Seiko watches have long been known for their quality timepieces, which unlike certain other brands, don't cost the earth to buy. Seiko have been at the forefront of new breakthroughs in watch technology for decades now, and a look back at the history of the company demonstrates just how pioneering they have been.
Founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori, the first watch and jewellery store was opened in Tokyo's Ginza district and named K. Hattori. Under the name Seikosha, Mr Hattori began making his own clocks in 1892, eventually shortening the company's name to the Japanese word for "exquisite" or "minute", Seiko.
Mr Hattori expanded his business in 1924 when he began to create his own wristwatches, and he quickly established a pioneering reputation for leading the way in new watch technology. In 1969 Seiko released the Astron, the first quartz watch which cost as much as a small car at the time. Seiko also released the first chronograph watches.
Seiko has established a reputation for creating every single part of its watches in-house, from the smallest parts to the largest, something unique to the company since it even makes the oil used to lubricate the hands on the face. Its ability and commitment to producing every element of the watch has set it aside from other brands. Seiko produce watches for every budget, from around 35 right up to hundreds of thousands for its most advanced models, and has attracted collectors from all over the world.
Seiko have been the official timekeepers for a number of major sporting events such as the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City USA, right back to the 1964 Summer Olympic Games held in Tokyo. Seiko have also recently been named as the official timekeeper of Sony's Gran Turismo racing game series, and an official sponsor of Honda's F1 team. Seiko watches are still presided over by a member of the Hattori family, and have their world headquarters in Tokyo.
Get the lowdown on Seiko watches
Posted under Watches
This post was written by Oliva Lane on September 21, 2010

