A History of Seiko Watches

The name Seiko is synonymous with modern-day wristwatches. A leader in business and technical innovation Seiko wristwatches are micro-engineered for the absolute best quality in the world. There is no better time than now to take a look at all the precision products that Seiko has to offer.

But first, taking a look at the Seiko Company is essential to fully understand the tradition and care that goes into Seiko products.

1881- Seiko is Born

• Seiko’s timeless journey began in 1881 when Japanese businessman Kintaro Hattori created K. Hattori & Co. Ltd. This company would one day form the foundation for the Seiko Watch Corporation. Initially, Mr. Hattori honed the craft of precision timekeeping by manufacturing and distributing custom wall clocks.

1899- Seiko Grows Up

• Nearing the turn of the century his business began to grow and demand for new inventive timekeeping solutions began to grow. The people of Japan started wanting more than just devices that could tell the time. They wanted their timepieces to perform functions that could make their lives easier. Therefore Mr. Hattori moved into the business if alarm clocks and musical clocks.

1913- Seiko makes Japan’s 1st Wristwatch

• These inventions were popular and they have Mr. Hattori enough capital and clout to begin a brave new endeavor. Previously, pocket watches were the preferred method of telling time. Many people found pocket watches to be cumbersome and hard to keep track of. Mr. Hattori, in an attempt to solve this problem, began manufacturing small packet watches that could easily attach to one’s wrist. These watches became known as wristwatches and they forever changed the world’s timescape. At the time these Seiko wristwatches sold only in Japan.

1945- Serendipitous Seiko

• While Mr. Hattori had even bigger plans for expanding his product line and building the Seiko brand name, the beginning of the Second World War forced a slowdown of production and development. But, after the war was over Japan found itself with American troops occupying its islands. This provided a unique opportunity to develop western-style products for a massive consumer market overseas.

1955- Seiko Self-Winding Watch

• By the end of the Korean War (for which Japan was a large contributor to technology and machinery) technology had advanced to the point that Seiko developed a self-winding watch. This battery-operated marvel eliminated the hassle of having to wind your watch, and it guaranteed perfect time, every time. These watches were known as Seiko automatic watches.

1964- Gold Medal for Performance

• When the Olympic games arrived in Tokyo it was a chance for Japan and Seiko to show the world what it has to offer. As the official timekeeper of the games, Seiko was now recognized as the precision timekeeper for competitions where a fraction of a second meant the difference between victory and failure. Eight years later Seiko would get another chance to show the world precision timing when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympic Games.

1970’s- Global Dominance

• At the dawn of the technology age, Seiko began testing the frontiers of the world in search of new Markets. By the end of the decade, the small company of K. Hattori would have offices in?
  • The UK (Seiko watches the UK)
  • Canada
  • The U.S.A.
  • Panama
  • Australia (Seiko watches Australia)
  • Brazil
  • Sweden
  • Argentina
  • And even Switzerland.

1980’s to Present- Expanding Time

• The Seiko brand has shown no sign of slowing down since then. Seiko has continued to establish offices on every continent in the world. IT has been the official timer for scores of Olympic games, World Cup Football tournaments, and other international athletics competitions.

Seiko has also continued to push the boundaries of invention and innovation, introducing new watches with technology so startling it’ll blow your mind. For a complete list of Seiko’s watches visit Seiko watches in Los Angeles.

In the mid-eighties and early 90’s Japan emerged as the world’s powerhouse for new technological advancements. Seiko digital watches hit the market and were instantly a huge success. Now, even aging hipsters in search of some deluded form of contrived nostalgia are causing a resurgence of old Seiko watches. Here are some samples of the technology and design that have made Seiko the watch of choice for those at work or play.

Seiko Kinetic Watches

• Using the natural power of the wearer these watches utilize the motion of the wearer’s arm. This motion is used to store energy in the rotation of a flywheel or a coiled spring, which drives a micromotor that drives the watch mechanism. It need not drive a motor, in which case the mechanical energy is used to drive the mechanism directly via conventional catchment techniques. This means no winding and no battery. These watches are perfect for anyone on the go.

Seiko Dive Watches

• A good dive watch is essential for anyone partaking in underwater adventures. If you are venturing into the salty brine, you’ll need a reliable watch to keep track of how long you’ve been submerged. Knowing what time it is can be a matter of life or death. Therefore a sturdy watch is essential. All Seiko divers watches have a bright glow feature that allows for accurate time telling in the deep darkness of the ocean. Seiko dive watches are also engineered to work in high-pressure depths and of course, like any dive watch, Seiko dive watches are fully waterproof. They also have large moving parts for ease of use with cumbersome diving gloves.

Seiko Women’s Watches

• Women know the importance of being on time (if only men were so courteous). That’s why Seiko women’s watches have developed several lines of watches that combine the practical precision of a Seiko watch with the sophistication and elegance of precious jewelry.

Seiko Men’s Watches

• Men and women have different needs when it comes to telling time. But, more importantly, they have different specifications when it comes to aesthetic quality. Seiko premier men’s watches offer many watches custom-designed for men. With a powerful design and sturdy design, Seiko men’s watches are sophisticated and dependable. This includes black metal Seiko watches.

Seiko Titanium Watches

• The Seiko titanium watch is the first choice for many consumers for two reasons. Firstly, its titanium body makes it one of the sturdiest timepieces on the market. All of the constituent parts of the watch are also built to withstand everyday bumps and grinds. The titanium alloy is also nickel free. This makes the Seiko titanium watch hypoallergenic.

If you want a history of performance on your side, Seiko watches are a perfect choice. Whether it is for signature Seiko Arctura watches, the scientific accuracy of Seiko quartz watches or even discount Seiko watches at Seiko watch discount prices, you can’t go wrong with Seiko.