Seiko has become one of the world’s most famous and well respected watch brands in the world throughout its long history. The brand first began as a small shop owned by the brand’s founder, Kintaro Hattori. The shop sold watches and clocks and offered repairs on these timepieces. These decades of experience have allowed the brand to grow and develop its watchmaking expertise. This ensures that each timepiece created is of the highest quality. Seiko have grown a loyal following over the years due to the reliability and quality of the brand’s watches. Seiko watches are some of the most collectable in the horological industry. The brand regularly releases extremely desirable limited edition models. If you are yet to discover this incredibly popular and well respected brand, here are 5 reasons to buy a Seiko watch.
Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Seiko Watch
Seiko watches offer good quality for money.
Seiko offer watches with a large range of price points. The brand create both high end and affordable watches to ensure that there is a perfect and accessible Seiko model for every collector. Seiko’s watchmaking experience and expertise ensures that its watches are of superior quality at every price point. The brand do not compromise on the quality of the movements and materials of its timepieces. Instead, costs are reduced by exclusively using in-house movements. This allows collectors to select their perfect Seiko model based on personal style and requirements as the quality will not be comprised in a lower priced watch. Seiko’s excellent value for money is one of the top 5 reasons to buy a Seiko watch.
Seiko Green Dial Brown Leather Strap Watch SUR449P1
This watch features an iconic Seiko movement, using high quality materials at an accessible and affordable price. The green dial ensures that this watch will stand out on the wrist. It would make a key statement piece in any collection. The dial exhibits a weekday and date aperture for optimal timekeeping. A high quality stainless steel case houses the reliable quartz movement that powers the watch. This watch is water resistant up to 100 metres, or 10 bar, meaning that it can be worn for some swimming activity. The watch is secured on the wrist using a classic brown leather strap that is decorated with white top stitching. This watch is traditional enough for daily wear. However, the bold green dial gives it a contemporary twist making it a great option with an affordable price.
The brand’s limited edition models are popular collector’s watches.
Seiko frequently launch limited edition versions of some of its most popular models to celebrate these watches and their heritage. The limited edition watches are incredibly popular with collectors, making them very desirable timepieces. These watches are often limited in number and therefore hold their value very well. The brand’s limited edition timepieces are often collaborations with other companies, designers and charities. Some limited edition watches are simply remakes of discontinued vintage Seiko watches that are relaunched with a modern twist. Seiko limited editions are an excellent way for collectors to feel as though they are the proud owner of a piece of the brand’s history.
Seiko Limited Edition 1986 Professional Diver’s Recreation S23635J1
This limited edition watch is limited to only 1200 pieces globally, making it a very collectable timepiece. The watch was released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Seiko’s first 1000m water resistant Saturation diver’s watch. This model is from the brand’s Prospex collection. This name combines the words ‘professional’ and ‘specifications’ to emphasise the core qualities of the watches. The watch is made using ceramic and titanium, giving it a high quality and robust finish. A calibre 7C46 quartz movement powers the watch, ensuring it is precise and reliable. The watch is water resistant up to an impressive 1000 metres, or 100 bar. As this watch is a limited edition model, it comes with both a black silicone strap and an additional silicone bracelet. The watch and its accessories are presented in a limited edition box.
Seiko was an innovator in the quartz revolution.
The quartz crisis of the 1970s was a time of great change in the horological industry. For many brands it was a challenging period. Many traditional watch brands struggled with the new innovation of quartz movements. However, Seiko was at the forefront of the quartz movement. In December of 1969, Seiko launched the Astron which was the world’s first quartz watch. This brought great fame and recognition to the brand and it excelled from this point onwards. Seiko become one of the most popular watch brands in the world. As they were the first brand to launch a battery powered quartz watch, Seiko have had the longest amount of time to perfect them. Seiko’s quartz watches are some of the best on the market.
Seiko Chronograph Black Stainless Steel Bracelet SSB399P1
This watch is an example of just how powerful Seiko’s quartz movements can be. This model features a chronograph with three sub dials. A date display is also positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock on the dial. Additionally, a tachymeter scale features around the edge of the dark dial. All of these complications, as well as the hour, minute and second functions, are powered by the quartz movement that is housed within the black-plated stainless steel case. The watch exhibits a dark colour scheme. This gives it an elegant and formal look that would be suitable for both everyday wear and formal occasions.
The brand prides itself on using the best materials.
Seiko are known for its extremely high quality timepieces. Many collectors opt for watches that use the finest materials for the promise of longevity and robustness. The brand often use PVD plating on the watches to give them an aesthetically pleasing and scratch resistant finish. Some of Seiko’s watches are made using titanium for the ultimate lightweight and robust timepiece. The use of these high quality materials are part of what gives Seiko a reputation for excellence.
