The history of Seiko begins in 1881, when businessman Kintaro Hattori, then age 22, founded the company. Hattori maintained its market dominance and left a mark on the industry over time as innovation, technology, and craftsmanship evolved quickly. He started out by importing Swiss watches, and his store swiftly expanded. He joined the Tokyo Clockmaker and Watchmaker Association and the Chamber of Commerce as a director by the 1890s. Hattori started making clocks under the brand name "Seikosha," which was ultimately abbreviated to "Seiko."
In the late 1960s, Seiko became the first business to create a quartz-powered watch, which they called the "Astron." Due to Seiko, the tenacious Japanese market was able to flourish into what we know it as today.
Offering a range of different styles such as chronograph watches, dress watches, solar watches, sport watches, automatic watches, divers watches and more!
Overview:
- Are Seiko Watches Good?
- Is Seiko a Luxury Watch Brand?
- The Different Types of Seiko Watches
- Are All Seiko Watches Made in Japan?
- Are All Seiko Watches Automatic?
Are Seiko Watches Good?
Is it true that Seiko watches are good? This can be answered in a short, sweet way: Of course they are! In the watch world, Seiko is a well-liked brand, and for good reasons too. The word "Seiko" means "exquisite" in Japanese, which accurately describes how their products are manufactured.
Seiko is a pioneer in the watch industry, and their timepieces are known for their dependability, sturdiness, and fine craftsmanship. Seiko's designs are outstanding whether you're looking for a high-tech divers watch, a chic dress watch, or a sporty wristwatch. Seiko, one of the first watch companies, is renowned for producing fine timepieces with unique designs.
They have a well-established reputation, so it's easy to understand why Seiko has such a loyal cult following that includes both avid watch collectors and regular people. Their timepieces are loaded with cutting-edge technology, high performance, and technical precision without sacrificing design or robustness.
The fact that Seiko products are high-quality and suited for various price ranges is another fantastic feature. You can select a fashionable, high-quality watch that matches your style and lifestyle, regardless of your budget. Seiko has the kind of reasonably priced, dependable watch you're looking for. They also have fashionable designs that are filled with character so you can find a watch that perfectly suits your personal style.
Is Seiko a Luxury Watch Brand?
To answer this question, let’s first define what a luxury watch brand actually entails. A luxury watch is assembled in-house using high-quality components, including an internal mechanism. Although this is a fairly simplistic view of luxury timepieces, it does offer a roadmap.
While some Seiko watches can be considered luxury watches, not all Seiko watches fall into this category. Seiko's Grand Seiko line, for example, is often considered a luxury watch brand, with prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Other Seiko watches, such as their more affordable Quartz and Solar lines, are not typically considered luxury watches.
Even for its entry-level models, Seiko manufactures all of their own movements. This distinguishes Seiko from many other watch-makers who contract out this procedure to bulk-manufacturers. While Seiko has accomplished a commendable and valuable feat, this does not immediately elevate their products to the position of “luxury”.
Additionally, most of Seiko’s timepieces are crafted with stainless steel, while this is a durable and versatile material that is ideal for watches, it means that Seiko misses the mark in terms of using premium materials like gold and platinum that we see from the likes of Rolex.
The Different Types of Seiko Watches
The Presage range comes close to the luxury label when it comes to watches. Presage mixes a Japanese style with traditional craftsmanship and Seiko's mechanical watchmaking skills to create one-of-a-kind, attractive, high-quality timepieces with polished features and meaningful backstories. Presage watches range in price from roughly $500 to well over $2000 and definitely give you the look and feel that you get from a luxury timepiece. Here, stunning Japanese design and incredible timekeeping come hand in hand.
Another contender is the Seiko Prospex, which pushes every boundary. It is a timepiece for sports enthusiasts and adventurers that can withstand any terrain on land, sea, or sky. Indeed, Seiko introduced Japan's first diver's watch in 1965, setting the global standard for increased dependability and safety for both professional and recreational divers. The Prospex collection is the latest iteration of a traditional divers watch with all the must-have functions and features of a diving piece with amazing designs and colour combinations.
The Seiko 5, a beloved and popular model for everyday wear, is one of the most affordable Seiko collections. They are the cheapest Seiko watches available, and you can get one for as low as $100. With a Seiko 5, you're not sacrificing quality, with reliable timekeeping and high-grade finishes. The name "Seiko 5" comes from the five key attributes that every watch in the series possesses: automatic winding, day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown at the 4 o'clock position, and a durable case and bracelet.
Seiko Le Grand Sport is a line of luxury style watches. These watches feature high-quality materials and advanced technologies, making them a popular choice among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Many models feature stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals, and water resistance up to 100 metres. In addition to their advanced features, Seiko Le Grand Sport watches are known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. Each watch is carefully crafted and tested to ensure durability and accuracy.
This is just a few of the incredible Seiko collections available, and it does not begin to depict the diversity, beauty, and advanced features offered.
Are All Seiko Watches Made in Japan?
Seiko is a well-known watch brand that has been producing quality timepieces for over a century. While the company was founded in Japan and the vast majority of its watches are still produced there, not all Seiko watches are made in Japan. Seiko has factories in several countries, including China, Malaysia, and Singapore, where they produce watches for different markets and at different price points. However, Seiko is known for its strict quality control standards, regardless of where the watch is produced. So, while not all Seiko watches are made in Japan, they are all held to the same high standards of quality and craftsmanship that the brand is known for.
Unlike Swiss watches which have a strict standard to attain the “Swiss Made” stamp, the “Made in Japan” stamp is easier to use. A watch can have the “Made in Japan” label if it is produced outside the country, however, its manufacture must be overseen by a Japanese national. As a result, the bulk of Seiko watches are constructed in Japan including in-house movements, straps and cases, while other parts are made elsewhere in Asia.
Are All Seiko Watches Automatic?
A popular myth about Seiko timepieces is that they are all automatic, which is completely false. While most watch collectors are interested in automatic watches these days, alternative movements remain popular. Seiko offers a variety of movements, including solar, spring drive, quartz, and, of course, automatic. For over a century, Seiko has been producing watch movements, and they have produced some of the most innovative movements in history! Just because automatic watches are highly sought after, it doesn’t mean that they are for everyone. Let’s take a deep dive into the movements on offer.
Automatic Movement: also known as a self-winding watch or simply an automatic watch. It is a mechanical watch where the natural motion of the wearer winds the rotor automatically, eliminating the need for manual winding. This is a great option for those who will be wearing their watch everyday. However, the watch must be moved in order to keep it ticking.
Solar Watches: are some of the most reliable timepieces that you can find. Not only does the watch charge from natural light, but also artificial light! Which means that it will continue charging even when you are sitting inside the office. Any excess energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries which helps the watch continue ticking even in the dark.
Quartz Movement: is far more accurate than mechanical movements and is your best bet if you are looking for accuracy. The downside to quartz watches is that they do require battery changes. Generally quartz watches are also more affordable than their mechanical counterparts, which make them perfect for those on a budget.
Spring Drive: is now the most accurate movement on the market. It is a mechanical watch movement that is powered by a spring and is regulated by a more accurate quartz crystal.
Overall, Seiko are considered good watches. If you are after a timepiece that is high-quality, affordable and stylish, then you can’t go wrong with a Seiko watch. No matter what your needs are, you will be able to find a piece to suit your needs!
