Seiko 145th Anniversary: Celebrating 145 Years of Japanese Watchmaking Excellence
Celebrating 145 Years of Japanese Watchmaking Excellence
Seiko Watch Corporation is marking a historic milestone with its 145th Anniversary celebrations, a year-long series of special editions, events, and cultural programs that honor the company's extraordinary legacy in Japanese horology. Founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, Seiko has grown from a small watch repair shop into one of the world's most recognized and respected watch manufacturers.
The official Seiko website has dedicated a special site to the anniversary celebrations, inviting collectors and enthusiasts worldwide to participate in commemorating nearly a century and a half of innovation, craftsmanship, and Japanese watchmaking tradition.
A Legacy of Firsts
Seiko's 145-year history is punctuated by milestones that have shaped the watch industry:
| Year | Milestone |
| 1881 | Kintarō Hattori opens watch and jewelry shop in Ginza |
| 1913 | First Japanese-made wristwatch, the Laurel |
| 1960 | Launch of Grand Seiko, Japan's answer to Swiss luxury |
| 1965 | First Japanese automatic dive watch (62MAS) |
| 1969 | World's first automatic chronograph (Caliber 6139) |
| 1977 | World's first 6-digit LCD watch |
| 1999 | Spring Drive — a new mechanism combining mechanical and electronic |
| 2012 | Hi-Beat 36000 — world's highest frequency mechanical movement |
The 145th Anniversary Special Site
Seiko has created a dedicated online hub for the anniversary celebrations, featuring:
- Historical timeline: An interactive journey through 145 years of innovation
- Special edition watches: Limited releases celebrating key moments in Seiko's history
- Heritage exhibitions: Displays of vintage pieces from the Seiko Museum Ginza
- Cultural programs: Events connecting watchmaking with Japanese arts and traditions
- The Seiko Museum Ginza: Special anniversary exhibits open to the public
Special Edition Releases
Throughout 2026, Seiko has been releasing special edition watches across its major collections — Prospex, Presage, King Seiko, and Grand Seiko — each designed to honor different aspects of the brand's heritage. These releases often feature unique dial designs, special case materials, and commemorative casebacks that tell the story of Seiko's evolution from a Ginza workshop to a global watchmaker.
The 145th Anniversary editions have been met with strong demand from collectors, with many limited pieces selling out quickly through authorized retailers. This response underscores the enduring appeal of Seiko's heritage-driven approach to watchmaking.
Toki-no-Waza: The Art of Time
Central to Seiko's anniversary celebrations is the concept of Toki-no-Waza — "The Artisan of Time." This philosophy represents Seiko's commitment to the highest levels of handcraftsmanship, where master artisans combine traditional techniques with modern innovation to create watches of exceptional beauty and precision.
The Toki-no-Waza approach is evident in Seiko's finest pieces, from the hand-painted enamel dials of the Presage collection to the zaratsu-polished cases of Grand Seiko. Each watch embodies the patience, skill, and dedication that have defined Japanese watchmaking for nearly 150 years.
Sustainability and the Future
Alongside its historical celebrations, Seiko has also used the 145th Anniversary as an opportunity to highlight its commitment to sustainability. The company has outlined ambitious goals for reducing its environmental impact, including the use of recycled materials in watch production and packaging, as well as investments in renewable energy across its manufacturing facilities.
This forward-looking approach ensures that Seiko's next 145 years will be as innovative and meaningful as its first, continuing the legacy of Kintarō Hattori's original vision: to remain at the forefront of Japanese timekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Seiko founded?
A: Seiko was founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori, making 2026 the company's 145th year of operation.
Q: What is Toki-no-Waza?
A: Toki-no-Waza, meaning "The Artisan of Time," represents Seiko's highest level of handcraftsmanship and traditional watchmaking techniques.
Q: Are there special 145th Anniversary watches available?
A: Yes, Seiko has released special editions across its Prospex, Presage, King Seiko, and Grand Seiko collections throughout 2026.
Q: Can I visit the Seiko Museum Ginza?
A: Yes, the Seiko Museum Ginza features special anniversary exhibits and is open to the public.
Sources
- Seiko Official - 145th Anniversary Special Site
- Seiko Official - Learn About Seiko
- The Seiko Museum Ginza
Related: Explore Seiko's Heritage Collection | Grand Seiko: The Art of Time