seiko watch lcd panel with 7 year lifespan quotation

The new Seiko Arnie is a star, thanks to its forerunner’s memorable association with one of the world’s biggest (literally) and most enduring names: Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s not unusual for watches to end up with an unofficial celebrity association that effectively comes to define the model. These genuine relationships between star and timepiece are often the most long-lived. It means so much more when a celebrity actually chooses to wear a product rather than insincerely strapping on whatever they’re being bribed to wear. It stands to reason that a watch chosen personally is far more likely to be a true reflection of them and their values, which is something that resonates with fans who wear watches for the same reasons. And so, when Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the most bankable stars of the 1980s, donned models from Seiko’s first Ana-Digi hybrid quartz family (the Seiko H558-500x range) or modifications thereof, for films such as Commando, Raw Deal, Running Man, and Predator, the association was immortalized.

Now, almost 30 years since the H558-5000 series and its offshoots were discontinued, a new model reference has been released to fill the gaping void left by Arnie’s favorite ticker (aside from the one he had surgically repaired in 1997 and again in 2018). The biggest functional update to mention, off the bat, is the fact that this re-edition (which has not been released to coincide with any notable anniversary of the piece, which is decidedly off-brand) is actually solar-powered. Had the technology been affordable at the time, it’s an update I’m sure would have appealed to Arnie, given the environments in which his characters frequently sported the watch. (It’s hard to get a battery flipped in the jungle, after all.)

The original H558-5000 on which this Seiko SNJ025 Solar watch is based was released in 1982. As you can probably tell from the case, it is part of the Tuna family. But despite it clearly presenting a huge amount of Tuna DNA, it is known for being much thinner than the top-heavy models that would follow. It is pleasing to see that, while this new edition has crept up in diameter a little bit to 47.9mm (from the original 45mm), the thickness, although increased from the original’s 11.3mm, is still relatively conservative and wears very comfortably indeed.

This new release is composed of three models. We were lucky enough to sit down with them in Baselworld and have a good look at the much-improved build quality and the pleasing choice of colorways on offer. The solar movement driving the new releases is the Seiko H851. This movement features analog and digital time displays (enabling a dual-time readout), a chronograph function, an alarm, and a calendar. Using and setting the functions is likely to be simple enough — if it’s based on the old model’s function map, then it definitely will be — but the pieces we had a chance to photograph weren’t fully functional samples.

In terms of legibility, the new Seiko Arnie watches score high, but it must be said that those tiny hands are a drawback and will absolutely infuriate some watch fans. I can only imagine the hands have been so markedly stunted so they do not obscure the digital display when traveling past 12, but with modern electronic movement capabilities, I would have much preferred to see full-length hands that could be momentarily shifted out of the way of the digital display by the press (or even holding down) of a button (as is the case in the Casio Mudmaster Models).

There are some subtle alterations to the dial text, which are, in my opinion, for the better. The text on the 1980s models was often yellow (and in other cases, a more orangey shade of red). Here, we have a much brighter red/orange being used on the dial beneath the newly installed “Solar” printing. It works with every colorway and, in my opinion, looks particularly striking on the otherwise monochrome iteration. The PADI-branded model (with the Pepsi bezel) is, while my favorite PADI watch from Seiko, my least favorite in this collection simply because it over-dresses a watch that flourishes thanks to its brutal functionality.

Another change can be seen on the chapter ring. The modern SNJ025 uses a 24-hour ring instead of a depth-meter, which is almost certainly of more use to more people than the previous allocation of space. A depth meter doesn’t actually tell a diver any “live” information about their dive, is merely a chart that tells the diver how many seconds they need to safely surface from a depth of up to 50 meters (if the rotating bezel is aligned with 12 o’clock). Pretty niche, and pretty academic — while it may look cool, a depth-meter is not much use to the majority of people to whom this watch will appeal.

This means that, ultimately, this is a very solid, much-appreciated re-release of a treasured entry from Seiko’s back catalog, and a cool new reference to inspire the next generation of Arnie fanatics. The Seiko Solar “Arnie” SNJ025 and SNJ027 watches will retail for right around $520. There is no word on any planned limitation, so these pieces should be freely available, and given the relatively high cost of buying a vintage example in good condition, it is likely these updated and box-fresh units will fly off the shelves. Learn more about the ‘Arnie’ watch and Seiko brand history at seikowatches.com.

On December 25, 1969, Seiko marketed the world’s first quartz wristwatch, the Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ. It was a watch that triggered a revolution which changed the face of the global watchmaking industry. In 2012, Seiko launched another game-changing watch, starting its second revolution. It was another world’s first, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar. This watch once again expressed the progressive spirit of the credo of Seiko’s founder, Kintaro Hattori, “Always one step ahead of the rest.” This new Astron set a new standard of super-high-precision innovation and, like its 1969 predecessor, followed the evolutionary path of taking a technology that existed in other forms and bringing it to the wrist in a watch that was lighter, thinner and smaller in volume than anything ever imagined before. Now, nine years later, Astron GPS Solar has taken this technology to a new level.

Kintaro Hattori (1860-1934), the founder of Seiko. Hattori led the modernization of Japan’s watchmaking industry, eventually gaining recognition as the “King of Timepieces in the East.”

This commemorative watch was launched on October 9, 2020, Kintaro Hattori’s birthday. It uses Caliber 5X and proudly offers the best performance in Astron history. The rugged black and gold titanium case has Seiko’s latest proprietary hard coating, which has a hardness that is roughly 1.5 times greater than all previous such coatings. The 16 facets on the robust zirconia ceramic bezel shine in tribute to each decade since the birth of Seiko’s founder.

GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 42.8 mm, thickness 15.6 mm). Water resistance 20 bar. Titanium bracelet. Limited edition of 2,500.

It was in 1873 that Japan adopted the time keeping system used in the West. As a result, this was an era of great change, a time at which the young and determined Kintaro Hattori, who had been born in 1860, decided that his future was in “precise and elaborate” watchmaking. Kintaro, who founded “K. Hattori & Co.” (today’s Seiko Watch Corporation) in 1881, knew that while the pocket watch was then considered the norm for portable timepieces, the time would come for wristwatches, and quickly began work on the development of one of his own, alongside the clocks and pocket watches that his company already produced. In 1913, he produced the first wristwatch made in Japan, the Laurel, a mechanical watch that was just 26.65 mm in diameter. From that moment on, Seiko’s leadership in the Japanese watch industry was established.

