Understanding Seiko: Who's Who of Watchmaking

Support us on Patreon for extra interactions and goodies: / thewatchestv
While we were staying in Japan, we had the opportunity of understanding a bit better Seiko, not only the brand or should I say brands, but the Group as a whole. It's big, it's quite complicated, but it's definitely fascinating!
In this edition in our "Who's Who of Watchmaking" series we come back on the main historical milestones; from the very origin of the company founded by Kintaro Hattori to the impressive demonstration of innovations developed by this group of companies and there are many (first quartz watch, first solar watch, Springdrive just to name a few).
Innovation and quality are precisely at the very core of Seiko's development and I am pretty convinced that we will still see some further examples of this in the future in their various brands and collections (Seiko, Grand Seiko, Credor...).
Enjoy & Viva Watchmaking!

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Seiko is very underrated. It watches are amazing, with authentic designs and own soul. Very very high quality. Greatness.

[@TheFPF422]

They give a lot of bang for a buck... and who else can offer a beautiful quality automatic for a lot less than $100 If I win at the lottery someday (I’m very broke), I wouldn’t go for a Rolex but I would chose a Grand Seiko (and a Panerai Luminor too 😉)

[@larjkok1184]

I don’t know why you don’t rate them. Most people understand that their watches are brilliant. They are highly regarded and the Grand Seikos take it to another level.

[@sorinbunea471]

I don't think Seiko is underrated..

[@levedia]

Best bang for the buck seiko. Then the best bang for the buck is Oris. Only swiss watch i would own. Both in house movement. I own 3 seiko watches.

[@saltyolive_]

the true underrated is citizen. go check out their HAQ :)

[@DelusionalJ]

We Japanese respect the Swiss so much. In fact I feel that it's out of admiration of the Swiss, German (European and or Western) brilliance of watch craftsmanship that we even began to tackle watch making to begin with. I sincerely believe many Japanese feel this sentiment, just don't understand English, and see many Western KZbin stuff to comment like myself, cheers from Japan

[@mashedpotato982]

This is what I like about Japanese, in general. The humble nature.

[@prometheus160]

japanes stuff is the best mate cars watches you name it in europe are very apreciated

[@BPLeroyLotusEvora]

Marc André, again, what a wonderful, positive and balanced overview of what Seiko has on offer. All the more amazing because in the end, you are Swiss. But it shows your class, your in-depth knowledge and you passion for what makes a really good watch! Thank you so much! If ever you go to Japan on a trip, I’ll seriously consider joining you!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many many thanks for your comment, very appreciated and that could indeed be nice to do a Japan trip. But for this year we already have our Swiss ones organised and you are very welcome to join! There's some info on our website ;) All the very best to you

[@stardust4711]

Very good summary of the history of seiko. Thank you. I enjoyed it very much

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Great, happy you enjoyed this one!

[@fredysiregar9180]

Another great eye-opener about what Seiko is all about. Appreciate this very much. Thank you, Mr. MAD!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

And you are most welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@masqueman01]

Probably the most versatile watch brand on Earth who has made so many forward thinking contributions to watchmaking

[@Chiffonkek]

Tfw Seiko took out most Swiss watchmakers with a single innovation, then shared their patents of it (unlike Bulova) just to give themselves worthy challengers again.

[@DMINATOR]

Seems like Japanese decided to start with a New Game+

[@lkkjhtemmexv1838]

swiis is anoither world, they didnt end, they just produce in less quantities, but they now produce in better quality. seiko? ? japan export. just shitfull wathces that need often repairs,,,idiots love it. be happy.

[@retardno002]

@@lkkjhtemmexv1838 lol there are original Seiko Turtles from the 70s that are still running. Their automatic in house movements are on par or better than most Swiss ones. You're talking out of your ass. Have you seen the 8 million Hz watch that they recently made? It's 1/4 as accurate as an atomic Cesium clock, since the isotope they use decays at around 36 million Hz, which is what is measured for timekeeping. The way Seiko cut the quartz crystal gave it the ability to vibrate up to 8 million Hz. Wrap your prejudiced head around that achievement, a wrist watch that is 1/4 as accurate as an atomic clock.

