Seiko's story starts in 1881 and was opened by 22-year-old entrepreneur Kintaro Hattori. Over time, as the evolution of technology, innovation and craftsmanship rapidly changed, Hattori maintained on top of the market and marked its presence within the industry. He began by importing Swiss watches, and his shop grew very quickly. By the 1890s, he took a role as a director of the Tokyo Clockmaker and Watchmaker Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Hattori began producing clocks under the name 'Seikosha' which was later shortened to the name you would know now, 'Seiko'.
Seiko was the first company to produce a quartz-powered watch, which they dubbed the 'Astron' and released in the late 1960s. This allowed the industrious Japanese market to thrive, with Seiko watches on everyone's mind. Over the next 70 to 80 years, Seiko has continued to make waves in the watch industry, nailing quality, pricing and styling every time.
Offering a range of different styles such as Seiko chronograph watches, dress watches, solar watches, sport watches, automatic watches, divers watches and more!
Overview:
- Are Seiko Watches Good?
- Is Seiko Luxury?
- Are All Seiko Watches Automatic?
- Are All Seikos Made in Japan?
Are Seiko Watches Good?
The answer to, are Seiko watches good? Can be simply and sweetly answered: of course they are! Seiko is a beloved watch brand in the industry and there's a good reason why. In Japanese, 'Seiko' translates to mean 'exquisite' which justifiably reflects just how their products are made. One of the oldest watch brands, Seiko is recognised for making high-quality watches and beautiful designs.
Seiko have been a leading innovator in the world of watches, and their timepieces guarantee reliability, durability and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether you are looking for an advanced divers watch, an elegant dress watch, or a sporty timepiece, Seiko's designs are incredible.
Their reputation precedes them, and it's not hard to see why Seiko has such a devoted cult following including both avid watch enthusiasts and the general public alike. Their watches are jam-packed with technical precision, high performance and state-of-the-art technology that doesn't compromise on style or durability.
Another great thing about Seiko is that they are suitable for all budgets, with great quality. No matter your price range, you'll be able to find a stylish, high-quality watch that will suit your lifestyle and taste. If you're looking for an affordable yet reliable watch, Seiko has it. If you're searching for a high end luxury timepiece, Seiko has it!
Is Seiko Luxury?
Seiko is one of the best known names in the world, but whether it's a luxury brand is a topic with many opinions. While some of their watches are considered luxury items, others are more affordable. It depends on the specific watch and its features.
First, let's try to define what a 'luxury watch' actually is. A luxury watch is made from high-quality materials that include in-house movement and is assembled in-house. This is a very basic take on luxury watches, however it definitely provides a guide.
Seiko makes all of their own movements, even for their budget models. This separates Seiko from many other manufacturers who outsource this process to bulk-manufacturing companies. And while this is a desirable and remarkable feat by Seiko, it does not automatically grant their products the luxury status.
The watches themselves are mostly built in-house too, which is another green tick for Seiko. However, it's to be expected that some of the parts are outsourced from cheaper countries, as this is how Seiko are able to keep their prices so affordable. Not only this, but Seiko watches are generally made with stainless steel, which is an ideal material for watches with its durability and versatility, although it lacks the premium status of gold and platinum.
The Different Types of Seiko Watches:
Amongst the most affordable of the Seiko collections is the Seiko 5, which is a beloved and popular model for your everyday wear. They are the cheapest Seiko watches available and you can snatch one up for as little as $100. With a Seiko 5, you aren't sacrificing on quality, with reliable timekeeping and quality finishes.
Another favourite is the Seiko Prospex which challenges every limit. It is a timepiece for sports lovers and adventure seekers that can take on any terrain from the land, sea and sky. The latest rendition of a traditional divers watch, the Prospex range is so much more than just a divers watch. In fact, Seiko released Japan's first diver's watch in 1965, constantly setting the global standard for greater reliability and safety for professional and recreational divers alike.
For a watch that reaches for the luxury title, the Seiko Presage collection sure does get close. Presage combines a Japanese aesthetic with traditional craftsmanship and Seiko's mechanical watchmaking skills to create unique, beautiful, high-quality timepieces with refined details and thoughtful stories behind each line. Presage watches start at around $500 and head well into the $2000 category.
These are just a few of the amazing Seiko collections on offer, and doesn't begin to describe the variety, beauty and advanced features that are available.
Are All Seiko Watches Automatic?
A common misconception of Seiko watches is that they are all automatic, which is the furthest from the truth. While most watch collectors are interested in automatic watches these days, other movements are still prominent within the market. Seiko has a range of movements to choose from including solar, spring drive, quartz, and of course, automatic. Seiko have been making watch movements for over a century and they have created some of the most innovative movements in history!
Automatic Movement: also known as a self-winding watch or simply an automatic watch. It is a mechanical watch where the natural motion of the wearer winds the rotor automatically, eliminating the need for manual winding.
Solar Watches: are arguably the most reliable timepieces there are. The dial begins to charge once it is exposed to natural or artificial light and the excess energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, you don't need to worry about constantly being in the light! A solar watch can usually last many days without exposure to light.
Quartz Movement: is your go-to if accuracy is your number one priority. Quartz watches are far more accurate than mechanical movements, however, they do require battery changes. Generally quartz watches are also more affordable than their mechanical counterparts, which make them perfect for those on a budget.
Spring Drive: is now the most accurate movement on the market. It is a mechanical watch movement that is powered by a spring and is regulated by a more accurate quartz crystal.
Are All Seikos Made in Japan?
Seiko watches come bearing the 'Made in Japan' stamp, which does hold some weight, as Japanese mechanisms are highly regarded. This signifies a standard of excellence and high-quality craftsmanship. However, some will be disappointed to learn that some of Seiko's parts and movements are not exclusively made in Japan. Unlike Swiss watches, the 'Made in Japan' label can be manufactured outside of the country, but the process must be overseen by a Japanese national.
Hence, the majority of Seiko watches are assembled in Japan including in-house movements, straps, cases etc, although many of them use parts that have been manufactured in other parts of Asia.
Seiko SSC376P-9 Coutura Perpetual Solar Mens Watch
$599.00
$750.00
The Seiko SSC376P-9 Coutura Perpetual Solar Gents Watch in two-tone gold is a classic time piece featuring a stainless-steel gold casing and matching sleek dial with raised gold toned markings. Also including the date and day, the watch is an… read more
To conclude, while Seiko doesn't *exactly* fill the criteria to be categorised as a luxury watch band, they are incredibly high quality with world-class mechanisms that ensure amazing timekeeping.
