronometers. This was followed by the release of the '44KS' movement in 1964. The 44KS was a remake of the 44GS; manual winding, 18,000 bph, with a screwdown case back. In 1968, the 45KS was introduced, a manual winding, 36,000 bph hi-beat movement – again meant to compete with the 45GS but generally less accurate and with less finishing. (GS was chronometer grade.) These first two were produced by Daini Seikosha but one of the most impressive King Seiko’s, the 56KS, was actually made by the Suwa Seikosha. The King Seiko 56KS movements were the same as those used in Grand Seiko’s 56GS series, Seiko Lord Matic watches, and Seiko chronometers. It was also introduced in 1968 and featured an automatic, 28,800 bph movement with 25 jewels and a 47-hour power reserve. These watches were all marked ‘Hi-Beat’ on the dial despite being only 28,800 bph (instead of 36,000). The 56KS was made until 1975, when the King Seiko line was discontinued by the company.

The last King Seiko collection was made by Daini, and was the 52KS, starting off in 1971 and made until 1975. This line used the 5245 and 5246 movement. These were meant to be high-end chronometers, with some even marked ‘V. F. A.’ (Very Fine Accuracy) or ‘Special’ on the dial.^[37]

Design styleEdit

The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:^[38]

1. Double width index at 12 o'clock
2. Multi-faceted rectangular markers
3. Highly polished bezel
4. Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
5. Half recessed crown
6. Flat dial
7. Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
8. Curved side line
9. Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
10. Dress style with simple but beautiful design
11. Zaratsu polishing

OtherEdit

Seiko produces electronic devices as well. During the 1980s, the company produced a notable range of digital synthesizers, such as the DS-250, for use in electronic music. Today the music division (part of Seiko Life Sports) produces metronomes and tuning devices.

Mechanical movementEdit

In 1968, Seiko introduced three ten beat (ten ticks per second) calibers, the automatic caliber 61GS, the manual winding 45GS^[39] and 19GS^[40] for women's watch. The 61GS was Japan's first automatic ten beat watch, and it was the most accurate mechanical watch due to the high beat calibers.^[41] The calibers are considered high beat because normal mechanical movements beat six to eight times per second, and higher beat makes the watch more resistant to shock, thus achieving the high accuracy.^[42]

In 2009, Seiko released the new ten beat caliber 9S85,^[43] which is a completely new design from the previous high beat caliber. The new caliber also met the Grand Seiko Standard, a chronometer certification that the company claims to be more strict than the Chronometer Certificate in Switzerland.^[44]

List of Seiko mechanical movements

Quartz movementEdit

On December 25, 1969, Seiko released the world's first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz ASTRON, which marked the beginning of the quartz revolution.^[58][59][60] The watch uses a crystal oscillator for accuracy, where the crystal generates steady vibration when voltage is applied to it. During the ten years of development at Suwa Seikosha, Seiko managed to create many parts which enabled the viable application of quartz in wristwatches. For example, Seiko cut the crystal oscillator into the shape of a tuning-fork, and developed an integrated circuit and step motor to operate with the signals from the crystal oscillator.

Although creating the parts that enabled quartz watches, Seiko did not monopolize the patent rights for the unique pieces, but decided to open them.

In 1973, Seiko announced the world's first LCD quartz watch with six-digit digital display.

In 1975, Seiko launched the world's first multi-function digital watch, the 0634.

In 1978, Seiko released the Twin Quartz watch to address the impact of temperature on the frequency of the quartz crystal oscillator, which put a limitation on the accuracy of quartz watches. Seiko put a second crystal in the watch that is linked with a processor that detects the change in temperature and signals the main oscillator to compensate. The result was a huge improvement in the watch's accuracy from 5 seconds per month to 5 seconds per year.

Kinetic watches were introduced by Seiko in 1986 at the Basel Fair Trade Show.^[61] These quartz watches use the motion of the wearer's wrist to charge their battery.

Grand Seiko 9F quartz movementEdit

The 9F quartz movement is used in Grand Seiko quartz watches.^[62]

The Grand Seiko's 9F quartz movement is assembled entirely by hand by two expert craftsmen.

