When you think about stylish and contemporary brands that have stood the test of time, it is hard to go past Seiko watches. Since their release, Seiko timepieces have been ruling the watch world with their innovative designs and their nuance-detailed craftsmanship. Seiko watches are one of the very few non-Swiss-made brands that are consistently ranked among the world’s most prestigious watches, sitting comfortably next to big wigs like Rolex, TAG Heuer, Omega and more.
Synonymous style as they are with craftsmanship, the legacy of this Japanese brand is unparalleled and it was paved the way for so many brands. To help you better understand what has made this brand so iconic today, here is everything you need to know about Seiko watches.
Their Long-Winded History
Seiko’s reign began in 1881 when 21-year-old Japanese entrepreneur Kintaro Hattori opened a shop that sold and repaired watches and clocks. Hattori would then go on to establish the ‘Seikosha’ factory where he began producing wall clocks which became quite popular. So, it wasn’t before long that the Japanese brand began to expand its horizons and begin producing pocket watches. But while pocket watches remained popular during the 1910s, wristwatches were quickly rising above the ranks. With most wristwatches being imported from Europe, something that made them quite expensive, Hattori sought to produce Japan’s very first wristwatch-The Laurel and thus, the Seiko watch brand was born.
Their Technology and Craftsmanship
Seiko’s craftsmanship is second to none and that is largely due to their signature quartz movement. Before the 1960s, a watch’s movement was typically Tourbillon, until Seiko innovated with their very own quartz movement. Composed of silicon dioxide the same material used to produce cubic zirconia stones, Seiko’s quartz movement relies on a battery as its power source. This battery sends electricity to the quartz oscillator that vibrates around 32,768 times per second which then triggers a response from the watch’s integrated circuit that detects these vibrations and sends out an accurate time signal every second to the step motor. This step motor activates per the time signal and can keep the watch gears and hands. Seiko’s innovative Japanese quartz movement rivals that of the Swiss movement and is utilised in many watches on the market today.
Their Iconic Designs
Since their inception, Seiko has birthed a myriad of memorable collections from the Grand Seiko to the Seiko Prospex ‘Save the Ocean’ Collection. These collections are a big part of their legacy.
Seiko Prospex
The world’s first diver’s watch collection. The Seiko Prospex provides great safety and reliability to both recreational and professional divers. With a slightly more athletic look compared to other Seiko collections, the Seiko Prospex line is designed for those who seek a watch that is just as at home in the office and formal events as it is out in the terrain and the surf.
Seiko Presage
Boasting a timeless design often consisting of stainless-steel or leather bands and a minimalist analogue face, the Seiko Presage is arguably one of the more premium collections from the Seiko brand. Paying tribute to the Japanese aesthetic along with the brand’s craftsmanship, these watches are a clear nod to the brand’s heritage and legacy.
Seiko 5
Released over 50 years ago, the Seiko 5 series is a collection adorned by those who favour practicality and a laid-back style. Consistently providing reliability, performance, durability and value while still embodying the Japanese brand’s core beliefs, the Seiko 5 is a piece made for mechanical watch superfans.
Seiko Coutura
Combining everyday style with the most environmentally-friendly technology in the world, Seiko Coutura watches offer everything from chronograph watches to kinetic watches. Exaggerated features such as an enlarged face, diamond jewellery stones, ceramic and pearl dials are a staple for this collection, resulting in the Seiko Coutura collection being popular among those who like a bit of glamour.
If you want a watch that is equally as durable and reliable as it is stylish, then you can’t go wrong with a Seiko. Their innovative designs coupled with their craftsmanship has undoubtedly led it to become one of the most beloved brands on the market today.