With its history of innovation, it is only apt that Seiko Astron GPS Solar, the latest manifestation of Seiko’s leadership in horological technology, would be chosen as the heart of the watch that would celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Kintaro Hattori. Using just the power of light, Astron GPS Solar connects to the GPS network and shows the local time with atomic clock precision in every time zone of the world. Just as in 1969, Astron GPS Solar sets a new standard that was made possible by the steady efforts of Kintaro’s successors’ and their dedication to the founder’s credo of being “Always one step ahead of the rest.”

Left: The case back of the Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition bears the trademarked ‘S’, forged and embossed within a circle and square, exactly as registered by Kintaro in 1900. The mark is surrounded with his credo “ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE REST” and the name “KINTARO HATTORI”. Center: The special presentation box for the Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition. It includes a commemorative ‘S’ mark golden lapel pin, right, a card with a message from Kintaro’s great-grandson and the Chairman of Seiko Watch Corporation, Shinji Hattori, and an interchangeable crocodile strap.

The case back of the Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition bears the trademark ‘S’ registered by Kintaro in 1900 for K. Hattori & Co, today’s Seiko Watch Corporation.

In 1895, five years before registering this trademark, Kintaro began to export the company’s wall clocks to other Asian markets and succeeded in making the company’s first pocket watch, the Timekeeper. Four years later, in 1899, Kintaro sought new ways to stay ahead by visiting and studying watchmakers in other countries. As soon as he returned from his travels to Europe and the USA, he introduced new world-class machine tools. Kintaro realized that he needed to have the ability to make all the components of his timepieces in-house and it was in 1900 that he really started on the road that would lead to the achievement of his goal. Kintaro was fond of saying to his staff, “Don’t run but always keep going” and this was the approach he took in his manufacturing strategy from that year forth.

The Quartz Astron 35SQ triggered a revolution in the watch industry. It was the world’s first practical quartz wristwatch and is the grandfather of all analog quartz wristwatches. It offered an accuracy rate of ±0.2 seconds a day at a time when mechanical wristwatches were many times less precise. This first Quartz Astron was offered in a gold case at 450,000 yen, the same price as an average automobile at that time.

In the 1960s, Seiko sought to develop the next-generation high-accuracy wristwatch, just like other watchmaking manufacturers in Europe and the USA. The idea of using a crystal oscillator in place of the balance wheel for the regulator used in mechanical watches was long known in the industry and it was this ‘quartz’ route that Seiko chose with the aim of creating a wristwatch that would be that many times more accurate than all existing watches. By 1958, Seiko was already producing a quartz clock that delivered a level of precision far greater than possible with any mechanical technology but it was the size of a filing cabinet. To reduce its volume by approximately 300 thousand times was a formidable task. However, Seiko defined quartz as the mainstream technology of the future and poured great efforts into its realization. By 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympic Games at which Seiko served as the official timekeeper, the company had succeeded in creating a quartz chronometer that was the size of a tabletop clock. Finally in 1969, Seiko made a major advance in power reduction and had developed a stepping motor that made possible the world’s first practical quartz wristwatch. This watch was christened Astron, the ancient Greek word for star. On December 25, 1969, Seiko marketed the Quartz Astron 35SQ, the world’s first quartz wristwatch.

Once this breakthrough was made, developments came thick and fast. Seiko created the world’s first LCD watch and the world’s first quartz watch for women, the world’s first quartz chronograph and advances in manufacturing technology allowed Seiko to bring the revolutionary timekeeping technology of quartz to an ever-widening audience. With each new caliber, Seiko brought to within the economic reach of the whole world wristwatches that were far more accurate than anything that had come before. Seiko had indeed launched a revolution; the quartz revolution.

An Astron GPS Solar watch has to accomplish several tasks: it must capture GPS signals anywhere in the world, display time to the atomic clock accuracy of one second every 100,000 years, capture, via the GPS signal, information on longitude, latitude, and altitude and adjust the time displayed to be correct in every time zone on earth. By developing its own in-house technology, Seiko was able to create a watch that does all this, using the power of light alone and so never needs any battery replacement. Since 2012, Astron has developed steadily and now delivers this high performance in a smaller than ever case size, thanks to a special antenna that uses remarkably little power. The ring antenna used in the original 7X series released in 2012 was 38 mm in diameter (left). This shrank to 35.5 mm in the 8X series released in 2014 (second from the left). In the 5X series of 2018, a 10-by-10-mm patch antenna (third from the left) was used. In the 3X series released in 2019, the antenna was integrated with the bridge, allowing the watch to be even smaller and thinner (right).

The starting point for the reimagined Astron was the 7X series that was released in September 2012. It featured a 24-hour dual-time display at the six o’ clock position and a power reserve indicator at the 10 o’ clock position. GPS Solar (Cal. 7X52). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 47 mm, thickness 16.5 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Titanium bracelet.

Junichi Kamata oversaw the design of the 7X series Astron. Kamata reminisces, “When I first saw the Caliber 7X, I remember being amazed at how such a tiny object could catch radio waves from a GPS in space. At the same time, it made me keenly aware that this new technology was so advanced that it would have been a shame not to express it.” Junichi cleverly used a large case with three-dimensional elements on the dial that would later form part of the Astron GPS Solar signature in the generations that followed.

It was the beginning of the year 2000, more than 30 years since the launch of the Quartz Astron 35SQ and quartz was the dominant watch technology. The time had come for the next step forward. Seiko was eager to develop a high-tech wristwatch for a new generation and turned its attention to the hitherto impossible goal of combining its skills in solar power and its GPS capabilities in an analog watch that would look good in every situation. This was how the GPS solar watch began; as an attempt to achieve something just as revolutionary as the first Quartz Astron of 1960.

After several years of internal development, the project started full-swing in 2006. The group company Seiko Epson already had a proprietary GPS module and was mass producing handheld mobile GPS devices. The biggest hurdle was developing the receiver antenna. The existing patch antenna interfered with metal and so, in a watch, lowered its reception sensitivity. Another solution was required. The development team eventually found a way to mount the antenna inside a ceramic bezel, thus solving the interference issue. Approximately five years later, in 2011, they completed a 38-mm diameter ring antenna, and thus was born the world’s first GPS Solar watch movement, Caliber 7X.

