A Visit To Seiko Japan

While "watchmaking" and "Switzerland" are at times considered to be synonymous - at least by the general public - watch aficionados are astutely aware of the rich manufacturing heritage beyond the Swiss border, in places like Germany, Britain, and Japan. A couple of months back, a few members of the HODINKEE team had the opportunity to pay a comprehensive visit to the latter, where we were given access to two of Seiko's manufacturing facilities, as well as the Seiko Museum. In this, the latest installment of our "Inside the Manufacture" series, we take a look at the watchmakers and processes behind the broad range of Seiko offerings, including mechanical, quartz, Astron GPS Solar, and Spring Drive models. From Tokyo to the northern city of Morioka and back south to Shiojiri, we crisscrossed the island nation, covering some 500 miles by high-speed train over the course of a week. For a recap of our little Japanese adventure, please enjoy our original video and photos. For more, go to: hodinkee.com/blog/with-seiko

[@aaroncostello8812]

Q: "How did you wind up working here?" A: "I was selected by my master to succeed him." C'mon...even you Swiss watch guys have to admit that was EPIC AWESOME!

[@ripperx444]

+Aaron Costello Yes its amazing. My GS puts my swiss watches to shame including the "moon watch" that gained 12 seconds a day straight out of the AD after purchase. Its all marketing. If you want true swiss horology you will need to pay...all these Rolex ( althoough i still like and own them) cant even touch brands like this in QUALITY.

[@stewiehitler9145]

Seiko build with soul👨🏯🌊. Casio builds for spreadsheet sales🕵📈🏢. I like both Japanese corporations but Seiko has been in my grandfather since he was in the military. Seiko has been longer than Casio, but Casio is a aesthetic retro classic to 80s and 90s for cheaper digital chrono's my father and I wore during my childhood I have dozen of them, but have two Seiko watches and two wall clocks that decades from dads childhood. Seiko make absolute jewellery but for every many I still interest classic Casio G Shock I don't know why. They are tacky ballistic plastic industrial and combat beating watches and not so a jewellery piece more for its role and action. I wear Seiko for formal occasion. If your taking high end price. Between Seiko GPS and premium hybrid Casio G Shock MTG it's a hard one...

[@Livaren]

Moon watch? Omega?

[@Believerification]

Is that true? That's surprising.

[@canneddinners6059]

ripperx444 You should get a Vacheron Constantin or a Jaeger LeCoultre, these are incomparable

[@giangvu7902]

Anything the Japanese make are good. The label "Made in Japan" is not a sign of status, but a sign of superior quality!

[@aHigherPower]

Japan has a culture where honor is respect, with a emphasis on excellence and perfection. I have always been a huge fan of the Japanese philosophy in seeking quality and perfection. However outsiders will never be Japanese and they are still closed to outsiders.

[@MooSaidChicken]

Just bought my first "nice" watch. Seiko SKX007J. Had to spend an extra $50 just because it was the made in Japan version, but it was worth it.

[@KingKsEDC]

@@MooSaidChicken congrats! Awesome watch! Just for future purchases, dont get caught up in where the watch was made. Malaysia. Japan....its all the same! Same quality just different locations. Though its cool to have 'Made In Japan' versions but its the same. If you are willing to pay a premium to get that and want that then by all means go for it but just know its the same.

[@MooSaidChicken]

@@KingKsEDC Yeah they are virtually the exact same, and there isn't really a reason to get the J. But For me it was kind of like getting the upgraded trim in a car. This is most likely the nicest watch I will own for quite a few years, so I splurged some. This is the watch my dad wore throughout my childhood, so it has sentimental value to me as well.

[@KingKsEDC]

@@MooSaidChicken Makes perfect sense! Congrats on a kick ass watch!! And thats awesome to wear same watch as your dad. Makes wearing a watch even more special!!

[@steveenglish4392]

The Japanese take so much more pride in what they build than their counterparts everywhere else in the world. I have owned Seiko watches my entire adult life. 50 years ago my dad bought me my first Seiko on his way back from Vietnam. I was 10 at the time and I have been wearing them ever since. There is not a better made watch for the money anywhere else in the world. Their dedication for excellence can be seen in every watch they make.