[@retardno002]

@@lkkjhtemmexv1838 Oh, and it's all wrapped in a classic, thin, white gold case and only has a date complication, no crazy chronographs or digital bullshit.

[@Zenavesta]

Like Tesla and their electric car and charge station pattens; making them available to everyone to use. Think Elon took inspiration for Hattori and Seiko?

[@SoCalFreelance]

Yes! I am proud to say I still own my Seiko Scubamaster M795-5A00 dive watch I purchased in the 90's.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very good!!!

[@wbfchicago]

The clarity and depth of contents like this is what I subscribed this channel for! Please keep up the good work!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

With such nice comments, definitely gets us going to do more and better!!! Thanks a lot, very appreciated

[@MrTimstaaa]

Excellent summarization of Seiko's history. Thank's again for another great review.

[@outtagoodnamesdangit]

Great video. Very in-depth, interesting, and respectful to the brand, just as one would expect for a solid documentary. I honestly learned a lot about this brand, even as someone who already likes them and their work, so thank you for sharing!

[@rarts2000]

Finally, the Seiko report I was waiting for this one for so long, Amazing Job Marc, Nice souvenirs on your table 😁

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very happy you liked it, thanks so much for this!! All the very best to you

[@MortezaAlavizadeh]

Fantastic video, Marc Andre. What a joy to watch! The history of Seiko and the variety of their timepieces is staggering. Truly a top notch brand

[@supermash1]

Good video. I like seiko as a brand. I remember my dad brought home a seiko quartz watch (I think) maybe 50 years ago. I think my first L.E.D. watch as a kid was a pulsar - that seemed like such a cool watch then! A lot of water has flowed under the bridge over the years, now we all seem to admire mechanical watches again.

[@ROBERTOCARLOSVEN]

Probably the most underrated watch brand in the world.

[@melchizedekpsj]

Seiko and Grand Seiko remain some of the most prized in my personal collection. Thanks a lot for the video!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Most welcome and congrats to you!

[@melchizedekpsj]

@@WATCHESTVcom 🙏

[@WonkyView]

Great video! In-depth history, innovations, achievements and actual first hand footage of objects you are talking about. Amazing production!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That’s very nice of you, very appreciated, thanks!!

[@richasay9077]

Fantastic video! I do hope you deep dive into more areas, like the Spring Drive, Grand Seiko automatics, etc. Keep up the great horological content!

[@khalid969]

I appreciate your objectivity and your command over the English language.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for this much appreciated comment!

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

Swiss people usually speak English quite well. I am not denigrating the man's achievement, but it is not like meeting a Moldovan or Turk Or Guatemalan. They all seem hell-bent on destroying the English language, if they can speak it at all.

[@michael_mouse]

... Brilliant mini doco Marc... Viva!

[@Ryan-jr2cv]

Awesome! Loved this! More Seiko please! 🙏🏼😍

[@paoloaquilia7187]

Great insight and thanks very much for educating us . A wonderful series and can’t wait for the next brand. Bravo

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for your appreciation, means a lot to us!!!

[@karimshrayedeh9135]

Thank you for all the efforts you put into creating this video. You have well covered 150 years of Seiko watches history. I loved every minute of it, and you made me happy about my decision to buy a Seiko watch.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That makes us super happy and bravo on your watch 👍👍

[@Rechale1994]

wow...very interesting details about Seiko which we never know before.thanks so much for the clip...

[@blainecole5452]

Both comprehensible and comprehensive. Cheers for yet another quality production.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very nice of you, thanks a lot!

[@jdstarek]

I find myself liking and respecting Seiko more and more over time. I picked up the PADI Turtle (Pepsi) a couple years ago. I was introduced to Grand Seiko a while back and recently purchased my first GS (SBGM235). I believe it really is the finest piece I own (including my Rolexes and Panerai).

