EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEIKO WATCH

Seiko's growth extended beyond technological innovations, despite that having been their leading factor in their success. The brand expanded its product range to cater to diverse markets and preferences. In 1965, Seiko introduced its first diver's watch, the 62MAS, which laid the foundation for its reputation in producing robust and reliable dive watches. The Prospex line, launched later, quickly became a favourite among professional divers and adventure enthusiasts. In recent decades, Seiko has continued to balance tradition with innovation and took it to the next level with their sister company Grand Seiko. You can think of this relationship like Tudor and Rolex, with Seiko being the ‘Tudor’ and Grand Seiko being the ‘Rolex’. This is purely for comparison of relationships not actual products so please do not read this as Seiko are here to rival Tudor! The Grand Seiko line, originally launched in 1960, has gained acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional accuracy. Each Grand Seiko watch is a masterpiece, showcasing the brand's dedication to horological artistry.

Another collection that Seiko created that has been a huge hit within the world of horology is their Presage collection which celebrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship, incorporating elements such as enamel dials and Urushi lacquer. These timepieces are a tribute to Seiko's heritage and the cultural richness of Japan which they use in creating their dressier pieces. This is what has made Seiko so successful, they not only create excellent movements but an array of different styles and designs of watches that it almost guarantees that there is Seiko perfectly made for you in their vast collection of watches. This is what has led to their rich heritage earnt as revered place in the world of watchmaking. From the pioneering Laurel to the revolutionary Quartz Astron, and the exquisite Grand Seiko, each timepiece tells a story of craftsmanship and ingenuity by the Japanese and offers a nice alternative to Swiss watchmaking. 

However, with Seiko being in such high demand world-wide, they could not simply produce all their watches in Japan. To put it into perspective, back in 1938 Seiko were making around 1.2 million watches a year making them one of the highest producing watchmakers of their time. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s Seiko only increased their production and produced phenomenal volumes of movements, their production went from 90 million units in 1992 to an average of 351 million units from 2000 to 2008. In 2024 today in more modern times, Seiko produces around 5 million watches a year, however what is interesting is the number of movements Seiko makes can be around 50 million. Whilst this seems almost unbelievably high, you need to remember that hundreds of other smaller watch brands all buy their movements form Seiko because they can manufacture reliable and accurate movements quickly.

Moving on to look at some of Seiko's most famous and iconic pieces, the first one being the Seiko 5, a watch line that has really led the development of Seiko. Introduced in 1963, the Seiko 5 series became a staple for those seeking reliability and affordability. The name "Seiko 5" refers to five key attributes: automatic movement, day-date display, water resistance, recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position, and a durable case and bracelet. The Seiko 5 has become synonymous with robust, everyday watches, earning a loyal following worldwide. On a similar note, another famous dive watch from Seiko is their diver's 62MAS (model 6217) was Seiko’s first professional dive watch, released in 1965. Designed to withstand the rigours of underwater exploration, it featured a water resistance of 150 metres, a robust case, and a legible dial. This watch set the standard for future Seiko dive watches, including the iconic Prospex line, and cemented Seiko's reputation for producing reliable and durable dive timepieces.

The Seiko Astron, introduced on December 25, 1969, was a ground-breaking watch that changed the course of horology. As the world’s first quartz wristwatch, the Astron offered unprecedented accuracy, losing only five seconds per month, a feature unachievable by mechanical watches at the time. This watch marked the beginning of the quartz revolution, making precise and affordable timekeeping accessible to millions. 

At this point it should not be a surprise that another one of Seiko’s most popular models over the decades has been another diver, the Seiko Tuna. Nicknamed "Tuna" due to its large, distinctive case, the Seiko Professional Diver's 600m (model 6159-7010) was introduced in 1975. Designed for professional saturation divers, it featured a titanium case, a unique shroud for extra protection, and a helium escape valve. The Tuna's innovative design and robustness have made it a favourite among professional divers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Jumping ahead to 1996, quite possibly the most iconic watch in their collection to date, the Seiko SKX007. The Seiko SKX007, introduced in 1996, has become one of the most beloved modern dive watches. Known for its reliability, affordability, and robust design, the SKX007 features a 200-metre water resistance, a unidirectional bezel, and a highly legible dial. It has earned a cult following among divers and watch enthusiasts, often praised as one of the best value dive watches on the market. Its classic looks are so popular and with the option of either a jubilee or oyster esque bracelet you can get yourself a perfectly designed dive watch. Moving on to the famous afford mentioned Seiko Spring Drive introduced in 1999, represents Seiko’s commitment to horological innovation. Combining the best of mechanical and quartz technologies, the Spring Drive movement features a glide-motion seconds hand powered by a mainspring, regulated by a quartz oscillator. This results in exceptional accuracy and a smooth, continuous movement of the seconds hand, setting it apart from traditional ticking watches.

Finally, last but most definitely not least is the newest big hit, the Seiko Presage. The Seiko Presage collection, introduced to the global market in 2016, celebrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Featuring elements such as enamel dials, Urushi lacquer, and intricate mechanical movements, Presage watches embody the artistry and heritage of Japanese watchmaking. The collection has garnered praise for its elegant design and attention to detail and their cocktail themed dials making them a great every day watch that can easily be worn to more formal events than say their SKX007.