Katsuo Saito is awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon.

Seiko Watch Corporation is delighted to announce that watchmaker Katsuo Saito of Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc. has been awarded this year’s Medal with Yellow Ribbon, an honor given by the Japanese government to individuals who become public role models through their diligence and perseverance in their professions.

Katsuo Saito has been involved in the assembly, adjustment, and repair of high-end mechanical watches since 2002. He is one of the few watchmakers capable of assembling the ultra-thin mechanical Caliber 68, a movement that powers watches in the Credor collection. At just 1.98 mm thick, this movement incorporates more than 120 parts, and its assembly requires skill and technique of the highest order. Saito must place the parts with a precision of 1/100th of a millimeter.

Since 2021, Saito has been responsible for training the next generation of watchmakers and has contributed to the industry through watchmaking seminars and assembly demonstrations worldwide.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award,” Saito said. “I would like to thank my colleagues and seniors for their support. Since joining the company in 1986, I have strived to improve my skills as a watchmaker. I am overjoyed to connect with our customers through watchmaking, and I will continue to make watches that satisfy our customers. I will make every effort to pass on my skills to foster the next generation of watchmakers.”