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We understand ;)

[@afarhan21]

Seiko is such an important watch company. The story of watchmaking would remain incomplete without them especially with what they achieved with Quartz and Spring Drive movements. Very comprehensive report Marc, enjoyed every bit of it.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Definitely an important one and would really love so much to be able to visit the actual manufacturing side of it!!! Thanks for the comment and all the very best to you

[@lordpagano]

I'm wearing my Seiko SNK803 today. Of the various watches I own, only the quartz ones are more accurate that this. So much horological history at such a low price! I really love it.

[@lkkjhtemmexv1838]

your a fukin imbecile...if he seiko is the most accurate its becasue all of your watches are needing service, by the way tha seiko will not need service but repair, new parts... be ahappy.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

A very interesting resumée of Seiko. Thanks for taking so much time and trouble to make this great content.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

It was a pleasure, thanks for the comment!

[@pbody0808]

Great, great video! Way to go, Marc!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot and very happy you enjoyed it 👍👍🙏

[@mdrafatsiddiqui]

loved your narration. rustic yet smooth

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot, very nice of you 👍✌️

[@grahamkearns3565]

Thank you so much for a great overview of Seiko. I am heading to Japan in a few months, so a trip to their Tokyo Museum is now on my list.

[@ubertoby]

One of the very few 20 minute videos I’ve seen which flew by. Well done

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Makes us happy, thanks a lot !!

[@RobBrook]

Great video Marc and comprehensive breakdown! I had the opportunity to see the Museum last year so it's great for the recap!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Nice 👍

[@FirestormAA]

Wow Marc u & your team really travel far to give us watch coverage. Truly truly appreciate deeply. Your content is as alway rich & detailed. I learn much from u. I'm alway looking forward for your new videos. Cheer Alvin Aw from Singapore.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That’s super nice of you and makes us very happy. Thanks a lot

[@terrytong9251]

This is amazing content! Thank you so much!

[@MelvynPettit]

Another excellent and very informative history of the Seiko watch company’s. This video is another timely (no pun intended) one, as an armature and keen watch repairer I am at present servicing a vintage Seiko 5 Automatic Mechanical Watch. It is fitted with the Seiko 4206/B Mechanical Automatic Movement the smallest movement I have worked on so far. Really loving these video’s from Japan Marc, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

You are most welcome and thanks a lot for your comment! All the very best to you

[@jimd1617]

Outstanding video! Thank you

[@FPV_sk8]

Fantastic informative video. Loved the old photos!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for this 🙏

[@stevenuk]

really like Seiko/ Grand Seiko. Very interesting video.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot!

[@DoctorAB282]

More than great analytical works well done 👍 and many thanks

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Most welcome and many thanks for the comment! Best to you

[@tommyb5141]

As ever great content...... Viva Seiko .

[@benjouz]

thank you very much for this very interesting and complete video ! (as usual) Cheers !

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Most welcome and thanks for the comment

[@halecomer8969]

Fantastic video, fascinating to learn of Seiko and Seikosha' watch making history.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks 🙏

[@Reachforitify]

I have a 1968 Grand Seiko 4522-8000 and it is keeping great time. I have many Seiko watches and love them all dearly.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video! Thank you for highlighting Seiko!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Glad you liked it, thanks

[@jayremi4384]

Thank you for this very interesting and detailed video.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very welcome!

[@HRM.H]

Great video , Ive been a long time seiko fan. Great selection of watches and seem to be getting better with the years. My grail piece would be a prospex LX springdrive.

[@syedhussain6031]

I have GS snowflake spring drive golden and it's one of the most beautiful watch with high & latest quality technology available. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Very informative video and I am really impressed. I did subscribe your channel because of your quality/hard work.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot, this is highly appreciated and I hope we will continue to entertain and inform you with our contents! Best to you

[@MrKkramme]

Very good video and wonderful Grand Seiko brand.

[@hantms]

Lovely video!

[@YulianRojas]

Favorite watch brand without a doubt!! Very good video!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks 🙏

[@colsanjaybajpai5747]

A vey well compiled and annotated video. V informative and a professional effort

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for this, highly appreciated. Best to you

[@colsanjaybajpai5747]

TheWATCHES.tv God bless you. Hope to keep gaining from your videos

[@mercifulangel8750]

Thank you for this! Seiko Love!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Ver welcome and thanks for watching!

