The Iconic History of Seiko Watches: From Ginza to the World

Founder and Origins of SEIKO

• Founder: Kintaro Hattori
• Year Established: 1881
• Initial Location: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
• First Watch: Seiko Laurel
• Official Website: www.seikowatches.com

Seiko, a name that has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and value in the world of horology, has a rich and fascinating history spanning over 130 years since its founding in 1881. The brand’s journey began in a small shop in Tokyo and evolved into a global powerhouse that continuously pushes the boundaries of watchmaking technology.

The story of Seiko is not just about making watches, but also about vision, perseverance, and a dedication to perfection that has made it one of the most respected watch brands in the world. This article will take you through Seiko’s remarkable journey, uncovering the story behind its founder, key innovations, and the enduring legacy that continues to inspire today.

The Beginning: Kintaro Hattori’s Vision in Ginza

Seiko’s story begins with a visionary named Kintaro Hattori (1860–1934), born in Tokyo during Japan’s transition toward modernization and Westernization. At a young age, Hattori showed entrepreneurial spirit by working in a watch shop and saving capital.

The turning point came in 1881, when, at just 21 years old, he established “K. Hattori & Co.” in the Ginza district of Tokyo. The shop, which sold and repaired watches, laid the foundation for what would later become Seiko. Hattori’s unwavering business principle—“Always keep your word, no matter how difficult”—helped build customer trust in the early days.

At that time, Japan still relied heavily on imported watches, but Hattori had a greater vision: he dreamed of producing high-quality watches in his own country. Another strategic step came in 1885, when he began trading directly with foreign trading companies in Yokohama.

This decision gave him direct access to the latest technologies and products from Switzerland, then the heart of horological innovation. By 1891, Hattori was appointed director of the Tokyo Clockmaker Association and a member of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce—recognition of his significant contribution to Japan’s watch industry.

The Birth of Seikosha: A Dream Watch Factory

The early success of “K. Hattori & Co.” as a retailer and repairer gave Hattori a strong foundation to pursue manufacturing. In 1892, eleven years after founding his shop, he made a bold move by establishing a watch manufacturing factory named “Seikosha” in Tokyo. The name “Seikosha” carries a deep meaning, translated as “House of Exquisite Workmanship and Precision.”

The word “Seiko” in Japanese means “exquisite,” “precise,” or “success,” reflecting Hattori’s aspiration to create watches that were not only accurate but also masterfully crafted. Initially, Seikosha focused on producing wall clocks.

This decision was based on two main reasons: wall clocks were easier to produce than pocket watches, and successful local examples had proven their cost-effectiveness compared to imports.

From the beginning, Seikosha implemented an integrated production system—covering every stage from design to assembly. This approach allowed for better quality control and faster product development.

Within a few years, Seikosha became Japan’s largest wall clock manufacturer. In 1894, the company relocated its store to a strategic corner of Ginza 4-chome and built a building featuring a clock tower. This clock tower would later become a widely recognized icon and a symbol of Seiko’s presence in Tokyo’s commercial center.

Expansion to Pocket Watches and the Global Market

After its success with wall clocks, Kintaro Hattori began expanding his business. In 1895, Seikosha launched its first pocket watch, named “Timekeeper.” While many movement components were still imported from Switzerland, the watch case was made in Japan.

The choice of the name “Timekeeper” signaled Hattori’s vision for a global market in the future. Four years later, in 1899, Seikosha began producing alarm clocks. These nickel-plated, rust-resistant clocks became popular in the domestic Japanese market and even found success internationally, especially in Shanghai.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Hattori further expanded by opening distributors in Shanghai and Hong Kong in 1905. By 1912, China had become the main export market for Japanese timepieces, receiving 70% of Japan’s total watch exports.

The following year, in 1913, “K. Hattori & Co.” opened its first overseas branch in Shanghai. These moves showed that from the very start, Kintaro Hattori aimed not only to dominate the domestic market but also to establish a global presence for his products.

A Breakthrough in Wristwatches: The Laurel (1913)

As time went on, Kintaro Hattori recognized shifting market trends and the growing popularity of wristwatches. With a vision to “always be one step ahead of the rest,” he was determined to enter the rapidly emerging wristwatch market. In 1913, Seikosha successfully created and launched “Laurel,” the first wristwatch ever produced in Japan.

This silver watch, measuring 29.6mm in diameter, featured an elegant porcelain enamel dial. In the early days, Laurel production was limited to just 30 to 50 units per day due to dependence on imported components. However, Seikosha’s spirit of innovation drove the company to develop its own internal production capabilities.

By 1910, Seikosha had begun manufacturing its own balance springs, and by 1913, it also started producing its own enamel dials. These steps not only reduced reliance on imports but also improved quality and product control. In 1917, “K. Hattori & Co.” transformed into a joint-stock company, renamed “K. Hattori & Co., Ltd.,” reflecting the company’s growth and ambitions.

Rising from Disaster: The Birth of the Seiko Brand (1924)

The year 1923 brought a major challenge to Seiko when the Great Kanto Earthquake struck Japan, destroying Seikosha’s headquarters and factory. Yet Kintaro Hattori showed incredible resilience and commitment by immediately beginning efforts to rebuild the facilities.

As a testament to his integrity, he even offered free replacements to customers whose watches had been damaged in the fire—around 1,500 in total. This act not only showed Hattori’s care for his customers but also strengthened public trust in his company.

