The company started in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewellery shop called "K. Hattori" in the Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan. Eleven years later in 1892, he began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha According to Seiko's official company history, Seiko is a Japanese word meaning "exquisite", "minute", or "success"
The first watches produced under the Seiko brand appeared in 1924. In 1969, Seiko introduced the Seiko Astron, the world's first production quartz watch; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko later went on to introduce the first quartz chronograph. 2005 spring drive was created.....
The Seiko Company
Seiko is famous worldwide as the leading producer of top quality quartz watches. Not so many people are aware of the fact that the company is also greatly expertized in the mechanical watch technology. Seiko has been involved in the production of mechanical timepieces even longer than Rolex. The history of the company started in 1881 with the foundation of K. Hattori Co that involved in the production of pocket watches in 1895. The first wristwatch produced by the company appeared in 1913 when it developed its own hairspring. The very first watch under the Seiko brand was released in 1924.
Seiko watches are produced completely in-house. The Seiko watch-makers do the research and development, design and produce the movement, assemble all the components, produce the case and bracelet. The Seiko Group produces every component of its iconic Spring Drive watch.
In Japan, the Seiko Company is highly appreciated as the prestigious producer of luxury mechanical watches worth the chronometer status. Its Grand Seiko and Credo mechanical timepieces are sold for thousands of dollars.
Stil wonder what the very first SEIKO watch looked like?