The dial for the first concept design model shows an image of the northern hemisphere as if drawn looking up from the center of the earth. This perspective, which is the mirror opposite of a normal map, was adopted to express the earth’s rotation in the clockwise direction. The white gradation on the polycarbonate dial is the result of meticulous calculation involving optimal light transmittance relative to the position of the solar panel inside. GPS Solar (Cal.7X52). Stainless steel case (diameter 48.2 mm, thickness 18.1 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Reinforced silicone strap. Released in February, 2014. No longer in production

The ring antenna was a technical triumph but it brought with it some unique challenges. The diameter of the case that housed Caliber 7X needed to be larger than most watches of that time and having to embed the ring antenna inside the bezel left a wide space between the watch glass and the dial. It was Junichi Kamata of the Design Department who was tasked to bring the technology to the wrist in a design that met the criteria that Astron must be a watch for all occasions. Kamata managed to turn what looked like restrictions into turned features that showcased the advanced nature of the underlying technology. He used the space between the dial and watch glass to create a three-dimensional appearance that became an integral part of the Astron signature. The most striking aspect of the design was the hour markers. Their three-dimensional look and inward curve almost seem to suggest radio waves and light being welcomed into the watch, which was, of course, exactly what the GPS Solar technology delivered. Such was the visual uniqueness and attractive appearance of this design that it was used even in subsequent generations of Astron which used movements that were smaller. Kamata had created an important part of the identity of Astron that has passed the test of time.

Left: The hollowed shape of the hour and minute hands reduced their weight and gave them a visually arresting look. Right: The placement of the hour markers, with their sculpted profile, creates a sense of depth as they seem to slide down toward the dial from the top of the chapter ring.

The new Astron GPS Solar was released worldwide on September 27, 2012. It was an important new landmark in horological history, a fusion of cutting-edge technology and avant-garde design that brought new levels of precision and convenience to the world of the wristwatch.

A year and a half after the first Astron GPS Solar, Seiko released a new design known among the team as Stratus which took the three-dimensional feel of the initial design to a new level. As its name suggests, the design was inspired by the stratosphere. It features a dome-shaped crystal that covers the entire face. The polycarbonate dial depicts the earth, and the sculpted profile of the hour markers give a sense of objects floating in space, creating the image of what it would be like to look down at the earth from outer space. The crystal was made of sapphire, which, because of its monocrystalline structure, is hard and difficult to form. Kamata says, “It took more than 10 hours just to finish one piece. I had to appease the design team, even beg on some occasions.” As difficult as the material was to handle, it should be noted that the designers managed to achieve a watch with high visibility despite the refraction of sapphire and 10 bar water resistance.

Left: The case has a vertically oriented design and the strap is set into the case at a sharp angle to ensure that, even with its width, the watch case fits well even on smaller wrists.

Right: The city names are indicated to designate the major time zones of the world. The curve of the sapphire crystal was optimized to achieve the precise refraction rate that allows them to be read without distortion.

This second-generation creation is powered by Caliber 8X, which has energy-saving characteristics that allow the addition of a chronograph function. The use of metal hour markers gives it a more powerful new look. GPS Solar (Cal.8X82). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 44.6 mm, thickness 13.3 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Titanium bracelet. No longer in production.

This new version of Caliber 8X features dual-time functionality. Energy-saving developments made it possible to place a 12-hour dual-time small dial at the six o’ clock position. GPS Solar (Cal.8X53). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 45 mm, thickness 13.3 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Titanium bracelet. No longer in production.

Takuya Matsumoto is the designer of the 8X series of Astron GPS Solar watches. He developed a design that was just as fashionable for casual weekend attire as it was for when wearing a suit in the office. Matsumoto says, “The fundamental concept for this development is ‘comfort.’”

Caliber 8X was a breakthrough of great significance. It offered enhanced performance, reduced size and these advances made possible a wide range of new design possibilities, including several new color dials. The newly designed movement was 30% smaller and yet its reception performance and energy efficiency were both improved. This allowed for the addition of an elapsed time chronograph and other new features to be introduced. From a design perspective, Caliber 8Z greatly expanded the horizon but, at the same time, the visual identity established by the 7X series needed to be respected.

Sketch made by Matsumoto of the limited edition Astron GPS Solar that incorporates elements of a diver’s watch. The watch has a larger-than-life presence thanks to the integrated form of the crown guard, case side and lugs, as well as thick hour and minute hands and hour markers. Matsumoto chose a silicon strap to make sure the watch wore comfortably.

Takuya Matsumoto, the designer in charge of the 8X series comments, “The three-dimensional feel of the 7X series was well received so we followed this and focused on a design that expresses plenty of volume.” Matsumoto, aware of the expanding user base, used the keywords “on and off” as his design direction. He wanted to create a watch that was as well suited to weekend use as it was to the office. “The concept when development began was to target global business people. It had to go well with a suit and look good in business scenarios. But we also considered the time they spent away from work. So I tried to improve the look and feel while incorporating a sporty taste that would complement a stroll by the sea, a leisurely drive in the afternoon, or even a relaxed hour in an exclusive bar in the evening.”

This chronograph is the first Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch with a white dial. Improved charging efficiency made it possible to adopt a dial plate with roughly half the light transmittance of previous models. GPS Solar (Cal.8X82). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 45.0 mm, thickness 13.3 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Titanium bracelet. Limited edition of 7,000 pieces. No longer in production.

SBXB001 is the watch that perhaps best demonstrates the advances that Caliber 8X delivers. The eye is drawn immediately to the striking white dial. The designers were able to use this solid white color because improvements in the charging performance doubled the light transmittance rate. This in turn allowed them to raise the density of the white so that, to the naked eye, the solar panel underneath is almost invisible. This, coupled with the crown guard and metal indexes, is what gives the watch its luxury sports watch look. The extra amount of LumiBrite applied to the hour and minute hands is also the result of energy-saving developments that increased the torque delivered by Caliber 8X .

Left: Improved charging efficiency and energy-saving developments allowed the use of heavier hands by doing away with weight-reducing cutouts and so allowing LumiBrite coating. It also allowed for the use of metallic rimmed sub- dials.

This 8X series represents the starting point for broadening the user base of Astron GPS Solar while strengthening the identity established by the 7X series.

This is the first watch in the 5X series. It offers enhanced high-performance features, including a super smart sensor that receives the GPS satellite signals up to twice a day, a time transfer function that instantly switches between two time zones, and automatic adjustment to and from daylight saving time. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Ceramic bezel with titanium case (diameter 42.9 mm, thickness 12.2 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Titanium bracelet. Released in November, 2018.

Masanori Kawamura is the designer of the watches in the 5X series. He explained the finer points of the design, “We aimed at creating a fully autonomous wristwatch that was easy to use every day”.

