Seiko Watch Guide
Seiko is a Japanese watch manufacturer that was founded in 1881 by a man named Kintaro Hattori, a young man that was passionate about watches. Seiko started as a small watch repair shop in Tokyo, Hattori turned it into a successful business. In 1892, Hattori founded Seiko, a watch factory that would produce high-quality pocket watches.
In 1913, Seiko produced Japan’s first wristwatch, called the Laurel. The Laurel was a major success and helped establish Seiko as a leading watch manufacturer in Japan. In the 1960s, Seiko made a major breakthrough with the invention of the quartz watch movement. Quartz movements are cheaper, more accurate and more reliable than mechanical movements, they quickly became the standard for wristwatches. Seiko’s invention of the quartz movement took the company from being a leading Japanese watch manufacturer to a global leader in the watch industry.
That brings us to today, with Seiko being one of the leading watchmakers in the world. The company produces a wide range of watches, from affordable quartz watches to high-end mechanical timepieces. Seiko watches are known around the world for their high quality, reliability and innovation.
If you want to learn more about the world of watches, check out our types of watches guide that will take you through all you need to know about the different types of watch movements, functions and styles to choose from.
Learn more about anklet styles and types, and get ready to take your style game to the next level!
Overview:
- Seiko 5
- Seiko Presage
- Seiko Prospex
- Seiko Coutura
- Seiko Premier
- Seiko Le Grand Sport
- Pulsar Watches
- LORUS Watches
- ALBA Watches
Seiko Collections
Seiko watches are divided into several collections, each with its own unique style and features. Some of the most popular Seiko collections include:
Seiko 5
The Seiko 5 collection is a line of automatic watches that first entered production in 1963. Seiko 5 watches are available in a variety of styles that range from dress watches to sports watches. With so many Seiko 5 watches to choose from it's easy to find one that suits you perfectly. The Seiko 5 collection revolves around the idea of a promise that every Seiko 5 watch will have five key attributes. The five key attributes include:
- Automatic movement
- A day-date indicator at 3 o’clock
- Water Resistance
- Recessed crown at 4 o’clock
- Case and bracelet built for durability
The automatic movement packed inside a Seiko 5 watch is wound by the natural movement of your wrist, so with active wear, you won’t ever have to worry about changing batteries. The Seiko 5 SRPD53K features a durable stainless steel case and bracelet. The bezel has a sporty blue and red finish that creates a striking contrast. The dial has a blue tone with a sunray finish and has been set with white hour indices and watch hands, which makes reading the time at a glance easy. A day and date window is located at three o’clock for extra functionality.
Seiko Presage
The Seiko Presage collection is a line of watches that have been designed to showcase expert Japanese watch craftsmanship and culture. Presage watches commonly feature high-quality materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal. The dials often celebrate traditional Japanese art and culture with beautiful colours and textures.
Seiko Presage watches are available in a wide range of dressy styles that are perfect for work, social events, and special occasions. Seiko Presage watches offer great value for their premium build quality, reliability, and unique styles. So if you’re looking for a high-quality watch to showcase the expert craftsmanship of Japanese watchmakers, a Seiko Presage is a perfect option.
Here are some of the key features of a Seiko Presage watch:
- High-quality materials
- Beautiful dials
- Inspired by Japanese culture and art
- Variety of styles to choose from
- Great value for the price
The Seiko SRPB41J Presage ‘Blue Moon Cocktail Time’ is a men's watch with a classy stainless steel case and a five-link bracelet. The thin bezel lets that beautiful blue dial be the star of the show. The dial has been textured like the fans of a Japanese folding fan and has been set with sharp silver hour indices and watch hands that create clear legibility. A handy date indicator has been set into the dial at the three o’clock position.
Seiko Prospex
The Seiko Prospex collection has been designed for sports lovers and adventurers who love spending their time in the water, sky, or wilderness. The Prospex collection has been built with durable materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal so you will be able to rely on your watch to give you an accurate time reading no matter the conditions. Each Prospex watch features an impressive water resistance rating of 200 metres minimum.