Features include:

• Backlash auto-adjust mechanism
• Twin pulse control motor
• Instant date change mechanism – it can change the date display in 1/2000th of a second

Spring DriveEdit

The Spring Drive was announced in 1997. It was developed by Yoshikazu Akahane and his team and inspired by Yoshikazu's vision: "a watch wound by a mainspring and with one-second-a-day accuracy, a precision that only the finest electronic watches could deliver."^[63] This movement achieved high accuracy with one second per day, long power reserve (72 hours) with its special developed alloy, fast winding with the "Magic Lever" design and glide-motion movement with the watch hands.

The movement uses a mainspring as a source of energy and transmits it through a gear train, just like a traditional mechanical watch, but instead of an escapement and balance wheel, Seiko used the newly developed "Tri-synchro regulator," which acts like a quartz movement. The Tri-synchro regulator has three main functions: controlling the mechanical energy of the mainspring, generate electricity for the low consumption (~25 nanowatts) quartz crystal oscillator and generate a magnetic force to regulate the glide wheel. By replacing the traditional escapement with a magnetic brake, the Spring Drive operates with lower noise and presents a glide motion hand that shows the continuous flow of time. The Spring Drive movement was also used as the basis for the first-ever watch designed to be worn by an astronaut during a space walk, the aptly named Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk.^[64]

Seiko has been the official timekeeper of many major sporting events:

Olympic GamesEdit

• 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan
• 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan
• 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain
• 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway
• 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan
• 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

FIFA World CupEdit

• 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina
• 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain
• 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico
• 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy

Seiko also released official products for the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Japan and South Korea, without being the official timekeeper.^[65]

IAAF World ChampionshipsEdit

Currently, Seiko has an agreement with World Athletics to act as the timekeeper for the latest editions of the World Athletics Championships. The agreement started in 1985^[66] and is set to continue until at least 2029.^[67]

• 1987 World Championships in Athletics in Rome, Italy
• 1991 World Championships in Athletics in Tokyo, Japan
• 1993 World Championships in Athletics in Stuttgart, Germany
• 1995 World Championships in Athletics in Gothenburg, Sweden
• 1997 World Championships in Athletics in Athens, Greece
• 1999 World Championships in Athletics in Seville, Spain
• 2001 World Championships in Athletics in Edmonton, Canada
• 2003 World Championships in Athletics in Paris, France
• 2005 World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki, Finland
• 2007 World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, Japan
• 2009 World Championships in Athletics in Berlin, Germany
• 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea
• 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Moscow, Russia
• 2015 World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China
• 2017 World Championships in Athletics in London, United Kingdom
• 2019 World Championships in Athletics in Doha, Qatar
• 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, United States

Tennis tournamentsEdit

Throughout the history, Seiko has been the official timekeeper for many tennis tournaments.^[68]

• Seiko Super Tennis in Tokyo, Japan (1978–1995)
• French Open in Paris, France (1980–1991)
• Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan and later in Osaka, Japan (1984–present)

Seiko developed a digital watch styled after Venom Snake's timepiece in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain under its Wired brand. It was launched on September 2, 2015 with the Metal Gear installment. It was limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide and was sold out via pre-orders within 5 minutes of launch. The box of the watch was designed by Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa.^[69][70] Seiko is also named as the official timekeeper of the Gran Turismo racing game series, published by Sony Computer Entertainment.^[71] It was also the sponsor of FC Barcelona from 2011 to 2014.^[72][73]

Seiko was the official timekeeper of the North American Soccer League during the 2014 season.^[74]

Seiko used to sponsor Honda F1 (previously known as BAR [British American Racing] Honda). The Honda team driver Jenson Button was the brand ambassador of Seiko. The company name only appeared on the team's clothing, Button's helmet and on the pitstop lollipops.^[75] The sponsorship lasted until the end of the 2008 season when Honda pulled out of F1 racing.^[76]

Seiko also has a partnership with tennis player Novak Djokovic, which started in 2014 and is set to continue at least until 2020.^[77]

Seiko is the current major sponsor for the No. 20 Team 18 Holden ZB Commodore driven by Scott Pye in the Supercars Championship.

• Donzé, Pierre-Yves. "Dynamics of innovation in the electronic watch industry: a comparative business history of Longines (Switzerland) and Seiko (Japan), 1960-1980." Essays in Economic & Business History 37.1 (2019): 120-145. online
• Dahlman, Chris (2021). This Is Gyachung: The Story of Seiko's First Professional Mountaineer's Watch.

• Seiko Holdings Corporation website
• A Journey in Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko (PDF).
• New research in This Is Gyachung proves that Seiko's first professional watch came earlier than we had previously thought. (hodinkee.com)