![SEIKO Brand 100th Anniversary Limited Edition Relay (1)] Focusing on the first group of three models, the Presage and Prospex!](https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/34-1-750x396.jpg)
The SEIKO brand will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, since the first wristwatch bearing the name “SEIKO” was released in 1924. To celebrate this anniversary, each brand will release a limited edition model, and OTOKOMAE will feature the 100th anniversary commemorative models in a relay format. In this issue, we look back on the 100-year history of the SEIKO brand and explain the features of the three models released as the first batch!
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A Look Back at the 100th Anniversary of the SEIKO Brand
SEIKO has its roots in the ” Hattori Watch Store ” founded by Kintaro Hattori in 1881. He started his business mainly by repairing and selling used watches, and in 1892, he established the watch manufacturing factory ” Seikosha ” in order to manufacture better watches in-house. This marked the beginning of Seiko’s watchmaking history.
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Seiko’s business was booming thanks to the economic boom following the Sino-Japanese War in 1894 and the completion of Seiko’s first pocket watch, the ” Timekeeper “. In order to make a fresh start, the “SEIKO” brand was developed with a desire to return to the company’s founding principles of “making exquisite timepieces.
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In 1969, the world’s first quartz watch, the Astron, was launched, marking a revolution in watchmaking history. It was dubbed the “quartz shock” and took the world by storm as a revolutionary event that would go down in watch history. Since then, Seiko has created numerous masterpieces and has grown into a major watch brand that is the pride of Japan, and it is no exaggeration to say that there is no one who does not know the name Seiko. It has established a firm position as a brand that produces innovative timepieces and is supported by people all over the world.
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Which 100th anniversary limited edition models are currently available? Features are thoroughly explained!
We introduce three limited edition models developed to commemorate the 100th anniversary that are now available.
SEIKO brand 100th anniversary model (1) “Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition
Named after Kintaro Hattori, the founder of SEIKO, this model faithfully reproduces the original model first released under the SEIKO brand in 1924, as mentioned in the previous part. The combination of a classic design that evokes a mood of Taisho Romanticism and a luxurious calf leather strap makes this special model a perfect opening to the brand’s 100th anniversary.
Release date: January 12, 2024 (Friday)
Price: 253,000 yen (tax included)
Click here for more details on the limited edition model
Feature 1: “A design full of nostalgic mood and a dial finished in beautiful enamel
The dial layout faithfully reproduces the original model. It is filled with nostalgic details such as Arabic numerals that look as if they were drawn with plenty of ink, nostalgic candy-work-like hands, and the SEIKO logo that is a reissue of the typeface from that time. The development of the new caliber 6R5H also made it possible to place a subdial at the 6 o’clock position. The dial is made of enamel, the same material used in the original model. It was reproduced by the technique of Mr. Mitsuru Yokozawa, a veteran enamel craftsman who has been working on the enamel dial model of Seiko Pleasure so far. The luster and warmth of the texture unique to enamel produce a beauty that will never fade away.
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Feature 2: “Classic case and windshield that strongly reflect the original design
The case is rounded, reminiscent of a pocket watch, and a box-shaped sapphire glass is used for the windshield, giving the watch a classic appearance. The large, eye-catching crown is a strong inheritance of the original detailing. The back of the caseback and the top of the crown are engraved with the trademark “Round S mark. A special pin badge in the shape of the mark in three dimensions is included, a specification unique to the 100th anniversary model.
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Feature 3: “A movable strap that evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of the Taisho era, just like the dial design.
The original model was originally a pocket watch case with lugs for putting a strap through. This model retains that atmosphere while meeting modern quality standards and adopting a pull-through strap with a movable structure, which was common at the time. The material used is sustainable calf leather supplied by a tannery certified by an international certification organization (LWG). The luxurious grain and softness of the leather make it an addictive piece to wear.
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SEIKO Brand 100th Anniversary Model (2) “Seiko Prospex Marine Master 1965 Mechanical Divers
The watch that inherited the design of the “Marine Master 1965 Mechanical Divers,” which paved the way for the history of SEIKO divers’ watches, is now available in a limited edition and regular 100th anniversary model each. The limited edition model features an unintentionally enchanting silver-white dial that enhances the geometric dial pattern. Limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide, the watch will be available with a serial number engraved on the back cover.