With watches that have been specifically designed for water, air, and land there is an impressive range to choose from with different materials, colours, and styles. You can expect a well-made, durable, and stylish watch that performs perfectly for sports and adventure.
Seiko Prospex watches are known for the following:
- Durable materials
- Water resistance of 200 metres or above
- Reliable and accurate
- Stylish
- Great value for the price
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813P features a timeless style with the case and bracelet being crafted from stainless steel. The black bezel bring a striking contrast to the timepiece and also functions as a tachymeter. Set into the white dial are three subdials with chronograph functionality and a date display between four and five o'clock. This is a classic timepiece that will suit everyday wear and can be dressed up for special occasions.
Seiko Coutura
The Seiko Coutura collection is a line of watches that have been perfected for everyday wear. A common feature of Seiko Coutura watches is a solar-powered movement which is perfect for those who are environmentally conscious. Packed inside these watches is a perpetual calendar that can keep track of leap years and the current day, date, and month. Other Seiko Coutura watches are powered by automatic movements, which are a popular choice for watch enthusiasts and those looking for a watch that offers the convenience of never needing to replace a battery.
Seiko Coutura watches typically have these features:
- Premium materials
- Automatic or solar movement
- Available in different styles
- Perpetual Calendar
The Seiko SSC572P Coutura is a classy gold-plated stainless steel watch that has been packed with a perpetual chronograph that offers the convenience of having an easy-to-use calendar strapped to your wrist. This Coutura has small diamonds set into that dial that function as hour indicators.
Seiko Premier
The Seiko Premier collection is Seiko’s dress watch collection that uses a combination of classic and modern designs to create a sophisticated look that has also been packed with Seiko’s innovative watch movement technology.
Seiko Premier watches are powered by either an automatic, kinetic or solar movement, perfect for watch enthusiasts who appreciate the attention to detail and intricacy to watch movements. This collection will add a refined look to your everyday outfit and suit your dressy attire perfectly.
Seiko Premier watches are expected to have these features:
- Premium materials
- Dress watch style
- Automatic, kinetic or solar movement
The Seiko Premier SNQ155J has a polished stainless steel case with angular lugs that give this timepiece a modern look. The dial has a white tone with a curtain texture and has been set with grey hour indices and black watch hands. This combination of colours gives the watch clear legibility.
Seiko Le Grand Sport
The Seiko Le Grand Sport collection is a line of solar-powered watches that have been designed for a stylish and sporty look that comes together with premium materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal. The solar movement in these watches can be powered by any light source, including sunlight, artificial light, and even light from the moon.
Seiko Le Grand Sport watches usually feature the following:
- Solar powered movement
- High-quality materials
- Sapphire crystal
- Chronograph
The Seiko SSC314P-9 Le Grand Sport features a classy gold-plated stainless steel case and bracelet. The standout feature of this watch is the bezel which has been encrusted with a total of 22 diamonds that give this watch a luxurious shine. The dial has been set with gold hour markers and watch hands to match the case. The watch has a chronograph with three subdials and a date window located at 3 o’clock, making this perfect for those who love extra timekeeping features.
Seiko Family
Seiko owns and operates a range of different watch brands. These include:
Pulsar Watches
Pulsar was founded as a brand of the American Hamilton Watch Company, a Swiss watch manufacturer. They developed the first LED watch digital watch. Seiko acquired the brand in 1978 and refocused the brand's efforts to create more affordable, quartz-powered watches. Pulsar watches are available in a wide range of styles, from sports watches to dress watches.
Lorus Watches
Lorus watches were first launched in Europe in 1982 to complement the already popular Pulsar and Seiko brands. Lorus was an instant success thanks to its affordable prices and high-quality components taken from its parent company Seiko. Lorus offer watches to suit any style and interest, whether you’re looking for a classy stainless steel watch, a timeless leather band watch, or a sporty digital watch, you’ll find a watch you love for an incredible price.
ALBA Watches
Alba watches were first introduced in 1979 in Japan and were an immediate success. Alba became known for a combination of value and quality. Alba acts as an entry point to the Seiko Watch Corporation for customers. When you buy an Alba watch, you get the same attention to detail and high-quality components that you can expect from their big brother Seiko but at a more affordable price.