Seiko Astron Global Active TI Limited Edition Purple Dial SSH101J1
This watch is made using super hard-coated titanium in the creation of the case and bracelet. This ensures that the watch is suitable for heavy-duty wear for sporting and every day. The bracelet is secured on the wrist using a three-fold clasp with a push-button release to ensure that it cannot be lost through rigorous wear. The bold and unique purple dial is protected by dual-curved sapphire crystal.
The watch is powered by a GPS solar movement. This movement has a power reserve of up to 6 months while in use and up to 2 years when in power save mode. This makes it an incredibly reliable timepiece as it is very unlikely to stop when not in use for shorter periods of time. Alongside its high quality materials, the watch also has a perpetual calendar and a world time function to ensure that the wearer is always on time, anywhere in the world.
Seiko create watches to a professional level of quality.
The brand is well known for its series of dive watches that are all built to professional diving standards. The combination of Seiko’s high-quality movements and materials will assure any collector that the watches can be worn with confidence and pride. Seiko watches are well regarded within the diving community, and would therefore make a great addition for any watch collector or aspiring diver.
Seiko Prospex Compact Solar Scuba Diver SNE573P1
Being part of the Seiko Prospex collection, this model perfectly combines a professional look and excellent specifications. The watch is practical, reliable and durable in order to meet the high standards that are required in extreme environments. This makes the watch perfect to be worn by sports lovers and adventure seekers. This model is water resistant up to 200 metres, or 20 bar, making it suitable for wearing during many swimming activities. The watch is secured on the wrist using a black silicone strap which will be comfortable to wear, even when wet. The watch is powered by a solar movement of the calibre V147. A scratch resistant sapphire crystal lens and luminescent hands and hour markers make this an ultimate diver’s watch.
What are your 5 reasons to buy a Seiko watch? Let us know in the comments below!
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the world of horology, my profound knowledge extends across various watch brands, their histories, and the intricate details that make each timepiece unique. With a deep passion for watches and their craftsmanship, I've closely followed the evolution of renowned brands like Seiko, dissecting their contributions to the industry. Allow me to share insights into Seiko's legacy and the compelling reasons that make it an exceptional choice for watch enthusiasts.
Seiko: A Legacy of Excellence
Seiko, a name synonymous with precision and innovation, has etched its mark on the horological landscape since its humble beginnings under the visionary Kintaro Hattori. From its inception as a small shop offering watches, clocks, and repairs, Seiko has evolved into a global powerhouse, celebrated for its commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation.
1. Unrivaled Quality Across Price Points: Seiko's commitment to delivering exceptional quality is evident across its diverse range of watches. Whether crafting high-end timepieces or affordable models, Seiko maintains an unwavering focus on superior craftsmanship. The brand's extensive experience and watchmaking expertise ensure that every Seiko watch, regardless of price point, is a testament to precision and durability.
Example: Seiko Green Dial Brown Leather Strap Watch SUR449P1
2. Limited Edition Collectibles: Seiko's limited edition models stand as coveted treasures for collectors worldwide. These releases, often collaborations with other entities, designers, or charities, offer a glimpse into Seiko's rich heritage. Limited in number and thoughtfully designed, these watches become not just timepieces but cherished artifacts, holding both historical and monetary value.
Example: Seiko Limited Edition 1986 Professional Diver’s Recreation S23635J1
3. Pioneer in the Quartz Revolution: Seiko's pioneering role in the quartz revolution of the 1970s is a testament to its innovation. The launch of the Astron in 1969, the world's first quartz watch, catapulted Seiko to global acclaim. This forward-thinking approach continues to define Seiko's quartz watches as among the best in the market, benefitting from decades of refinement.
Example: Seiko Chronograph Black Stainless Steel Bracelet SSB399P1
4. Use of Top-notch Materials: Seiko's reputation for excellence extends to its meticulous choice of materials. Whether employing PVD plating for aesthetic appeal and scratch resistance or crafting watches from lightweight yet robust titanium, Seiko watches exemplify longevity and quality. These material choices contribute to the brand's standing as a symbol of enduring craftsmanship.
Example: Seiko Astron Global Active TI Limited Edition Purple Dial SSH101J1
5. Professional Diving Standards: Seiko's Prospex collection underscores the brand's commitment to creating watches to professional standards, especially in the realm of dive watches. Renowned for their high-quality movements and materials, Seiko dive watches are trusted by the diving community and make a compelling choice for collectors and diving enthusiasts alike.
Example: Seiko Prospex Compact Solar Scuba Diver SNE573P1
In conclusion, the allure of Seiko watches lies not just in their functionality but in the brand's rich history, unwavering commitment to quality, and innovative spirit. Whether you're drawn to their limited editions, appreciate the precision of quartz movements, or seek a reliable companion for underwater adventures, Seiko offers a timepiece for every discerning collector.