By making the third generation 5X series even smaller, Seiko was able to achieve its aim of “making GPS solar watches very versatile, even though they offer the accuracy of the atomic clocks on board GPS satellites which lose or gain only a second every 100,000 years.” The case size for the first 5X series watch was 42.9 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm thick, which is as close to the size of an ordinary wristwatch as can possibly be. The reduction in volume was achieved in a variety of ways. The power consumption of the GPS module was lowered to about half that of the 8X series and improvements to the reception performance of the IC obviated the need for the larger ring-shaped antenna, allowing offer high performance from a patch antenna that was just a centimeter square.

These renderings by Kawamura are of the limited editions created exclusively for the Seiko Watch Salons. Kawamura made liberal use of curved parts to express a sense of luxury as well as advanced technology. The use of titanium for the hour and minute hands made it lighter and gave it a more striking appearance. The unique case back has a recess in the center for a comfortable fit on the wrist.

The designer in charge of the design of the 5X series, Masanori Kawamura, points to the SBXC063 while commenting, “We focused on making this latest generation of Astron GPS Solar watches fashionable even in casual attire. The target for this watch was someone heading to the airport wearing jeans and a white T-shirt.”

This is the first Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch to be made fully of titanium, including the bezel. Note how the case is shaped to follow the outline of the original 1969 Quartz Astron. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Titanium case (diameter 42.8 mm, thickness 14.7 mm). 20 bar water resistant. Titanium bracelet.

The sliver white of the dial is more brilliant than the pure white of the 8X series. Even the hi-gloss hour markers have the look and feel of total quality. “To create a three-dimensional look, we intentionally placed the hour markers at an angle instead of making them level with the dial. Controlling the angle of placement for something this small is more difficult than it looks.” The ring antenna was eliminated so that the space between the dial and crystal no longer differed from an ordinary wristwatch. Instead, the designer was tasked with the new challenge of balancing the universal beauty of a wristwatch with the identity of Seiko Astron. The outline, with the cushion-shaped case and single-radius case side, echoes the original Quartz Astron of 1969. “As we developed the 5X series, we decided to once again promote the uniqueness of the original Astron.”

Left: The Caliber 5X series has the same polycarbonate dial as its predecessors, but with a much more luxurious feel. Improvements in energy saving make possible the adoption of bright colored dials with an enhanced reflection rate.

Right: The metallic hour markers mounted at a slight angle have add to the quality appearance. The patch antenna is mounted directly beneath the 12 o’ clock position. According to Kawamura, “The 12 o’ clock index was made as long as possible without interfering with the antenna, while maintaining the overall balance.”

Left: The continuous flow line formed by the case side and lugs allows the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist and follows the silhouette of the first Astron watch of 1969.

Seiko Astron’s first collection for women houses the world’s smallest GPS movement. Compared to the 7X series released in 2012, power consumption is just 25%, and the reception performance is 50% better. GPS Solar (Cal.3X22). Ceramic bezel with stainless steel case (dimensions 45.2 x 39.8 mm, thickness 12.9 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Crocodile strap. Released in November, 2019.

Meet Kanako Koriyama, designer of the 3X series. Koriyama blended a feminine touch with the design of the original Astron. “Other than pressing the 4 o’ clock button to adjust the time zone, you never have to touch the crown. I wanted to make the GPS watch easy to use and so accessible to as many people as possible,” says Koriyama.

The Caliber 3X series is the very latest Astron GPS Solar movement. In size, in energy efficiency and in signal reception, it demonstrates how far Seiko’s technology has come since the introduction of the 7X series in 2012. The case is less than 40 mm in diameter thanks to the reception antenna, which no longer even looks like an antenna. Its components are distributed across a single plate.

“As this was the first Seiko Astron GPS Solar made especially for women, the design concept was femininity and convenience of use. It’s not as though the Seiko Astron watches up to now were designed exclusively for men. But they did have numerous features and a masculine design, so we thought that we should fully grasp this opportunity to create a women’s watch and so would provide more variety and reach a wider audience,” says Kanako Koriyama, the designer for the 3X series. It offers the simplicity and convenience of just three hands and a date calendar. “I listened to the preference that women told us about for simplicity over functionality.” By eliminating sub-dials and additional hands, further size reduction was possible while maintaining the same high level of reception performance and offering a power reserve of approximately six months.

This bracelet watch was added to the Seiko Astron women’s collection in December, 2020. GPS Solar (Cal.3X22). Ceramic bezel with stainless steel case (dimensions 45.2 x 39.8 mm, thickness 12.9 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Stainless steel bracelet.

Its most evident characteristic is its compact design. “By shaping the ceramic bezel as a horizontal oval, we were able to squeeze the vertical profile while giving the design a soft touch. This technique of highlighting curves to bring out softness is used with cosmetics and perfumes, and we made repeated prototypes with a 3D printer to achieve the right balance of size and design.” The shape of the case follows the 5X series in inheriting the silhouette of the original Astron of 1969. Its gentle curves permit the watch to fit well on the wrist.

The mother-of-pearl dial is beautiful to see but is also a technical coup. Despite its textured, rich dial with its myriad color nuances, the performance of the solar panel underneath is unaffected and it accentuates the diamond hour markers. Its elegant appearance almost makes the wearer forget about the GPS functionality that lies within.

Left: The natural beauty of the mother-of-pearl dial, no two of which are ever alike. The roundness of the hour and minute hands strikes a good balance with the horizontal oval bezel.

The release of the 3X series was exactly 50 years after the release of the original Quartz Astron. Now as then, the proud name Astron defines the state of the art in high-precision watchmaking and brings the highest levels of horological excellence to wristwatches that can be used every day.

Left: The case side and lugs inherit the form of the original Quartz Astron. The two o’ clock button allows the time to be synchronized with the GPS time on demand and the four o’ clock button adjusts the time to the current time zone.

The silver dial creation from the 5X series, SSH047 (left) that looks good in a formal setting as well as in an action or adventure situation. A mother-of-pearl dial graces this Astron GPS Solar for women from the 3X series, STXD002 (right). The high performance of the caliber remains the same despite the rich color and texture of the dial.

In 2021, Seiko celebrates the 140th anniversary of its foundation by Kintaro Hattori whose credo was that Seiko should always be ‘one step ahead of the rest’. With the 1969 Quartz Astron and the new Astron GPS Solar collection, Seiko has time and again demonstrated that Kintaro’s words have always inspired its people and still inspire Seiko today.

