8 Fascinating Facts About Seiko Watches

Seiko, the renowned Japanese watch manufacturer, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality timepieces. With a rich history and innovative spirit, Seiko has left an indelible mark on the watch industry.

In this article, we delve into eight fascinating facts about Seiko watches that highlight the brand's achievements and contributions.

1. The First Pocket Watch in Japan

In 1895 Seikosha was the first to create the pocket watch in Japan, the Timekeeper. The success of Seikosha's first pocket watch laid a strong foundation for the company's future endeavors in the world of timekeeping. It established Seikosha as a prominent watchmaker, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation.

Over the years, Seikosha (later known as Seiko), continued to push boundaries and expand its repertoire, ultimately becoming a global leader in watchmaking and introducing groundbreaking technologies such as the quartz wristwatch.

2. The First Quartz Watch

Seiko made history in 1969 by introducing the world's first quartz watch, the Seiko Astron. This groundbreaking timepiece revolutionised the industry with its quartz movement, which offered unparalleled accuracy compared to traditional mechanical watches. The Astron marked a significant milestone in watchmaking history.

3. Kinetic Movement

Seiko introduced the Kinetic movement in 1988, combining the accuracy of quartz with the convenience of automatic power generation. Kinetic watches convert the motion of the wearer's arm into electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable battery. This innovative technology eliminated the need for regular battery changes.

4. Spring Drive Technology

In year 1978, Seiko made history by filing the first-ever patent for the revolutionary Spring Drive mechanism. This was 18 years after Seiko released and introduced The Grand Seiko line collection.

Seiko's Spring Drive technology is a unique combination of mechanical and quartz movements. It utilises a traditional mainspring but incorporates a quartz regulator to achieve extraordinary accuracy. The Spring Drive mechanism allows for precise timekeeping with a sweeping second hand motion.

*Read also about the Seiko Spring Drive Technology

5. Deep Sea Exploration

Seiko has a strong presence in the world of deep-sea exploration. In 1965, Seiko introduced the 62MAS, its first dive watch capable of withstanding depths of up to 150 meters. This marked the beginning of Seiko's dedication to producing reliable and robust diving timepieces, which are favoured by professional divers worldwide.

(*Seiko 62MAS only cost USD$32 in 1967! 😆 Click here to find out the Seiko 62MAS price today )

6. The "Tuna" Can

Seiko's iconic diver's watch, often referred to as the "Tuna" due to its distinctive shape, made its debut in 1975. The nickname was inspired by its rugged, chunky case design, resembling a can of tuna. These watches are renowned for their durability, water resistance, and reliability in extreme diving conditions.

7. The Seiko 5 Series

The Seiko 5 series, particularly the Sportmatic 5, was introduced in 1963. For a very long time, the Seiko 5 Series has become synonymous with affordable, reliable, and robust watches. The "5" in the name represents the five key attributes of Seiko 5 watches: automatic movement, day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case and bracelet. The Seiko 5 series has remained popular for its value and versatility.

(*Product images from Seiko Watch Catalog 1968, page 5 & 6)

8. Olympic Timing

Seiko has been the official timekeeper for numerous Olympic Games. The first game was the 18th olympic game which took place in 1964, in Tokyo.

Since 1964, Seiko has provided accurate timekeeping technology and equipment for various Olympic events, including track and field, swimming, and more. Seiko's commitment to precision and reliability has made it a trusted partner of the Olympic movement.

The Key Takeaways

Seiko watches have made a lasting impact on the watch industry with their innovative technologies, precision, and durability. From the first quartz watch to the Kinetic and Spring Drive movements, Seiko continues to push boundaries and create timepieces that capture the imagination of watch enthusiasts worldwide.

With a strong presence in deep-sea exploration and a reputation for reliability, Seiko remains a brand that combines technical excellence with timeless style.