[@florin604]

+STEVE ENGLISH I have a Seiko , it's so abused and it refused to die or to be beautiful... I'm getting old and my seiko still looks young ... I kinda envy it

[@jefftuttle7890]

Even the cheaper ones. Man, talk about attention to detail. Example Seiko 5. They are excellent. Maybe that is why they are the #1 selling watch on Amazon.

[@delroywashington3185]

Saw a seiko on ebay 27 years old good as new ?

[@RovexHD]

Germany of Asia

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

@@RovexHD they're the Japan of the world.

[@carlosdelacadiz6658]

If I ever win the lottery, Im getting a Grand Seiko for my everyday watch and a Seiko Credor for special occasions. Beautiful time pieces and works of art!

[@andret7325]

Dear Seiko!I want to thank you! I am extremely honored to carry one of your watches. I admire my SBGR065 every day, many times a day. Thank you!

[@adityas6900]

hard-working Japanese, truly dedicated craftsmanship which bestows an aura of sophistication to their watches, totally impressed by the hand painted dials. ! Indian fan here.

[@4427126]

I go to cry to my corner.... Thank for all this people who make this finest work!!! A SEIKOHOLIC !!!!

[@user-sr5zi1hd8d]

I can trust anything made in Japan. Japanese always make the best things in the world.

[@johnr8162]

I do agree

[@kabatengtengostendere8062]

you right!!!

[@alexserrano2850]

+Shumoku Hikari Except for Sony.

[@davidboyle1790]

+Master Yoda completely agree with you. And agree with your Lexus/Toyota comments! Japanese mastery!

[@datsunmadman]

+Shumoku Hikari AGREED

[@blazejewiczk]

i own multiple seiko watches. My grandfather was the first person and only one who started me on Seiko watches. I love the style!

[@tylero8595]

My first watch was a Seiko chronograph. I was 14 years old. That was 25 years ago. I still remember opening the box and being struck by how it looked. Its still a nice watch. Just too small now. Its in my collection. Out of all my watches that's the one I will never give up.

[@Lanstat]

reference?

[@evannussbaum1863]

Yes. Do you know what it is?

[@mannymercado716]

It is an honor for me to wear my 2 time pieces knowing that such precision, dedication, and artistry went into making it. Even after 26 years it keeps perfect time. No planned obsolescence in the design. That is not something I cannot say about most of my purchases. Truly timelessness designing and craftsmanship.

[@DeeeGeee301]

I love that Tsutomu Ito wears a MM300 while working on Grand Seikos!

[@mcstarling07]

Because he knows at that level it's just branding. The MM300 is an amazing, high quality piece and the 8L35B (9R55) is a great movement.

[@VR46champion]

I can't believe my Seiko 5 21 Jewels is 8 years old and still accurate as brand new. It's my work horse and I wear it playing any sport such as swimming or basketball and even Cycling.

[@ripperx444]

+Mark I bought my first "work horse" breitling with the all mighty B01 movement! That piece of shit broke in 1 month!!!! All marketing!!

[@VR46champion]

+ripperx444 oops sorry to hear that. I just got another Seiko 5 sport with 24 jewels 4R36 movement last week. It is 2 movements better than my 8 year old 21 jewels. Go for Seiko man

[@ripperx444]

+Mark I have one I have their high beat 9S85 movement. Good watch.

[@VR46champion]

+ripperx444 wow good for you!

[@ripperx444]

+Mark yea I love it. Better than Swiss watches in this price range. Only lacks the "brand recognition" but to me that means nothing!

[@davidboyle1790]

Superb video. One word....Integrity!!

[@nicholasse7enfold]

Discipline, dedication

[@htnguvon8693]

I have to travel to japan one day

[@costelloj70]

The watch snobs (6 down-votes) must be having an allergic reaction to this. SEIKO's dedication to the craft of watchmaking means they can produce watches for the "everyman" and yet still maintain the capacity to produce true pieces of watchmaking artistry.

[@1Sanantoniomatute]

+costelloj70 "8 Spring Drive movements per day" boo,boo. Rolex mass produces 2000 watches per day! (I'm guessing that's part of their thiking, hahaha).

[@Szarella]

" Rolex mass produces 2000 watches per day " Glad to know Grand Seikos are not MASSED PRODUCED.