Two creations with dark dial colors. The dial on the 3X series STXD007 shown above features a radial herringbone pattern, while the dial on the 5X series SSH069 (below) has a richly textured fine grained pattern.

For example, the current Astron models described here all have Seiko’s proprietary hard-coating. These imperceptible details are seldom recognized in the short term, but Seiko’s engineers still pursue this technology, and in recent years have made it even harder. The true value of a product of superior quality can only be appreciated through long-term use. We invite you to experience the joy that comes from being exposed to high quality on a daily basis.

The case and bracelet are both of titanium and the watch has 20-bar water resistance so that it can be worn with ease and confidence even in sports situations. Only 103 grams. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Titanium case (case dimensions 50.3 x 42.8 mm, thickness 14.7 mm). Water resistance 20 bar. Titanium bracelet.

This watch features the increasingly popular green on black combination. Inspired by the nebulae of deep space, the dial has tiny specks of gold color. The bezel and sub dials are also highlighted in green. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Ceramic bezel with stainless steel case (dimensions 49.9 by 42.7 mm, thickness 13.5 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Stainless steel bracelet.

The bright silver dial, glossy indexes and metal-rimmed sub dials provide a metallic look and feel. Matches any stylish outfit. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Stainless steel case (dimensions 49.9 by 42.7 mm, thickness 13.3 mm）. Water resistance 10 bar. Stainless steel bracelet.

The gunmetal colored dial combined with a blue second hand set a unique tone. This limited edition is available only at the Seiko Boutiques, and has the SPECIAL EDITION indication and an individual serial number on the case back. GPS Solar (Cal.5X53). Stainless steel case (dimensions 49.9 by 42.7 mm, thickness 13.3 mm). Water resistance 10 bar. Stainless steel bracelet.

Welcome to Support Services. In order to serve you better, we have assembled the most frequently asked questions from customers and our answers. If you have further questions, please contact the Authorized Seiko Service Center and we will be happy to assist you. You can find the Authorized Seiko Service Center in your area from Customer Service Center.

Last year, Seiko announced an entire re-vamp of their much-loved Seiko 5 line up. An entry-level staple and certainly a 101 class in mechanical watch ownership, the Seiko 5 had long represented a cornerstone in the foundation of Seiko’s enthusiast-focused offerings. But, as nothing lasts forever, in announcing the new Seiko 5, Seiko ended the lifecycle of all of the older models and began a new chapter in the Seiko 5"s impressive history.

Interestingly enough, this is not the only enthusiast icon that Seiko recently sent to live on a farm in the countryside. What first was a rumor on the forums later became known more widely: Seiko is discontinuing the production of the legitimately iconic SKX007 (and its many siblings).

I recently shared the story of my first watch, and while that humble little Timex did indeed kick off my interest in watches – like the endless stream of "entertaining" comic book movies every one assures me I should love – there is yet another chapter in my origin story. It"s a story that leads to many many Seikos, but like many of you, it started with one true enthusiast-loved model – the SKX007.

At this point, you may be wondering, “Why is he talking so much about the Seiko SKX? I thought this was a review of the new Seiko 5s”. Well, to my mind, you can’t understand the new Seiko 5s without understanding both the old Seiko 5s and their more dive-focused relative, the SKX007 (for simplicity I’m going to keep saying the SKX007, but this could be largely interchangeable with many of the other versions – more on that in a bit).

In creating a something of a new formula for the 2019 Seiko 5s, aka the SRPD Seiko 5s, Seiko had to ensure they paid some favor to the enthusiasts that had long been telling their friends to buy SNKs and SKXs, and you can see elements of both in the new Seiko 5 design. The brief is still very much a Seiko 5, but the look is just a skootch off of the SKX007. Let’s dig in.

Starting with the Seiko 5, the line was originally launched in 1963 and was meant to offer value-driven everyday watches that were sport ready along with an excellent entry point into the Seiko line up, which by that time - in Japan, at least - included everything from the Seiko 5 all the way to Grand Seiko (which launched in 1960 with the gorgeous 3180-powered J14070).

Furthermore, while I’m sure that many of you have owned (or at least read about) the Seiko 5, did you know that the "5" stands for something? True to the specific and focused way in which Seiko produces watches, the "5" is in reference to five base qualities that should be offered by any Seiko 5 watch. These include automatic winding, a day and date display, water resistance, a protected/recessed crown, and a durable case and bracelet. That feels like a recipe for an excellent and reliable sports watch and, from the Speed Timer of 1969 to perennial favorites like the SNXS77, the SNK381, or the truly wonderful SNK803 (or any SNK80x), Seiko 5 became synonymous with entry-level mechanical watches that didn’t skimp where it counts. Go ahead, Google Seiko 5 and see how often one (or several) pop up in listicles for the best watches under a given price. This is with plenty of good reason, as you can still snag an SNK803 for less than $100.

Long story short, the legacy of Seiko 5 is as the Mediterranean or Baltic Ave in the Monopolyof watch enthusiasm. They aren’t expensive or flashy, but the value statement is pure Seiko and they offer a foundational building block for any value-hungry collector or buyer.

Likewise, while representing a step up from the brand"s most entry-level line, the SKX line of watches is something a bit more sport specific. While the "SKX" nomenclature is an umbrella that includes watches outside the scope of this post (like the classic SKX779 "Black Monster"), when most Seiko-nerds say "SKX" they are referring to watches like the SKX007, the SKZX009 (blue/red bezel), the SKX011 (orange dial), the SKX013 (37mm version of SKX007), or the SKX173 (the US market variant with a slightly different dial design). Regardless of the variants, the base unit of this design, and its formidable presence in the watch community, is the SKX007.

With a black dial surrounded by a 42.5mm steel case (46mm lug to lug and 13.25mm thick), a unidirectional dive bezel (with a luminous pip), screw-down crown, and 200 meters of water resistance, the SKX007 is a true tool dive watch. I’ve had mine for more than 10 years (I thought it less while recording the video, but I am getting old, see the below image – the first I ever made on a DLSR). It was my first proper mechanical watch, my first legit dive watch, and it represented my in-road not into watch appreciation, but rather into the ranks of the watch nerd (following untold hours on Poor Man’s Watch Forum and WatchUSeek, to make sure I wasn"t off the mark).

One of the author"s earliest watch lume shots, dated to November of 2007. Left to right - Seiko SKX007, Tissot Seastar 1000 Auto, Bathys 100 Fathom Ruthenium Dal, Citizen Aqualand Chronograph, Seiko SKX779 "Black Monster", and a Traser Classic Auto.

