Seiko occupies a unique place in the vast world of watchmaking. As part of the Seiko Watch Corporation, which includes Grand Seiko and Credor, Seiko creates watches for everyone, regardless of budget. From quality quartz watches to high-end mechanical timepieces, Seiko has it all. Let’s dive deeper and discover what makes the Seiko brand so special.
1. Seiko is a Brand with a Long History in Watchmaking
When you think of Seiko, most people immediately think of the brand’s quartz watches. Indeed, quartz watches have been their bread and butter since the 1970s. However, Seiko shouldn’t be defined by these alone; the brand also has an impressive collection of high-quality mechanical watches with rich histories.
Seiko’s history dates back to 1882, when Kintarō Hattori opened his watch and clock shop in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. In 1924, the first wristwatch under the Seiko name appeared, marking the beginning of a great legacy defined by a constant pursuit of creating the best possible timepieces.
2. Seiko is Synonymous with Innovation
Since the 1920s, Seiko has set itself apart from the Swiss watch industry by making innovation a central focus. The brand has developed iconic watches that have both defined the brand and revolutionized the industry.
For example, the Seiko Marvel, introduced in 1956, featured the brand’s first in-house movement. It was followed by the Seiko Gyro Marvel in 1959, which boasted a “Magic Lever” mechanism to increase winding efficiency. In 1960, Seiko launched their first Grand Seiko watch in a quest to create the world’s best wristwatches.
In 1964, Seiko released Japan’s first chronograph, and in 1965, the first Seiko Diver debuted. The year 1969 saw two world firsts from Seiko: the legendary Seiko Caliber 6139, the world’s first automatic chronograph watch, and the Seiko Quartz Astron, the world’s first quartz watch, which revolutionized the industry.
Seiko’s innovative spirit continued in the following decades with the introduction of the Kinetic movement in 1988 and the first Spring Drive movement in 1999. The latest major innovation, the Astron GPS Solar, premiered in 2012. This watch uses solar power as its energy source and GPS signals to automatically adjust the time based on your location. It’s the latest in a long line of groundbreaking innovations that make Seiko a truly unique brand today.
3. Seiko Creates Every Part of Its Watches In-House
Another reason for Seiko’s popularity is the pride and craftsmanship that go into their mechanical watches, regardless of price. Whether you purchase a $500 Seiko Prospex Turtle, a $3,500 King Seiko KSK, or an $8,200 Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT, each watch is crafted with incredible attention to detail and a great sense of pride.
Every part of a Seiko watch, from the case to the movement, dials, and bracelets, is created in-house. Seiko has maintained this practice for years in a watch industry increasingly focused on full in-house manufacturing. Visitors to Seiko often leave with a deeper respect for the brand, impressed by the remarkable craftsmanship and unmatched dedication they witness at the Japanese headquarters.
4. Seiko Watches are Affordable
Seiko has a long tradition of producing affordable timepieces. While most Swiss brands exclusively offer expensive luxury products, Seiko offers quality mechanical watches that start at reasonable prices and extend to high-end pieces from their Grand Seiko and Credor brands.
Seiko’s most affordable watches are part of the Seiko 5 Sports collection, which includes many great options under $500. From the SKX series, inspired by the legendary Seiko SKX007 dive watch, to the Field series with military-inspired designs, there is no shortage of brilliant choices.
The Seiko Prospex collection began as a series of professional dive watches and now includes a wide variety of tool watches suitable for sea or land use. The series offers models starting at $500 and going up to $3,500.
For those who prefer a more stylish dress watch, Seiko’s Presage collection offers a variety of options. The Cocktail Time watches start at around $500, while the higher-end Craftsmanship Series, featuring special dials created by skilled Japanese artisans, remains under $2,000.
The Seiko Astron series, known for using cutting-edge technology, offers watches priced between $2,000 and $4,000.
Lastly, Seiko revived the King Seiko name in 2022, much to the delight of many watch enthusiasts. While Grand Seiko is now a stand-alone brand, Seiko recognized the potential in reviving King Seiko as a sub-brand. The collection includes models inspired by classic King Seiko designs from the 1960s, with modern movements. Prices for the KSK models start just under $2,000 and go up to around $3,500.
As you can see from the prices, there is a Seiko for every budget. Most Seiko watches cost a fraction of what Swiss brands charge, and their high-end watches are just as good, if not better, than their Swiss counterparts at similar price levels.
5. Seiko Watches are for Everyone
Finally, Seiko’s broad appeal is one of its greatest strengths. The brand produces watches across a wide range of budgets and offers a great variety of styles, from classic 1950s silhouettes to modern, futuristic designs and everything in between.
Seiko understands this broad appeal and has collaborated with various artists, athletes, and designers, particularly in the Seiko 5 Sports collection, which is popular with younger audiences. The Seiko Prospex series is especially beloved by watch enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s pioneering role in the history of dive watches, while King Seiko models attract those who value the vintage quest for excellence, often passed down through generations.
Most importantly, Seiko is special because its fans, whether young or old, have a personal connection to their timepieces. As a Seiko fan myself, I know this firsthand. After all, Seiko was the brand that first sparked my interest in mechanical watches—something I will always remember.
