SEIKO | Celebrating 100 Years of SEIKO Wristwatches at Ginza Wako

A special limited edition model, personally produced by the president, also made its debut.

Celebrating 100 Years of SEIKO Wristwatches at Wako, Ginza

SEIKO WATCH is a watch brand that Japan proudly presents to the world. This year marks the 100th anniversary since the first Japanese-made wristwatch was produced in 1913. For this momentous occasion, SEIKO held a commemorative reception. Alongside this, three types of four limited edition models were announced.

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

Expressing gratitude for the past 100 years and ambition for the next century

This year marks the 100th anniversary since the first Japanese-made wristwatch, the "Laurel," was manufactured at Seikosha in 1913. On the evening of June 6th, a "SEIKO Wristwatch 100th Anniversary Commemorative Reception" was held at Wako, a luxury specialty store crowned by the iconic clock tower in Tokyo's Ginza.

A photograph from around 1897 (Meiji 30) of Hattori Clock Shop. The location is near the Ginza 4-chome intersection where Wako stands today.

The first Japanese-made wristwatch, "Laurel," produced by Seikosha in 1913.

Over this past century, Japanese wristwatches have grown to become world leaders in both technology and production volume. In 1960, they produced the "Grand Seiko," a mechanical wristwatch with world-leading accuracy. In 1964, they launched the "Crown Chronograph," their first mechanical chronograph wristwatch. Then, in 1969, SEIKO surprised the world by releasing the "Quartz Astron," the world's first quartz wristwatch.

The world's first GPS solar watch, "SEIKO Astron."

SEIKO continued to introduce revolutionary watches, developing the auto-generating quartz watch in 1988 and the Spring Drive watch in 1999, which combined a mechanical system with a quartz regulator. Today, SEIKO has no rivals in the world for its electronic watch technology.

Released in 2012, the "SEIKO Astron," the world's first GPS solar watch, is a prime example of this innovation. This wristwatch receives GPS satellite signals, similar to a car navigation system, to quickly determine its location and display the accurate time anywhere in the world.

A special limited edition model, personally produced by the president, also made its debut.

Celebrating 100 Years of SEIKO Wristwatches at Wako, Ginza (Part 2)

Following greetings from SEIKO WATCH President Shinji Hattori at the event, a special announcement awaited. It was the unveiling of three types of four limited edition models to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

The most anticipated piece was the "SEIKO Wristwatch 100th Anniversary SH Special Model". SH stands for President Hattori's initials, and the design motif is inspired by the Shonan sea and its shores, which the president loves.

Playful engraving seen through the see-through case back. The illustration in the foreground depicts President Shinji Hattori as "Shinjio" (Shinji Fish).

Adventurer Yuichiro Miura (left) and Nozomi Sasaki (right), ambassador for SEIKO's ladies' model "Tisse," attended to celebrate the 100th anniversary.

It features a beautiful blue mother-of-pearl dial and a refreshing white strap. The ultra-thin mechanical movement, "Caliber 6898," with a thickness of only 1.98mm, encapsulates the history and craftsmanship of SEIKO's mechanical watchmaking. Playful details are incorporated into the movement's main plate and the underside of the strap.

Only 39 units will be produced. The assembly was handled by two of SEIKO's "Contemporary Master Craftsmen." The ultra-thin manual-winding movement, meticulously assembled by hand by assembler Mamoru Sakurada, is also individually engraved by engraver Kiyoshi Terui. This exquisite craftsmanship can be fully appreciated through the see-through case back. In the 100-year history of SEIKO wristwatches, no model has been as luxurious and playful as this.

Additionally, two models from the "Credor" brand were announced: the two-hand model "Credor Signo SEIKO Wristwatch 100th Anniversary Caliber 6870 20th Anniversary Limited Model" and the small seconds model "Credor Signo SEIKO Wristwatch 100th Anniversary Limited Model". Both are elegant, ultra-thin models equipped with the 1.98mm thick ultra-thin movement from the 68 series. Both are exquisite timepieces befitting the commemoration of SEIKO's 100-year history in wristwatch manufacturing.

Credor Signo SEIKO Wristwatch 100th Anniversary Caliber 6870 20th Anniversary Limited Model G8AQ964 (18K Yellow Gold Model)

Many SEIKO fans gathered in front of the clock tower on the rooftop of Wako in Ginza.

Furthermore, to celebrate this significant 100th anniversary, various celebrities attended the reception. Among them were adventurer Yuichiro Miura, who climbed Mount Everest at the world's oldest age of 80 on May 23rd; Sadao Watanabe, a leading Japanese jazz musician; TV producer and entertainer Terry Ito, known as a SEIKO fan; entertainer Junichi Ishida; entertainer and model Nozomi Sasaki, who also serves as an ambassador for SEIKO's ladies' model "Tisse"; and musician Shigeki Torizuka. Their presence greatly enlivened the venue.

The event served as a platform to re-emphasize the world of "Japanese SEIKO" and its excellence, not only through its products but also through the appearance of such distinguished supporters.