Seiko Watches: Precision, Innovation, and Everyday Excellence
At Belmont Watches, we’re all about watches with soul, timepieces that tell a story. And few brands tell a better one than Seiko. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the world of horology, chances are you’ve crossed paths with this legendary Japanese watchmaker.
Seiko has been quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) reshaping the global watch industry for more than 140 years. From building the world’s first quartz wristwatch to pioneering affordable mechanical dive watches, Seiko is more than just a brand - it’s a movement.
A Legacy in Motion: The Birth of Seiko
Founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori, Seiko started as a small watch and jewelry shop in Tokyo. Just over a decade later, Hattori was building clocks under the name Seikosha, which loosely translates to “House of Exquisite Workmanship.”
By 1924, the company released its first wristwatch bearing the name Seiko, a brand that would go on to challenge and even redefine Swiss dominance in the watch world.
Quartz Revolution: When Seiko Shocked the World
If you know anything about the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s, you know that Seiko was right at the center of it. In 1969, Seiko launched the Astron, the world’s first quartz wristwatch. It was shockingly accurate and dramatically more affordable to produce than traditional mechanical watches.
The Swiss weren’t thrilled, but consumers were. The Astron helped usher in an era of accessibility and precision, turning Seiko into a global powerhouse.
Dive Deep: Seiko’s Tool Watch Heritage
For many watch lovers (ourselves included), Seiko dive watches are where the magic is.
In 1965, Seiko released Japan’s first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. Rugged, legible, and affordable, it set the tone for decades of Seiko innovation underwater. That was followed by the Seiko 6105 in 1970—an icon made famous by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now.
Other iconic vintage models include:
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Seiko 6217-8001 (62MAS)
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Seiko 6105-8110/8119 ("Captain Willard")
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Seiko 6309-7040 (Turtle predecessor)
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Seiko 6159-7001 (Hi-Beat Diver)
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Seiko 6139-6002 (the "Pogue" chronograph)
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Seiko 7016-8000 (Flyback chrono)
Each of these watches helped Seiko cement its place among the greats of dive and tool watch history.
Seiko’s Greatest Hits (So Far)
Here’s a look at just a few of the model lines that make Seiko one of the most versatile and respected brands in the world:
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Seiko 5 Sports: Affordable, durable automatics with a cult following
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Prospex: Tool watches for land, air, and sea, including modern reissues of classics like the 6105 and 62MAS
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Presage: Dressy mechanical watches showcasing Japanese artistry (like enamel, urushi, and textured dials)
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King Seiko: A revived 1960s line emphasizing clean design and sharp case geometry
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Grand Seiko (now its own brand): High-end finishing, Spring Drive innovation, and some of the most precise timekeeping on Earth
What Makes Seiko Special?
Here’s why Seiko continues to win over collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time buyers alike:
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Innovation with Purpose: Seiko never innovates just for flash. From quartz to Spring Drive, their innovations solve real-world problems.
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In-House Everything: Seiko manufactures every part of its watches in-house, from cases to movements.
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Unmatched Value: From sub-$200 automatics to premium watches, Seiko brings value at every tier.
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Design Identity: Seiko designs are practical, bold, and full of heritage, often instantly recognizable.
Final Thoughts: Seiko Is for Watch Lovers
There’s a reason Seiko shows up in so many collections. It offers accessibility, depth, and genuine horological innovation, wrapped in a package that never tries to be something it’s not.
Explore Belmont’s collection of vintage and modern Seiko watches, and discover why this historic brand continues to resonate with generations of watch lovers.