Thank You to Our Fans
Worldwide for the Great Nicknames!
Many Seiko models have acquired interesting nicknames from overseas fans. Interestingly, these nicknames were most often given to diver’s models. To professional divers and marine adventurers, a watch that can withstand heavy use hundreds of metres under water is both an indispensable partner and a lifeline. Perhaps that is why they were the first to start bestowing nicknames on our watches. Some of the classic names are endearing - monikers such as Tuna Can, Sumo and Monster. These nicknames often capture the unique essence of a particular model of watch.
In the following section we would like to introduce the nicknames that are used all over the world for certain models.
81
Tough Diver’s Watch
Tuna Can
Seiko built this rugged diver's watch using a tough outer shell that surrounds and protects the case. Users said it reminded them of a tuna can, which gave birth to the lovable nickname.
82
Ruggedly Powerful
Diver’s Watch
Turtle
In addition to the gently elliptical shape of the case, the jagged edges on the sides of the rotating bezel are reminiscent of a turtle's shell, hence the nickname.
83
Solid Diver’s Watch
Sumo
The large, solid, sturdy shape is reminiscent of a sumo wrestler, hence the nickname. The 12 o'clock index also conjures up the image of a sumo wrestler’s topknot hairstyle.
84
Lone Wolf Diver’s Watch
Samurai
The edges of the case are a sharp slope, as if someone had sliced them off with a razor-sharp sword, hence the nickname. The overall clean, spare design may also evoke a sense of the samurai.
85
Beast of a Diver’s Watch
Monster
This design, with depressions around the edge of the bezel, conjures up an image of wild animal fangs. Combined with the powerful minute marks, some customers said it looks like a monster opening its mouth wide.
86
Leading Comrades
to Success
Shogun
The sharp tips of the indexes and the shape of the bezel, as well as the hard, metallic texture, are reminiscent of the armor of a shogun. It is said that fans nicknamed this watch Shogun because of its strong, fearless appearance.
Some Fun Facts About Seiko!
87
The 10:08:42 secret
Three hands and logo are visible
Since 1964, Seiko has used the “10:08:42” layout for catalogue photos of our analog watches. At this time setting, the hour, minute and second hands do not overlap and the brand name and logo are both visible. Furthermore, the dial looks sleeker and more beautiful when the hour and minute hands are facing upward.
Three hands and logo are visible
Since 1964, Seiko has used the “10:08:42” layout for catalogue photos of our analog watches. At this time setting, the hour, minute and second hands do not overlap and the brand name and logo are both visible. Furthermore, the dial looks sleeker and more beautiful when the hour and minute hands are facing upward.
88
Mechanical
Engineering
Heritages
Officially Designated as
Japan’s Mechanical
Engineering Heritage
In 2014, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers designated three Seiko watches - the Laurel, the First Grand Seiko, and the Quartz Astron - as symbols of the development of Japanese high-precision mechanical technology. In 2018, the Quartz Astron was designated an Essential Historical Material for Science and Technology (also known as “Future Technology Heritage”) by Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science.
89
The First
Product Designer
to be Designated
as a Contemporary
Master Craftsman
The designer who earned global recognition for Seiko
Over his more than 40 years of service, Mr. Nobuhiro Kosugi has designed many superb wristwatches. In 2014, he became the first product designer to be designated a Contemporary Master Craftsman. In 2016, he was awarded the prestigious Medal with Yellow Ribbon, an honour bestowed by the Japanese government, in recognition of his outstanding achievements.
90
The First Wristwatch to be
Selected for
the Good Design Award
A very sporty model
Released in 1963, the Sportsmatic 5 was highly acclaimed for its novel “day and date” integrated window display and innovative design employing a hidden crown. The following year, this became the first watch to receive the Good Design Award.
91
The First TV Commercial
in Japan
Novel broadcasting that also announced the time
and gained many fans
Seiko has always made active use of new media, so it was logical for the company to sponsor the first Japanese TV commercial. Appearing in 1953, this commercial featured Seiko’s first plastic-framed alarm clock, the Comet Flower. After an explanation about how to wind the spring, the ad showed a full-screen image of the clock tower atop the K. Hattori & Co. building (now the Seiko House Ginza) while it announced the time.
The Stories Behind
the Naming of Seiko’s Brands
During its long history, Seiko has created many watch brands. Today, we continue to launch a variety of new brands, and you may wonder how we come up with the names for each new product. Each name embodies Seiko’s message of always one step ahead of the rest, as well as the passion of the engineers and designers who created it, and also our hope that the person who selects this watch will cherish it for many years to come. Of course, it is also important that the names are memorable and easy to say. We would like to introduce the origins of some classic Seiko brand names. After learning about these, you just might begin to love your Seiko even more.