Over the past decade (plus), my SKX007 has been with me through a lot. Endless adventures, my PADI certification, and endless jobs around North America and Europe. It is the sort of watch that becomes a companion, nice enough to feel like you have a few things going for you, but not so nice that you feel the need to take it off when the going gets tough. I’ve worn my SKX007 on the included (and very jangly) jubilee bracelet, a Seiko Z22 rubber strap, an Isofrane rubber, a cadre of leather options, and of course, NATOs. A few years back, knowing that dive duty could go to a handful of other watches, I installed a Yobokies 12-hour steel bezel insert, which made my SKX007 both much more useful and much more me.Here it is running double-duty in London in the fall of last year:

In all actuality, modding is a huge part of the Seiko community and no model is more readily customizable than the SKX divers. In the hopes of taking a known quantity and making it something just for you, the Seiko modding community offers everything from simple bezel inserts, to sapphire crystals, alternative hands/dials, special case coatings, and more. You can do the mods yourself or have any one of several known personalities complete your customization. If you need a vehicular example, the SKX007 is like the Jeep Wrangler of watches; a specific and simple creation of utilitarian concern with both casual and nerdy appeal and a near-endless underworld of modding and customization. Want to see what is possible? Just open up Instagram and scroll through #seikomod.

To my recollection, I paid about $200 for this Seiko and not long ago I spent another chunk of cash to have it serviced (the7S26 is a workhorse, but not an accurate one, so be sure to keep yours tuned up by a qualified pro). I love this watch, I have convinced friends and family to buy the same (or similar) and I intend to have it around until it (or I) are claimed by one of many life"s adventures.

At a more macro level, Seiko dive watches are special in that they can be both a unit of enthusiast watchmaking and just about anyone"s one watch by offering easy appeal to both enthusiast or casual buyers. Yes the SKX007 is a bit big for some wrists (if so, sub in an SKX013) and yes the movement is not especially accurate or refined, but it"s a tough steel dive watch with a classic Seiko aesthetic that can be traced back to 1968, and Seiko is a brand that both knows and loves the dive watch in all of its forms.

With the above in mind, I look at the Seiko SKX007 (and in many ways the outgoing Seiko 5s), in two specific ways. First, as a product, and second, as the beginning of a fascination which has claimed more than the last 10 years of my life. I know that it may seem that I have digressed, but I"ll do my best to put the above context to use.

Ok, let’s start the review, shall we? Announced in August of last year, the new Seiko 5 line mixes the philosophy of the Seiko 5 legacy with the aesthetic of the much-loved SKX007. Verging on the more-than-familiar, the new SRPD Seiko 5 line has some 27 SKUs (at time of writing) and all models are all diver-like in their styling and use the same case and bezel structure (though finishing does vary).

Of those 27 launch models, this review looks at some 10 models that range in color, finish, mount, and style, but all have a 42.5mm steel case (13.4mm thick and 46mm lug to lug), a display case back (common to Seiko 5, not seen on a stock SKX007), 100 meters water resistance, a passive crown (non-screw down), a Hardlex crystal, drilled 22mm lugs and a newer Seiko 4R36 movement.

So as a Seiko 5, the new line carries on with an automatic movement with day and date, water resistance, a protected crown, and a durable case and bracelet (several options are available here, from a steel three-link to a mesh to silicone strap and even an OEM NATO). And, as a nod to the outgoing king of entry-level Seikos, the new 5ers also look a lot like a Seiko SKX007.

We see a very similar dial design (save for some branding changes, applied numerals, and the new Seiko 5 logo) and the case is, for all intents and purposes, identical to that of the SKX. While updated with drilled lugs (love) and a display case back (always a crowd-pleaser), i"’s very clear that while Seiko didn’t want to update the SKX line specifically (as their dive line up is now nicely packaged within the Prospex family), they did want the look and feel to live on as the new basis for the Seiko 5. While it’s quite likely that the new Seiko 5 line will expand into more than just dive-adjacent sports watches, as a relaunch I see this as something of a come up for the Seiko 5 in general but something of a half-measure for those that may have been hoping for a direct replacement of the SKX007.

Where the new Seiko 5 has most certainly improved is in the use of a more modern Seiko movement, the automatic 4R36. A generational jump over the 7S26 common to previous Seiko 5s and SKXs, the 4R36 offers hacking and hand-winding (7S26 had neither) along with a 40-hour power reserve, a rate of 3 Hz (21,600 vph), and in my experience with several examples, improved accuracy compared to that of the 7S26/36 movement. While the new Seiko 5s cost a bit more (in MSRP) than the street price of many of the previous generation"s models, the 4R36 is not entirely common to Seiko"s most entry-level offering (many of you will have experienced the movement in many SRP Prospex divers). It"s not a fancy movement, but it is reliable and accurate enough for a modern Seiko sports watch.

Aside from the movement and the similarity to the SKX, the next aspect of note for the SRDP Seiko 5s is the myriad versions available at launch. Again, I  was able to get 10 examples on loan from Seiko, but there appears to be some 27 different versions offered at launch. The line covers everything from more standard models like the SRPD55 and the SRPD53 to an all-black version (the SRPD65), a gold-tone model (the SRPD76), and the colorful and textured format of the distinctive green SRPD77.

It"s a lot, especially considering there were only a handful of models in the original SKX00X lineup. In my mind, this is a direct nod from Seiko to the modding culture surrounding many of their entry-level pieces. A wide range of colors, straps, bracelets, and personalities, all from one base design. No longer do you need to buy the black dial and then order parts from all over the internet, now you can pick the one you want (or close to, theoretically) right at the store. Also, let"s not forget that there is an unseen offering with these models, as they are US market available. While many of us turned to grey market dealers to buy warranty-less Seikos from Japan (or nearby, shout out to my SKX007K brothers and sisters), you can now get your Seiko 5 SRPD from your local Seiko retailer, and leave the store with a warranty and the welcome assurance of authenticity (which is a big plus if you"re just getting into watches or uncomfortable with buying online from sometimes-dubious sources).

As you can assume, the SRPD Seiko 5 line wears just like an SKX007. It"s is a bit tall, but sits flat and evenly on my 7-inch wrist. Lug to lug distance is very agreeable, even for somewhat smaller wrists. Thickness and width are manageable, with the crown placement ensuring it doesn’t wear any wider than the measurement would suggest.