A year later, in December 1924, a new era began with the launch of the first wristwatch bearing the “Seiko” brand name on its dial. Initially, this wristwatch was going to be named “Glory.”

However, after surviving the earthquake and fire, Hattori wanted a special name to mark a fresh beginning after such hardship. The name “Seiko,” meaning “success” or “precision” in Japanese, was chosen to reflect a renewed spirit and the company’s dedication to accurate watchmaking.

Using a Japanese name for the brand signified Hattori’s confidence in the quality of his products and marked a shift in an industry previously dominated by Western brands. The “Seiko” name eventually replaced all other brand names previously used by the company, unifying the product identity under a single strong brand.

Key Figures Behind Seiko’s Success

In addition to Kintaro Hattori, several other figures and pivotal events have shaped Seiko’s journey into a global brand. Tsuruhiko Yoshikawa, a talented engineer, played a crucial role in the founding of the Seikosha factory in 1892 and in the successful production of its first wall clocks. Yoshikawa’s technical expertise was vital in realizing Hattori’s manufacturing vision.

After Kintaro Hattori passed away in 1934, his son, Genzo Hattori, inherited the company and continued his father’s legacy. Genzo adopted a unique corporate structure that allowed private factories to develop products which were later marketed under the K. Hattori brand. Genzo’s son, Shoji Hattori, who later became company president, further pushed Seiko’s global expansion.

Under his leadership, Seiko became the official timekeeper of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics — a major milestone that significantly elevated the brand’s global reputation. Shoji also led the launch of the Seiko Quartz Astron in 1969.

Reijiro Hattori, who served as president of K. Hattori at the time of the Quartz Astron’s debut, also contributed by commissioning renowned designer Gérald Genta to create the Credor Locomotive watch.

Milestones and Major Innovations

Beyond these key figures, several events have had a major impact on Seiko’s development. The launch of Grand Seiko in 1960 was a significant milestone. Created to challenge luxury Swiss watches, Grand Seiko represents the pinnacle of Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking excellence, offering superior accuracy, legibility, and durability. It embodied Kintaro Hattori’s mission to create the “ideal watch.”

The 1964 Tokyo Olympics gave Seiko a global stage to showcase its technological capabilities. The company provided 1,278 timekeeping devices for the event, further boosting its international reputation.

The Seiko Quartz Astron, launched in 1969, revolutionized the watch industry. As the world’s first commercially available quartz watch, the Astron offered accuracy far beyond that of mechanical watches at the time and sparked the “Quartz Crisis” — a wave of disruption that deeply affected the traditional Swiss watch industry.

Ongoing Technological Innovation

Seiko is also renowned for its continual technological innovation. Introduced in 1956, Diashock was a shock-resistant mechanism that enhanced the durability of Seiko watches. In 1959, the Magic Lever — an efficient automatic winding mechanism — was developed and went on to dominate the automatic watch market.

In 1999, Seiko unveiled Spring Drive, a unique technology that combines mechanical power with quartz accuracy, producing an ultra-smooth sweeping second hand. In 2012, Seiko introduced the Astron GPS Solar, the world’s first solar-powered watch capable of receiving GPS satellite signals to automatically adjust the time to any time zone.

Seiko also pioneered the use of titanium in dive watches, launching the world’s first titanium diver’s watch in 1975, enhancing durability and comfort for professional divers.

Seiko Today: A Living Legacy

Today, Seiko continues to innovate and produce a wide range of timepieces — from affordable entry-level models to high-end watches that rival luxury Swiss brands. Iconic lines such as Seiko 5, first introduced in 1963, remain popular among watch enthusiasts for their affordability, reliability, and durability.

Grand Seiko, now an independent brand, is globally recognized for its craftsmanship and exceptional design. Seiko is also known for its distinctive aesthetic, often blending traditional Japanese design elements with modern technology.

To honor the legacy of its founder, Seiko periodically releases limited editions commemorating key historical milestones — including several recent Kintaro Hattori editions. Seiko’s ongoing involvement in international sports as an official timekeeper reinforces its commitment to precision and reliability.

More Than Just Watches

The story of Seiko reflects a powerful vision, unwavering perseverance, and an undying spirit of innovation. From a small shop in Ginza, Kintaro Hattori built a legacy that continues to inspire the world of horology. The philosophy of “always one step ahead” continues to drive Seiko to produce watches that are not only accurate but also innovative and of the highest quality.

Seiko is not merely a watch brand; it is an integral part of Japan’s history of technological and design innovation — a testament to how dedication to quality and a strong vision can take a company from humble beginnings to enduring global success.

Seiko Timeline of Major Events

Year	Milestone
1881	Kintaro Hattori founded “K. Hattori & Co.” in Ginza, Tokyo
1892	Established the “Seikosha” factory in Tokyo
1895	Launched first pocket watch, “Timekeeper”
1913	Released “Laurel,” the first wristwatch made in Japan
1924	Launched the first wristwatch with the “Seiko” brand name
1960	Introduced the first Grand Seiko
1964	Seiko became the official timekeeper of the Tokyo Olympics
1969	Released Seiko Quartz Astron, the world’s first quartz watch
1999	Introduced Spring Drive technology
2012	Launched Seiko Astron GPS Solar