92
Professional Specifications
Inspired by a Spirit of Challenge
Here’s a sports watch brand following in the footsteps of the first Japan-made diver’s watch from back in 1965. This watch aims to support people who are always moving forward, always taking up new challenges. We named this watch because it represents a brand that will never give up seeking out and meeting new challenges.
93
Incorporating Traditional Japanese Aesthetic
Sensibilities into a Mechanical Watch
Presage was launched as a mechanical watch brand. Its name, in French, means a sign of what is about to come. By combining traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and craftsmanship with Seiko's very modern mechanical watchmaking, we created a superb yet affordable wristwatch that can become a lifelong partner for any user.
94
Two Innovations
that Symbolised Our Mission
In 1969, Seiko released the world’s first quartz wristwatch, the Quartz Astron. We revived this name for the launch of the world’s first GPS solar wristwatch, in 2012. The name symbolises our constant pursuit of new frontiers.
95
Aiming to be King of Japan-Made Wristwatches
In 1961, we released a collection designed to emulate Grand Seiko as the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking. We called it King Seiko. The collection proved quite popular because it was equipped with all the functionality and aesthetics of high-end watches, yet it was also surprisingly affordable. We revived the brand in 2022 using the same concept.
96
The “5” is Inherited from “Five”
Five years after the launch of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 (also called Five) in 1963, we released the Seiko 5 Sports as an even more evolved model for active lives. It is still popular today as a casual watch offering a lineup of five different styles for a wide array of users.
97
A Practical Watch
for Independent Women
We released Lukia in 1995 as one of our first series of practical ladies' watches. The name is composed of the first letters of the words Lucid, Unison, Keen, Intellectual and Active. For more than a quarter of a century Lukia has been on the wrists of active, independent women enjoying their lives, and its popularity continues to grow.
98
The Story
of Ginza and Seiko
Tokyo’s Ginza district continues to shine as an area replete with sophisticated elegance and a place to discover the latest in fashion and culture. Seiko was founded in Ginza in the 19th century, and through all the decades and changing times, we have always maintained a base there. Seiko House Ginza, the iconic old building with the famous clock tower that now houses the brand’s communications hub, has long been a symbol of Ginza itself. The Seiko Museum Ginza, which introduces the history of both Seiko and of timepieces in general, and Seiko Dream Square, our boutique offering a highly entertaining aspect to shopping, are constantly popular with international visitors. In addition to these three locations, there are several other Seiko-related boutiques in Ginza. Year after year, the district continues to have a special importance for us.
The Seiko Museum Ginza
In this museum there is something for people of all ages. In addition to the history of Seiko products and anecdotes about our founder, Kintaro Hattori, there is also an introduction to the history of watches from ancient sundials to wadokei (traditional Japanese clocks). Although dedicated to Time, this is truly a timeless collection designed to appeal to everyone.
Seiko House Ginza
In 2022, the iconic building on the corner of Ginza 4-chome, the former location of the K. Hattori & Co. store from which the modern Seiko was born, was renamed and remodeled to become the brand’s communications hub. The first and second floors house a wide selection of famous watch brands in the luxurious space to enjoy shopping.
Seiko Dream Square
The Seiko Dream Square offers four floors of great shopping experience. In addition to immersing yourself in each individual Seiko brand, this venue offers a shopping experience based on the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi (providing exceptional service and hospitality).
99
Seiko's Worldwide Connections
Our goal is always to provide our customers with a memorable shopping experience, a philosophy you will see embodied in our network of directly managed Seiko Boutiques. In addition to those in Japan, Seiko has opened several boutiques in major cities worldwide, beginning with our Paris boutique in 2004. Inside, you can immerse yourself in the world of our main collections and see an extensive display of timepieces, including exclusive limited-edition models. Our knowledgeable and professional staff are always available to assist in selecting the perfect watch for you.
