Seiko released Japan's first professional divers watch in 1965. Through interviews with divers about their actual work, the company incorporated numerous proprietary technologies. Based on Seiko's specifications, current JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards for divers watches were established. Released in 1986, the 1000m water-resistant "Prospex Marine Master Professional" is the pinnacle of this series. It features a one-piece case construction and proprietary gasket materials and shapes. Ensuring airtightness and watertightness, it is suitable for saturation diving without the need for a helium escape valve. Furthermore, by encasing the titanium case, which has a hard coating, in a ceramic protector, it prevents accidental rotation of the bezel and achieves superior shock resistance.



The limited edition Marine Master Professional "White Dolphin," released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the birth of Japanese divers watches, features a ceramic protector molded in white ceramic. The black urethane band is printed with "SEIKO" and "PROFESSIONAL He-GAS DIVER’S 1000m" in white, creating a striking contrast between black and white, similar to the case.

Prospex Marine Master Professional "White Dolphin"
Quartz, Ti x Ceramic Case x Urethane Strap, Limited to 300 pieces, ¥220,500.

Seiko Watch Customer Service Center
0120-061-012

BRAND HISTORY
The history of Seiko, a leading Japanese watch brand, began in 1881 when founder Kintaro Hattori established the Hattori Clock Shop in Ginza, Tokyo (then Uneme-cho, Kyobashi Ward). In addition to retailing and repairing clocks, the company actively imported foreign timepieces, steadily growing its business.

In 1892, he established the "Seikosha" watch manufacturing factory, finally starting the production of its own products. In 1895, the first domestically manufactured pocket watch, the "Timekeeper," was released, followed by Japan's first wristwatch, the "Laurel," in 1913. From 1924, the brand name "SEIKO" began to appear on the dials.

After the war, with an eye on full-scale global expansion, Seiko aimed to catch up with and surpass Switzerland, promoting high precision and quality to upgrade its products. This relentless development led to the birth of Grand Seiko in 1960 as Seiko's flagship product. The company established its own rigorous 15-day quality standard, comparable to the high-precision certifications of official Swiss institutions at the time, to manage its high accuracy.

Since then, it has continued to implement strict inspection standards known as the "GS standard," maintaining thorough quality control to this day. Around the same time, Seiko began participating in the Swiss "Neuchâtel Observatory Competition" and "Geneva Observatory Competition," achieving excellent results and surprising Swiss watchmakers.

In 1964, Seiko was the official timekeeper for the Tokyo Olympics. This role necessitated further advancements in precision and portability, and the research and development undertaken at that time also led to the creation of the world's first quartz wristwatch, the "Quartz Astron."

This model was released in 1969 and triggered a major movement known as the "quartz crisis" in the Swiss watch industry. Even after establishing its global position, Seiko has continued to explore various innovative approaches in both mechanical and quartz movements. In 1974, it launched "Credor," its highest-end domestic wristwatch brand.

Furthermore, in 1999, Seiko released "Spring Drive," a third type of drive system that combines the advantages of mechanical and quartz movements. In 2004, Spring Drive was also incorporated into Grand Seiko, Seiko's flagship line, once again demonstrating its advanced technological prowess to the international market.

Year Established: 1881
Place of Establishment: Tokyo, Kyobashi, Japan
Major Series: Grand Seiko, Credor, Seiko Galante
Contact: Seiko Watch Customer Service Center 0120-061-012
Official Website: http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/