Other Watchy Bits: A Brief History of Seiko

On 18th Dec 20226th Jan 2023 By horologyobsessedIn Other Watchy Bits7 Comments

Seiko is one of the most prolific brands in horology and has an extensive history dating back over 130 years. The brand started in 1881 when a 21-year-old entrepreneur, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop in central Tokyo--Ginza to be specific--that specialized in repairing watches and clocks. Eleven years later, in 1892, Kintaro opened up his manufacturing facility, Seikosha, which primarily focused on producing wall clocks. Fun fact: Seikosha combines the word seiko (成功,) meaning “exquisite” or “success,” and sha, meaning “house” in Japanese. The translation of Seikosha is “exquisite or success house.”

Other Watchy Bits: Putting the “Grand” in Grand Seiko

On 18th May 202220th May 2022 By horologyobsessedIn Other Watchy Bits, Time5 Comments

After being nominated in 1964, Grand Seiko would spend years in chronometry competitions in Switzerland. In 1968, the brand would take the overall prize for best movement, placing themselves amongst the best manufacturers in the world.

Other Watchy Bits: A Brief History of Seiko Divers

On 22nd Apr 202211th Jan 2023 By calibre321In Other Watchy Bits, Time20 Comments

Few tool watches manage to achieve that heady space of voguish collectability, occupied by brands like Rolex and Omega, while remaining accessible to the common man. The sheer number of models, references, and price points—all products of function-first design, upholding and surpassing the ISO 6425 standards—mean that somewhere in the Seiko catalogue there is a dive watch waiting for you.