[@AhmedSadoon]

Awesome execution. Fan of Seiko.

[@wtfmrb293]

My favorite watch brands are Japanese. Seiko and Casio.

[@J69Nice]

The real big 3 of watches are Seiko, Citizen, and Casio. All great innovators and contributors to horology

[@abhishes]

I am a simple man. I see Seiko. I hit like. They make amazing watches specially Presage. Such great value for money and fine quality.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Haha, thanks!!!

[@hmroa3056]

Great video, great review of Seiko history.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

🙏🙏✌️

[@entubator01]

Loving your objectivity and thoroughness on covering the Seiko group history and craftsmanship. (un compatriote)

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Mille mercis!

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

Great video

[@mdunawaym]

Great history! Thank you!

[@canonyeo4286]

Excellent video. Learnt a lot. Tks.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Great and thanks!!

[@arnauda5311]

Excellente vidéo, comme d'habitude, mais que j'apprécie encore plus étant donné ma passion pour cette belle maison ! Sur le sujet de la crise du quartz, le livre "Rattraper et dépasser la Suisse" de Pierre-Yves Donzé est absolument génial. Viva Watchmaking !

[@rakdurrre]

This video is so perfect. The content, the form. Swiss precision. I was looking for a documentary about Seiko and stumbled upon this. Quite different from a documentary, but I got the information I wanted, and it was delivered with the perfect tone. Very enjoyable watch. And yes, Seiko is amazing. My main problem with the watch industry (also applies to luxury goods in general) is the lack of innovation. Yes there are interesting evolutions with complications and everything, but these feel a bit meaningless against the backdrop of history and the human evolution. However, Seiko is another story. They push beyond this. They seek to truly innovate in a meaningful way - ways that advance humanity. Seiko is the shit. Seiko is insanely underrated. I love this company, their stance, their work, and their products so much.

[@itsalgud1459]

Great description of a very complicated corporation, Marc.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks and it's indeed rather complex!!!

[@mrpetit2]

I would love to see more video's about Seiko's factories (inside footage of their production lines etc). They have so much to show, as they make everything themselves. The cases, chrystals, main springs, bearings etc etc. Virtually no other brand does that and uses certain components from other specialized suppliers. So in that regard Seiko is also unique.

[@malcolmmacrae7927]

I have a Seiko solar powered watch and am very pleased with it.

[@johnhjic2]

What a very interesting video thank you.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Most welcome 🙏

[@jean-d.lemaire6821]

Thanks for the video 👈 really great!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

And thanks for the comment!

[@cedystic]

love the bobbing cats in the background! great video TWT!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot!

[@gmshadowtraders]

10:36 - That solid gold Astron is absolutely beautiful. It's the last watch I'm really longing to get one day. Your video presentation is fantastic. Seiko is up there with the very best, and in some areas I would say they are number 1 without question.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks for your comment 👍👍🙏

[@stevemcqueen1560]

I am sitting here wearing my 18th Birthday SEIKO divers watch model 7548, Seiko's 1st Quartz divers watch. This watch was made Sept 1978 and is now 41yrs old. I have the battery and seals replaced 4 yearly and wear the watch daily in salt water at my local ocean pool for around 30 minutes.

[@albertmyers7176]

Best vids ever thank you

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very welcome 🙏

[@grantmcduling9760]

I really enjoyed this video. Great company, great history and great watches. Any chance of an inside look Casio?

[@abdulazizahmed838]

great video

[@seikotherapy]

You made my day!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Then that makes me very happy, thanks!

[@chogno98]

This was excellent. Dōmo arigatō!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot 🙏🙏

[@LegendaryGauntlet]

Wearing a JDM Seiko Brightz right now, that's made out of titanium, and with a level of finish that many watch makers can only accomplish on $4000+ models. There's nothing like it around here in Switzerland...