Seiko Boutique Paris Bonaparte
47 RUE BONAPARTE Paris 75006, France
Phone : +33 1 4325 5131
Seiko Boutique Milano
VIA DELLA SPIGA 52 Milano 20121, Italy
Phone : +39 2 5812 9932
Seiko Boutique Sydney
MidCity Shopping Centre Shop L0073, Ground Floor - 197 Pitt Street (Enter via George Street) Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia
Phone : +61 2 9805 4747
Seiko Boutique Osaka Shinsaibashi
Osaka Toyota Building, 4-3-11 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone : +81 6 6484 7588
Seiko Boutique Kyoto Shijo
592-1 Nishiuoya-cho, Nishikikoji-dori Takakura Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Phone : +81 75 354 5120
100
Love Letters from Global Journalists
Mr. Serge Maillard, Publisher of Europa StarPublisher and great-grandson of the founder of the watch magazine Europa Star, founded in Switzerland in 1927. GPHG academy member since its establishment in 2020.
As our own archives show, with references to the brand as far back as 1951, Seiko had a global impact very early on, including in our magazine! It has been an honour to accompany the brand's continued development over this first century, and we look forward to the new chapters Seiko will open over the next 100 years.
Mr. Paolo de Vecchi, JournalistIn the 1980s, began writing specialised articles about watches for Conde Nast publications, and has published about 10 books. Currently, contributes watch-related articles to publications worldwide.
For over 30 years of writing about watches, Seiko has been an indispensable presence for me. During my research trip in 2018, I was deeply impressed by the unprecedented hospitality, the modest kindness of the people I met, the connection with Japan's nature and civilisation, the significant inventions contributing to the history of the watchmaking industry stored in the museum, and the surprising excellence of their factories. For me, accustomed to the Italy's beauty and Switzerland’s products, that experience was more than just a business trip; it transformed into a journey of discovering a world filled with surprises and charm. I am profoundly grateful for this unique opportunity in my life and sincerely extend my congratulations on the 100th anniversary.
Mr. Masayuki Hirota, Editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan EditionBorn in Osaka, in 1974. Serves as a watch journalist and currently as the editor-in-chief for the watch magazine Chronos Japan Editon and webChronos, since 2017. Also an academy member of the GPHG.
I believe that Seiko is an immeasurable brand. They excel not only in creating high-tech quartz watches, but also in mechanical timepieces, and maintain a strong presence in the affordable price range. Furthermore, they are achieving success in luxury watches too. The foundation supporting Seiko seems to be a sincere commitment to crafting high-quality timepieces. I hope Seiko continues to uphold this earnestness characteristic of Japanese manufacturers in the future.
Mr. Yu Sekiguchi, Editor-in-chief of HODINKEE JapanBorn in Saitama, in 1984. Editor-in-chief for the watch magazine in 2016. Becoming the youngest in the industry, who led the magazine to become the top-selling specialised magazine. In September 2019, appointed as editor-in-chief for HODINKEE Japan. In October 2023, launched the luxury publication Richesse Digital and concurrently held the position of editor-in-chief.
The history of Seiko is essentially a chapter in the chronicles of Japanese watchmaking. Since Hattori Tokeiten was originally established as a watch retailer and repair service for imported timepieces, Seiko blossomed over a century into a brand that proudly represents Japan, and that’s undoubtedly the pride of the Japanese people. While the essence of Seiko lies in fine manufacturing, after a century, what they embody is the original scenery of Japan and an aesthetic consciousness in our minds. Among watch brands that allow the Japanese to rediscover their homeland through craftsmanship, there is none other than Seiko.
Mr. Su Jia Xian, Founder of SJX WatchesFounder of the watch web publication SJX Watches based in Singapore. Appointed as GPHG jury member 2019-2020, and Louis Vuitton Watch Prize jury member 2023-2024.
In 100 years Seiko has become perhaps the only watchmaker in the world that excels at both cutting-edge electronic timekeeping and traditional high horology, illustrating its incredible breadth of expertise. I expect great things to come in both segments, but I especially look forward to Seiko’s developments in mechanical and artisanal watchmaking.
Mr. Francois=Jean DAEHN, Director of Montaigne PublicationsThe editor-in-chief of Montres Magazine and Monsieur Magazine, both of which are French lifestyle magazines with a long history. Also the director of Montaigne Publications.
A century ago, the manufacture known as Seiko was born, and it has been more than 60 years since Grand Seiko, a cornerstone of premium brands, was created. Seiko has finely built upon Japan's traditions, showcasing perfection in both technical and manufacturing quality. From movements to cases, dials to hands, Seiko stands on par with creators from Switzerland and Germany. Seiko represents a rare talent that Japanese industry can be proud of. With a unique artistic approach and poetic sensibility indigenous to Japan, Seiko not only excels in mass production but also skillfully crafts the pinnacle of timepieces for enthusiasts. Seiko shines not only in Japan but stands out in the world's horological traditions. Congratulations on the 100th anniversary!