[@Gindaman999]

But we all know the real "Watch Snob" @AskMen is a true fan of Grand Seiko :)

[@costelloj70]

troll much

[@costelloj70]

Ok, ill take the bait troll, I work in a profession that takes years to train for, In addition to my professional qualifications, I have an MBA. You need to go back to Archie's channel where you can surround yourself with like minded idiots.

[@patrickmarlett438]

I love this company's cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship as pertains to watch making. We are fortunate to have such amazing innovators working on the timepieces we own... I cannot wait to own a Grand Seiko.

[@lolyermad]

Fucking beautiful. So much passion, respect, and heritage.

[@diddleysquat4543]

This is a great video; thank you for uploading. I'm lucky enough to own a Marine Master 300m made by these wonderfully skilled men and women in Morioka; it is not only a thing of beauty but also a rugged tool watch which has kept perfect time, day after day and year after year. Hearing the watchmakers' comments and watching them assemble the watches has helped me appreciate my MM all the more. Anyone who claims high end Seiko have no soul needs to watch this video because the people who make them are putting their souls into the movements, cases and dials on the workbenches right in front of them.

[@F6LabsVideo]

+Diddley Squat I got my Marine Master just today, and tbh this kind of gave me goosebumps.

[@ripperx444]

This is just amazing and I can see why my GS high beat keeps a net +/- .008 seconds a DAY. The people take pride in what they do and the end result is a watch that most mass produced swiss companies can only dream of. This explains why my Rolex GMT master II black blue dial had freaking dust particles in it. This also explains why my ceramic submariner has a small magnification cyclops and why you can walk into any rolex boutique and see for yourself 5 of the same watches with these defects! Mass produced is mass produced and hand built with pride is hand built with pride! Grand Seiko is amazin and best bang for buck.

[@MonolithMike]

Seiko...I'm wearing one right now. Pure class...all Sooouuuullll.

[@logwind]

Enjoyed this very much. My Grand Seiko quartz is the jewel of my collection. Absolutely exquisite timepiece.

[@AboHyatTube]

One of the very best watches in the world, and also with a very good price.. I Respect Japan and the Japanese people very much and i trust their works more than any other country, in cars, trains, watches... etc, and of course Movies, all kind of Movies not only the animations which the Japanese animations movies and series are the greatest ever :)

[@bartektunia]

True good Technology lets See car or motorbike like Suzuki. Very good machines. For example Germany brands gone shit like Volkswagen. Japan makes good quality.

[@animemaniacotaku5188]

9999999% totally agreed with you

[@thevietsubvevo1]

japanese horror movies are the best omg

[@yoshkotoshko4773]

Ok i own a rolex deepsea fine...but there was something special about seiko i own one with a bright dial and one dark dial

[@globalcombattv]

what a weeb lol

[@matt1315s]

They really take alot of pride in making the watches. You can tell these guys really love what they do. I love Seiko.

[@ClearBrookExotics]

5 Seikos in my collection, and I still need to add a couple of Divers. Love them!

[@PHILIPPINESEXPATGERMAN]

Love Seiko watches !! Great quality ...Amazing prices....That watches make fun. Thank u SEIKO !

[@TheCaptain008]

I love Seiko and Casio. So cool to see a glimpse of the great people who make these.

[@mano52]

I highly respect the commitment and enthusiasm they have for their own work

[@MiaMohammadIshtiaque]

Thank you Seiko, i have been using one of your watches for the last 15 years; a gift from my dad.

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Awesome and insightful video! A Seiko watch is one of the finest embodiments of Japanese manufacturing!

[@jordanbrazinski8260]

Some of, if not the best watches, cars, technology, and cameras have come out of Japan. Incredible.

[@realblackbetty2204]

The Seiko SARB line looks like the grand seiko's, amazing watch for the money!

[@hasuhasellu]

True, I have the cocktail time which I ordered from Japan. When I got it, I showed it to a friend of mine who has 50+ years experience in the jewellery business and swiss watches. His reaction was; this is some nice watch!

[@RafaelSantos-vg3jd]

Wow watching him hand paint a dial (@3:40) with such steady brush movement is truly amazing.

[@audiogarden1]

It will be one of my greatest pleasures to one day own a grand seiko. Truly a masterpiece of horology

[@sgtliles30]

Huge respect to the workers, my favorite brand of watch.