The strap options are of specific note as the bracelets and the rubber are vastly improved over what came, as stock, with watches like the SKX. The three-link "oyster" style is tight and nicely made, the silicone is soft and pliable, and while the mesh feels wide on wrist (no taper) it is nicely made and quite comfortable. Finally, the NATOs are better than I expected, with matched hardware and a soft but hardwearing finish. Not as nice as some of the premium options on the market but certainly well matched for the SRPD 5ers at this price point. As far as the mounts are concerned, a job well done (and with drilled lugs, it’s easy to change your mind).

The new dial design is sparse with ample negative space and added presence, thanks to the applied markers. The black is smoother and richer than that of any SKX or Seiko 5 I have come across, and there are additional finishes that take the work even further, like the iridescent green of the SRPD61, the full stealth black-on-black look of the SRPD79, or the textured dials (and matched case coloring) of the SRPD77 and SRPD85.

While the branding and dial text are limited, the lume is anything but. While these new Seiko 5s may lack the dive-specific chops of their aesthetic forbearer, they glow as well as any Seiko should. Bright, long-lasting, and more than ready to help flood your Instagram feed with #lumeshots.

Finally, while my old and well-loved SKX007 is not the bar with which I would measure the fit or finish of these Seiko 5s, I"m around a lot of Seikos and the touchpoints for these Seiko 5 have been improved. The bezel is smooth and positive (if a little vague, but that’s not uncommon to entry and mid-level Seikos) and the crown action feels much more robust than that of any previous Seiko 5 or SKX that I’ve fiddled with.

With an MSRP starting at $295 (for more simple models on steel bracelets) and rising to $335 for the more intricate versions on a NATO and then finally $350 for models on steel that also have additional decoration (like the black/black SRPD65 for the tan/steel mech SRPD67), competition is tough. First, we have to consider the street price of both the outgoing Seiko 5s (many of which can be had for less than $150) and the SKX007 (where you get a true dive watch, but no updated movement, flashier colorways, or any sort of a Seiko warranty).

Highlighted above, there is also the reality of the difference between Seiko MSRP and Seiko street prices. Many of you who have been around Seiko watches in the time of the internet know that there is a vacillating delta between the pricing suggested by Seiko, and the pricing found from various online retailers (including the grey market). To make matters more difficult, that delta can change due to demand (newer models tend to carry a street price closer to that of the MSRP) and due to the regional availability of the watch in question. By that I mean if you can’t buy it in a store in your country, the MSRP is largely meaningless.

As an example, using what is likely my favorite affordable Seiko dive watch on the market today, the Prospex SRP777, the price has moved around a fair bit since they were introduced. Originally holding a street price that was aligned with its $495 MSRP, I’ve seen this watch (and other versions of the SRP “Turtle” diver) dip well into the sub $300 range and, at time of posting, pricing is hovering around $370 (which is still a considerable discount off of the MSRP). The point is, it can be hard to pin a fixed price to a Seiko and thus tough to establish the closest competition. But assuming a price point of around $250 to 400, let"s give it a try.

We’ve been over this, at length, and the comparison is definitely a case of give-and-take. If you really need a dive watch, the SKK00X divers remain a great option. That said, their price has risen since being discontinued and while there isn’t exactly a shortage to be found both new and second hand, they now cost roughly the same as a new SRPD Seiko 5, which will have a warranty, not to mention an updated movement. The SKX007 and other similar Seikos, is a great option if you must have an ISO certified Seiko dive watch around 42mm and under $300. But, in getting the dive spec, you trade some benefits available on both the new SRPD 5ers and other current-model Seiko Prospex offerings.

If you actually want to dive, or perhaps simply want what I believe to be the sweet spot in Seiko"s more entry-level dive offerings, the SRP “Turtle” divers are nothing short of excellent. Yes, the case is a bit larger at 44.3mm, but given the dished case shape and its relatively square dimensions (it’s still just 48mm lug to lug) the Turtle wears way better than you’d expect. It’s a US domestic model available in several versions that span steel, gold-tone, and a handful of special editions. All have 200 meters of water resistance, a Seiko 4R36 movement, and feel more than at home underwater (I took my review unit diving several times in Vancouver).

Here is another fan favorite that shows up in a lot of lists for great entry-level dive watches. The Mako has been around for a while and comes in several versions, with the most standard being the black dial Mako II. With a 41.5mm steel case and a matching steel bracelet with solid end links, a sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance, the Mako II has a committed following thanks to its classic design and excellent price point. If the Seiko options don"t suit your style or you need a solid option on a tighter budget, the Mako II is definitely worth a look.

If you want a dive ready option but would prefer the fuss-free nature of a solar-powered quartz movement, this Citizen Promaster Diver (ref BN0150-28E) has a lot to offer. On the larger size, this Promaster measures some 44mm with the crown but packs an Eco-Drive movement, 200 meters water resistance, and a date display at four o"clock. As a larger casual diver for weekends and vacations, or to balance out a more dressy workweek collection,  this may be just the ticket for grab-and-go scenarios and sub-aquatic adventures.

With a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, a 43mm steel case, and 500 meters water resistance, the Bell Diver 1 Auto from Surfa is a professional tool dive watch created by an actual saturation diver (listen to his story here). Complete with an HeV that the creator has actually used and tested, the Bell Diver is an example of just how much value is available just outside the usual suspects from Seiko and Citizen. If you’ve gone down the usual path many times, maybe take a look at value-focused but more specialized options like the Bell Diver 1 Auto.

So where does all of this leave the new Seiko 5s? From my perspective, the new SRPD line is well-positioned in a very competitive space. Yes, these new models follow the established Seiko 5 format, and lack the water resistance and the luminous pip to qualify as a true dive watch (although the international standard for dive watches does specify 100m as an acceptable minimum) but Seiko has many many more dive offerings in the Prospex line up. If you"re a diver and want to take these diving, I"d suggest that while the 100m water resistance is likely more than up to the task, you may want to look elsewhere. If you"re not a diver and you are looking for a handsome and well-made entry-level steel sports watch, then the new Seiko 5s offer excellent value and tons of variety to suit your personal tastes.

The new Seiko 5 really makes the most sense only when considered in a post-SKX007 world. If you stick to the perspective, as I did initially, of someone who remembers the incredible excitement of opening that blue Seiko box to uncover their first Seiko diver, the new Seiko 5 feels under-spec"d and perhaps too expensive. But, as a modern offering into the enthusiast space, what the SRPD line lacks in toolish dive appeal likely won"t matter to most buyers who want something that can handle the pool or perhaps snorkeling while on vacation. And for the ones that do care deeply, not only are there plenty of SKX007s floating around, Seiko also has a vast line of legit dive watches for not much more money.

