Seiko

History: 

Kintaro Hattori established K.Hattori & Co. Ltd. Japan in 1881, which eventually became Seiko Corporation. Initially they developed different kinds of watches until finally creating their first wrist watch in 1913. Since 1924, they started using Seiko brand on the watches. In 1955, Seiko manufactured the first self-winding watch. Then came the quartz watches, which served the broadcasting purposes and transistorized table clocks. Recognized as the leader in timekeeping accuracy, Seiko watches were used as the official timer in the Tokyo Olympic Games held in Japan in 1964. Seiko also served as official timer at several major sports events like FIFA World Cup Editions, Olympic Games etc. In 1969, Seiko developed “Astron”, the world’s first production quartz watch. Due to constant innovation, Seiko has also produced a few firsts in their history like: the first LCD quartz watch with six digit digital display, the first quartz alarm display, the first multi functional digital watch, the first TV watch, the first watch having sound recording capability, the first automatic power generating quartz watch. Various Seiko watches were worn by the cinematic James Bond 007 in four films starring Roger Moore from 1977–85. Also, a Seiko watch was worn by Sean Connery in the 1983 Bond film Never Say Never Again. A Seiko Chronograph is also worn by Jason Bourne, in the book "The Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum. 

Technology: 

Seiko strongly believes that the wrist watch is an intimate accessory. The watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer and they also offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond. Seiko’s technological department focuses on creation of “Emotional Technology”. Following are the 4 major technologies in Seiko builds their products. 

1.Spring Drive: 

Spring drive movement is based on the foundation of all mechanical watch technology, a mainspring, but uses an entirely new system for time regulation. This delivers the equivalent of 1 second per day accuracy and uniquely features glide-motion hands that represent the continuous, even motion of time. This technology is termed as the Quiet Revolution in the watch industry. 

2.Kinetic: 

In 1986, Seiko unveiled its first kinetic prototype. It was the first watch in the world to convert kinetic movement into electrical energy. This step made kinetic synonymous with environmental friendliness, high performance and long lasting convenience to the users. 

3.Mechanical:

Seiko automatic movement 6R20 is designed to place the Seiko firmly in the high quality mechanical market. The movement is exquisitely finished with an engraved rotor, polished edges to the bridges and hairline shading on the main surfaces. 

4.Quartz:

Invented in 1969, this quartz movement revolutionized the conventional concepts of watches. This watch has crystal oscillator at its core for accuracy. The crystalline body of the crystal cut to a fixed shape has a characteristic to generate steady vibration if voltage is applied to it. 

Additionally, Seiko has a reputation of creating limited-edition watches for explorers in extreme conditions. In this process, they have developed some extraordinary watches and routinely use their lessons learnt in later production models. As a example, they made “Landmasters” for trips to both poles (The GMT hand goes counter clockwise for Landmaster south pole). An amazing shrouded diver for commercial divers, a ceramic and titanium masterpiece for Mt. Everest and even a watch specifically designed for hikers of Japan’s mountains to name a few. 

Products:

Seiko products can be categorized into following 5 product ranges based on the technology they are built with and the users for whom it was targeted to. 

1.Spring Drive:

Spring drive is the only watch whose hand’s motion reflects the true nature of time. This is the summit of watch making mechatronics achieved by Seiko’s technology and heritage and hand assembly is done by the most skilled craftsman in Japan. 

2.Arctura:

This is the signature design for Seiko’s kinetic technology. Arctura represents the strong, solid build quality and aerodynamic design inspired by the arc of the nature. Arctura draws its strength from the eternal beauty of this shape. 

3.Velatura: 

SEIKO Velatura is a collection of high performance marine watches for men and women. These watches combine innovation of function with refinement in design. At the heart of the collection are two entirely new calibers, Kinetic Direct Drive and a Yachting Timer, both designed expressly for Velatura and for the needs of professional and recreational sailors alike. 

4.Premier:

This is Seiko’s leading dress watch collection. Seiko premier combines classically refined inspiration with subtly modern expression. This is inspired by neo-classical architecture. Premier is classical yet modern, reverential yet bold, restrained yet eye-catching. 

5.Sportura:

This is Seiko’s leading sports collection watch series. This is a unique, all chronograph collection inspired by high-performance motor sport. Quartz or kinetic, every sportura watch is designed to perform at the highest level of motor sports.