[@MrZZooh]

Glad to see they enjoy their work and Seiko treats them well.

[@watchnerds8840]

This video is amazing ,i would love to go and visit japan and just spend time looking at watches.

[@dalitiko]

45 years as a car mechanic, seiko's collector, motorbikes owner, I could say that: Japanese quality is the best in the world!!!

[@faizaiqbal7071]

My seiko watch belongs to my dad he got it as a gift two decades ago and it still works so well I wear it everyday

[@Dochorahan]

My favorite video so far! And I just got my first Seiko too!

[@clintonshiells3095]

This is a very impressive and moving look at the master craftsmen at Grand Seiko, as well as Credor and Seiko. I’m very appreciative!

[@Grunge_Cycling]

The craftmanship spirit of the Japanese!

[@carlosdelacadiz6658]

Best watch company!☺

[@shamikprabhuchodnekar291]

Seiko is the true master pure perfection and dedication.Swiss haters will hate but deep down they know seiko is king

[@delroywashington3185]

Brilliant so professional ! I've got a 1970'd seiko love it !

[@anacquiredtaste3582]

Amazing video. Seiko has really dedicated itself to the upper ends of quality with their Grand Seiko line.

[@neuroplasticity]

It's great how happy and content they seem with their job. They know they are masters of something very difficult and don't have that "I work at a factory assembling things" mentality.

[@Animalkisser]

Speaking of Japanese watches, I have several Ricoh watches from the 70´s and they are EXCELLENT.

[@SpydieFan]

Great Vid, Makes me even happier that I purchased a Grand Seiko Quartz.

[@turdferguson9923]

I so wish there was a watch company i could work for here in the United States. I love watches, and love maintaining my ever growing collection of them! Seeing these brilliant artists doing thier work was a real treat!

[@TechCrazy]

Amazing. I have always had Seiko watches and clocks in the house. One is still running after 35 years, an automatic and haven't serviced or calibrated it yet and maintains perfect time!

[@3gpatrick]

Own a Seiko 5 Sport and Seiko Essentials Chrono watch. Quality is exceptional and many people give rave compliments! Seiko is among the best globally.

[@TimeArtPiece]

Beautifully done insight into Japanese watchmaking by Seiko. Thank you.

[@Samuel221-z7j]

This is exactly why I drive a Toyota and wear a Seiko on my wrist cause the Japanese are so damn disciplined in their craft its amazing. Such quality many others could take notes from.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

I LOVE and APPRECIATE these Craftsmen. They are ARTISTS! I adore my Seikos. I cherish them… ❤🙏

[@jefftuttle7890]

From a very young age I knew there was something special about Seiko watches. Now that I am 52 I love them.

[@grantlong7857]

Love the video, just awesome. ...such passion.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Fascinating, really great professionals. I believe I will now look to purchase one of these master pieces.

[@175139]

A really enjoyable insight into the methods and philosophy employed by Seiko. It'd be a great pleasure to own a Grand Seiko piece in the future, knowing that it had been created with such a high degree of care and dedication.

[@jmbaug1229]

Beautiful ! Great video !!!

[@paulthompson2147]

How can you not love Seiko after watching that.

[@S4L55]

Japan means durability, respect 🇯🇵👍 Greetings from Turkey🇹🇷 Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Maxell, JVC, Panasonic, Sony, Kenwood, Toshiba, Pioneer, Fujitsu, Brother, Hitachi, Kawasaki, Komatsu, Nikon, Canon, Bridgestone, Mazda, Isuzu, Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Nissan, Yamaha, Suzuki, Denso, Yokohama, Asics, SHIMANO, Roland, Tombo, Zebra, Pilot, Uniball, Playstation, Nintendo, Sega, Kubota, Makita etc, Quailty ever for any industry

[@milanpintar]

i bought a GS snowflake ❄️ a few days ago. Feels amazing.

[@WNYfellow]

Excellent production values - video & sound editing.

[@malcolmmacrae3276]

After watching the workers at Seiko assemble their beautiful yet reasonably priced watches I must have one.

[@BarracksSi]

Nicely-shot video. Looks great. Makes me want to get a GS for a "major milestone" watch. What a studio.