Release date: Friday, December 8, 2023
Price: 429,000 yen (tax included)
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Feature 1: “Inheriting the design of the Marine Master, updated to a sophisticated design.
The shape of the hour, minute, and seconds hands and the characteristic square indexes of the “Marine Master 1965 Mechanical Divers” are faithfully reproduced. High luminosity lumibrite is applied to the hour, minute, and seconds hands to ensure high legibility even in dark locations. In addition, the case and bezel have been widely “chamfered” to prevent scratches and snagging on other equipment, which is required of divers’ watches. By reducing the corners and creating a luster, the watch is sublimed to a beautiful look that radiates not only functionality but also brilliance. For the bracelet, a newly developed short-pitch bracelet is used. The bracelet is made with a double rounded curved surface, which feels good against the skin and provides a comfortable and supple wearing experience. The updated model with a sophisticated design that fits in with contemporary looks can be worn both on and off the wrist.
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By the way, here is the original released in 1965 that served as the design source. The latest model, which is the lineage of the great watch that paved the way for the history as the first model of Seiko Divers, was introduced at the timing of the major milestone of the 100th anniversary.
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Feature 2: “Beautiful to the back. The first Seiko diver’s watch to feature a see-through back.”
It has been difficult for divers’ watches, for which high water resistance and shock resistance are important, to have a see-through back cover. However, by reviewing the case structure and the standard dimensions of each unit, and by installing the thin and highly shock-resistant Caliber 6L37, which was developed for divers’ watches, Seiko has achieved the thinnest case among Seiko’s current mechanical divers’ watches at 12.3 mm, making it the first Seiko diver’s watch with a see-through back. The see-through back of the watch is the first of its kind for Seiko divers. The specifications that allow a view of the beautifully crafted mechanical movement are sure to tickle men’s fancy!
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SEIKO Brand 100th Anniversary Model (3) “Seiko Prospex Speed Timer Mechanical Chronograph
This model is based on the design source of the “Speed Timer,” a self-winding chronograph launched in 1972 that is still highly acclaimed today. This is a modern interpretation of the classic and elegant mechanical chronograph based on the high level of practicality required of timekeeping devices that Seiko has cultivated over the years. 100th anniversary commemorative limited edition and regular models are available, with the limited edition model having a blue-gray main dial and white silver sub-dials. The limited edition model has a blue-gray main dial and white silver sub-dials. The limited edition model comes with a replaceable black leather strap, with the words “LIMITED EDITION” and the serial number engraved on the back of the watch. This limited edition is available in a worldwide edition of 1,000 pieces (150 pieces in Japan).
Release date: December 8, 2023 (Friday)
Price: Limited edition model 385,000 yen (tax included), regular model 352,000 yen (tax included)
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Feature 1: “Adoption of an evolutionary movement that integrates the latest technology
Inheriting the philosophy of the first generation Speed Timer, this model is equipped with an evolved chronograph movement, caliber 8R48. As a “Manufacture” that handles everything from component design and development to component manufacturing, assembly, adjustment, and inspection in-house, it features a ” vertical clutch ” that achieves excellent timekeeping accuracy and high durability. The “pillar wheel (column wheel)” for reliable operation and stable movement, and other technologies inherited from the “1969 Speed Timer” have been further evolved and incorporated in this watch. Designed with an emphasis on reliability, robustness, and even maintainability, this watch is sure to be one that you will love for a long time.
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Feature 2: “Elegant design with a modern twist on the specifications of the time
The design source is a chronograph equipped with the ” Caliber 6138 ” launched in 1972. It inherits such fine details as the case with a classical circular hairline finish, the two-tone dial with easily distinguishable hour, minute and stopwatch hands, and the stopwatch hand with an orange finish on the tip. The bracelet is made up of finely pitched, flexible braces that support the weight of the case and are comfortable on the wrist, while maintaining an elegant appearance.
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Stay tuned for more information on the relay of SEIKO brand 100th anniversary models!
The above three models will all be released by the end of 2023, so stay tuned for the second installment of the 100th anniversary model relay article.