[@sxxx73]

Great video..thanx a lot

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍🙏

[@setter55]

Very enjoyable video. I hope you do make a trip to the seiko manufacturing plants. Ive read many interesting articles from blogs and other watch sites etc that have done factory trips. Not seen many videos though.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Yes, we would love it so much too, would be amazing experience!!! Thanks for the comment

[@PersonaN007Grata]

As a watch enthusiast with a very modest income, I have come to appreciate Seiko. I hope to one day own a Spring Drive piece with its hypnotizing second hand. Recently purchased the handsome vintage styled diver, SPB143, with the 6R35 movement and am hoping it compares favorably to the Swiss workhorse, ETA 2824. Only time will tell.

[@ednammansfield8553]

A very interesting video about the Seiko brand of watches. I have several Seiko watches of which my very first Seiko was a Seiko 5 which I still have from 20 years ago and wear often. I believe the Seiko 5 was the first Seiko watch to be made affordable to everyone due to its low maintenance and reliability for a mechanical watch. I think also that Seiko were the first company to produce solar powered quartz watches long before Citizen came out with the Eco Drive range of watches and as you said the first company to produce a digital watch which Casio also caught onto by producing their own and is now a world leader brand for these watches. Thank you for posting this video, greetings from here in the UK and I have subscribed to your channel.

[@J69Nice]

I like Seiko but I am pretty sure that Citizen came out with solar watches a year before Seiko came out with their first solar powered watch. Also solar watches from Seiko are known to be less reliable tech than Citizen’s Eco Drive tech. Love both watch companies, just different strokes for different folks 😄

[@mirzamohammadbeg1928]

Excellent video Marc. Waiting for your video tour of actual CREDOR manufacturing plant.

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

That would be fantastic

[@carloscardona9859]

awesome video, thanks

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very welcome 🙏

[@dwaynejava]

I have a Seiko Sarb 033. Amazing watch for a reasonable price.

[@todorelojconfernando]

Fantastic video great job with the explanation 👍👍👍👍

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot!!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Collecting Vintage Watches - Seiko is such a great company, it’s sad that non watch people don’t think of them anywhere close to Rolex!

[@todorelojconfernando]

@@SoCalWatchReviews seiko has so much history and tradition just as much as Swiss brands, quickly becoming my favorite brand

[@robertorizzo3159]

great video!!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

🙏🙏

[@shipmate3577]

Great video. As a Rolex and Seiko owner/collector , found this useful

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thank you very much for your comment

[@freedomd333]

wearing a gs watching this made me happy, very nice video

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching!!

[@logwind]

Amazing brand. I own two GS and they're unbelievable watches.

[@sherifkhattab9033]

Good job

[@jovangorgi]

This guy, I love this show.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many many thanks!!!

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

Great video 👌 very informative. I hope you make more videos about other brands

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks 👍 have you seen some of our other videos in the “who’s who of watchmaking” series? Best to you

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

@@WATCHESTVcom I started seeing your videos since Baselworld 2019, I will search for the other "who's who of watchmaking" 👍

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Great, I think you will enjoy them. Well I hope ;)

[@seikocitizenwatches]

I love Seiko watches

[@ramanbhaipatel2258]

I have been using for myself and was a salesman for the local jeweller in PTY.

[@issamladdi]

Excellente vidéo. Didactique sans être barbante !

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Merci beaucoup, ça me fait très plaisir!!

[@chawenhalo0089]

I must admit that my Seiko Marinemaster "Tuna" 300 quartz is my favourite "beater" watch. The only one out of quite a few "diving watches" all Swiss that's survived beach activity, snorkeling and spear fishing. Seiko IMO = fit for purpose, unlike most luxury propositions...

[@Hoppetakeyama]

Excellent vdo. Great job. I wish I could visit the GS factories.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Me too 😉👍

[@ollianddelphine]

Great video, thanks. I think another trip to Japan may be in order. More on Seiko but also Citizen who are very interesting too. You mention the challenge of the smart watch, Citizen are doing connected watches but with traditional hands and faces instead of mini phone screens like Apple watches, I think they are a good compromise if you want a connected watch. I still only have mechanical for the moment. Viva watchmaking.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks for this interesting comment 👍✌️

[@JamesMinerTattoo]

greatest watch manufacturer in history