[@mannysingh6618]

Sweet video. Love my Seikos, especially the MM300

[@anassaleh223]

Japan is a wonderful gift to the world.

[@winchells]

I have several Seiko 5 automatic watch collection (Made in Japan) and I have never had any issues with them. Such durable and highly accurate watches!

[@philipfm]

What a amazing craft to learn. Many lifetime employees Any wonder their products are so good

[@megundu12]

I love both Seiko and Omega!!!

[@RobinJamesEricBond]

Epic video! Now I feel like saving up for a Grand seiko..

[@Frosty2]

This is why my Seiko is still running after 45 years.

[@jophiljoaquin2057]

excellent Job!i love seiko watches japan.specially my 62mas

[@pw10a2sal]

I love this video. Very nice.

[@alvinkoh5556]

Given the quality, the science of it, the passion, dedication and accuracy, Seiko is charging a nominal rate compared to the top tier Swiss watches. Still, Seiko makes good profit. That shows that the Swiss watch making industry is robbing the public by selling prestige in disguise of arts and science!

[@ChromeMan04]

My Seiko Presage white dial with 4R35 is made in japan and I love it!

[@e99g]

This Video is such a Gem 👍😊

[@karlfriman6035]

Great video as always.

[@brianfuller7691]

Seiko is so iconic in horlogical history and still great today

[@WATCHDAVID]

I also had the watch in front of the lens and wrote a cool review on the blog. However, I like your video review extremely well! Also very much info.

[@gg48gg]

Loved this video!

[@filmadordecarros]

I just bought a Seiko 5 Sports today; I know it's not the Highest-end Seiko Watch but it's a completely different and fascinating experience when comparing to a standard Quartz-Movement Watch. Automatic Watches are simply a tiny precision machine that it has *life* inside it (rather than Quartz-Movement which can be much more precise but are, generaly, dead metal pieces that count hours), and being my first Seiko it was a great shock for me. It's Japanese Superb work and dedication as always!

[@markperroni69]

The whole world should learn and follow the feeling of pride that Japanese workers have for the company they work for!!

[@aelmorky]

And after 8 years from this interview, Nov 2023 Katsuo Saito of Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc. has been awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon, an honor given by the Japanese government to individuals who became public role models through their diligence and perseverance in their professions. Amazing!

[@Lycosa]

Damn makes me want a grand Saikoeah. Gotta LOVE MY Seiko SKX007K2..... Pure love. Iconic Diver's piece.

[@Carlos-nq7up]

I admire the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese wrist watches! 👍 👌

[@bobbywahengbam7336]

Seiko is the best watch, budget friendly and high quality.

[@ShadowboltChoco]

Seikos are awesome.

[@ec-hi1br]

JAPAN HAS ALWAYS HAD A VISION OF WHAT IT WANTS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT. I STILL HAVE A GOLD WATCH OMEGA CONSTELLATION PIE PAN, THAT MY FATHER GAVE ME 60 YEARS AGO, BUT I ALSO HAVE MY SEIKO WATCH FROM 1963. NOW, TODAY, BOTH WATCHES STILL WORK PERFECTLY, AND I HAVE NEVER GIVEN THEM SERVICE OF CLEANING AND LUBRICATION, AND TODAY 4/ 26/ 20, I CAN SAY THAT JAPANESE AND HOMEMADE WATCHES COMPETE GLOBALLY. !

[@jonathanclark2072]

One day I will be able to buy a Grand Seiko! Beautiful. I own two 4R36 movement 24J baby monsters which I absolutely love.

[@georgeargyris7834]

My honor to the Japanese watchmakers of SEIKO.I have some SEIKO automatic watches from the entry level seiko 5 series.Great affortable mechanical watches.

[@boiliveson3015]

I love German and Japanese craftsmanship

[@aalamite]

Just love japanese stuffs...they r soo reliable...buy it and sit back and relax...

[@weerobot]

Seiko are Awesome...I am Honored to wear one...

[@svilenkonac2084]

My favorite watch company 👍

[@HenriRousseauAuthentique]

Getting my very first Seiko soon.

[@GRJLS.]

I love Seiko.

[@Calligraphy-dilipaweeratunga13]

Seiko is my choice since my childhood. Not very expensive.but has a super quality.

[@eddieg849]

These guys are chefs of watches