While not a true dive watch, I do think the new Seiko 5 manages to uphold the SKX007’s legacy as a value-driven and everyday-ready sports watch that is perfect for those who are just dipping their toe into the bubbling waters of watch enthusiasm. To that, I say jump in! The water is great and you likely don’t need 200 meters to have a whole "lotta fun.

Ever since watch winders have been available for sale, consumers who own Seiko Kinetic watches wonder why they cannot use a watch winder for their watches. Automatic movement watches work by motion and spinning of the watch"s inner rotor. The spinning of the rotor then winds the mainspring and powers the watch over time. There is no internal battery so usually the watch will stop running within 1-3 days.

The Seiko Kinetic movement watch is designed differently from traditional automatic movement watches. Seiko developed the first Kinetic watch back in 1988. The movement does have an internal rotor inside that swings, but it’s connected to a piece of quartz and a capacitor. The energy stored inside the capacitor powers the watch. The power stored on the watch can last up to 4 years or longer. Since the power last so long for Kinetic watches, we do not recommend purchasing a watch winder.

Many of our customers who purchase a watch winder for their automatic watches also own Seiko Kinetic watches and will use an unused slot to hold the Seiko Kinetic watch. It makes a nice display but the Kinetic watch will not take a charge from the circular motion of the watch winder. Seiko has produced a device called the Kinetic Energy Supplier that has an internal magnet which will power up your kinetic watches. They are made for technicians and watch dealers only so you won"t find them sold very often. Since Seiko Kinetic watches hold a charge for a long time, we do not see the need for a Kinetic energy supplier for the average person.

Seiko Group Corporation(セイコーグループ株式会社, Seikō Gurūpu kabushiki gaisha), commonly known as Seiko (SAY-koh, Japanese:semiconductors, jewelry, and optical products. Founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Seiko introduced one of the first quartz watches and the first quartz watch with a chronograph complication.World War II.

Around the time of Seiko"s founding, watchmakers in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya were studying and producing pocket watches based on Western products. Japanese wholesalers needed to purchase all the imported timepieces from foreign trading companies established in Yokohama, Kobe, and other open port areas.

In 1885, Mr. Hattori began dealing directly with these foreign trading firms in the Yokohama settlement focused on the wholesaling and retailing of western (imported) timepieces and machinery.

Over the years, Kintarō Hattori developed a close partnership with multiple foreign trading firms, including C&J Favre-Brandt, F. Perregaux & Co., Zanuti & Cie. and Siber & Brennwald, allowing him to obtain exclusive imported timepieces and machinery, which was not available elsewhere at that time.

Hattori"s shop became increasingly popular due to the rarity of the imported watches the shop was selling, which couldn"t be found anywhere else in Japan. The growing success allowed him to relocate the company to the main street of Ginza (Tokyo), still the epicenter of commerce in Japan to this day.

In 1891, 10 years after the establishment of K. Hattori & Co., the 31-year-old Kintaro was appointed director of the Tokyo Clockmaker and Watchmaker Association and member of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce.

In 1892, Hattori began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha(Seikōsha), meaning, roughly, "House of Exquisite Workmanship." According to Seiko"s official company history, titled A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko (2003), Seiko is a Japanese word meaning "exquisite"(Seikō); it is homophonous with the word for "success"(Seikō).

In 1895, the watch dealer purchased the corner of Ginza 4-chome (the present-day location of WAKO), and constructed a building with a clock tower (16 meters from top to bottom), setting up shop at the new address.

Military watches produced for Japanese troops during World War II were manufactured by Seiko, which by 1938, produced 1.2 million timepieces a year. The scarcity of raw materials during the war diverted much of Seiko"s production to on-board instruments for military aircraft and ships. In contrast to Japan, Germany utilized both domestically produced and Swiss-produced watches. (Switzerland maintained neutrality during the conflict.) Japan"s isolation in the Pacific meant the country could not rely on importing foreign timepieces.

In 1967, Seiko won second and third place in a watch accuracy competition at a Neuchâtel Observatory competition; the competition was canceled after that year.

In 1968, Seiko took first place in a Geneva Observatory competition with a score of 58.19, surpassing all previous records. Swiss companies ranked first to third for their quartz movements and Seiko ranked fourth to tenth for its mechanical movements. In the competition, there were special movements for the competition.

In 1969, Seiko introduced the 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.

Seiko released the world"s first TV wristwatch in 1982, the first voice recording wristwatch in 1983, and the first wristwatch with UC -2000 computer function in 1984.

In the late 1980s, Seiko produced the first automatic quartz, combining the self-energizing attributes of an automatic watch with quartz accuracy. The watch is entirely powered by its movement in everyday wear.

The company was incorporated (K. Hattori & Co., Ltd.) in 1917 and renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983 and Seiko Corporation in 1990. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation and Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a holding company in 2001 and was renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation on July 1, 2007. Seiko Holdings Corporation was renamed Seiko Group Corporation as of October 1, 2022.

Seiko is perhaps best known for its wristwatches, all of which were at one time produced entirely in house,crystal oscillators, batteries, sensors, and LCDs, but also minor items such as the oils used in lubricating the watches and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials. Seiko watches were originally produced by two different Hattori family companies (not subsidiaries of K. Hattori & Co); one was Daini Seikosha Co. (now known as Seiko Instruments Inc., a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings since 2009) and the other was Suwa Seikosha Co. (now known as Seiko Epson Corporation, an independent publicly traded company). Having two companies both producing the same brand of watch enabled Seiko to improve technology through competition and hedge risk. It also reduced risk of production problems, since one company can increase production in the case of decreased production in the other parties.

Currently, watch movements are made in Shizukuishi, Iwate (Morioka Seiko Instruments); Ninohe, Iwate (Ninohe Tokei Kogyo); and Shiojiri, Nagano (Seiko Epson). Its subsidiaries are produced in China, Malaysia, and Singapore. The fully integrated in-house production system is still practiced for luxury watches in Japan.

K. Hattori & Co. (currently Seiko Group Corporation) was one of the three core companies of the former Seiko Group. Seiko Group consisted of K. Hattori (SEIKO), Daini Seikosha (currently Seiko Instruments Inc., SII), and Suwa Seikosha (currently Seiko Epson Corporation, EPSON). Although they had some common shareh