Four SEIKO technologies: Spring Drive, Kinetic, mechanical and quartz watches.
spring drive
1977 The young SEIKO engineer began to wonder how he could make his dream of a "perpetual clock" a reality. And finally, he managed to create a mechanism with a central spring and an accuracy of one second per day, possible only for the best electronic watches. This engineer named Yoshikazu Akahane was a stubborn man who devoted himself to the watch industry. It took him 28 years to make many fruitless attempts and develop over 600 prototypes. However, in the end, he and his team finally managed to create new technologies in every area of watchmaking. In 2005, the SEIKO Spring Drive finally came out.
Four key features of Spring Drive:
The accuracy, reliability and durability of the Spring Drive is the result of advances in four key areas of luxury watchmaking.
1. High precision. The tri-synchronous governor controls and releases the mechanical, electrical and electromagnetic energy generated by the spring. It replaces the transmission mechanism, and thanks to the one-way movement, it is more reliable, durable and accurate. Spring Drive is a unique clock with an accuracy of up to 1 second per day.
2. Smooth movements of the arrow. Since the mechanism does not have a gear, all movements in it are made in a circle, in one direction, which allows the arrow to move smoothly. Spring Drive is the only clock in the world that accurately reflects the natural course of time.
3. Large supply of energy. New generation springs produce more power, run smoother and last longer. A special alloy developed in-house by SEIKO generates even more power and is also extremely durable and highly resistant to rust and high temperatures. The Spring Drive has a power reserve of 72 hours, even under continuous chronometer operation.
4. Fast winding mechanism. In 1959, Seiko invented an original technology based on the winding mechanism of a mechanical watch, the "Magic Lever". This helped to increase the efficiency of the automatic winding, due to the energy generated with each oscillation of the rotor. The new "Magic Lever" system mounts directly to the rotor shaft, delivering more efficient power transfer than ever before.
Mechanism.
Energy source. The only driving force is the mainspring.
Broadcast. The spring force is transmitted via a gear train - to the pointer and to the Tri-synchronous governor.
Regulation. The tri-synchronous governor controls the slip wheel and arrow with electromagnetic braking.
Three key innovations:
Tri-synchronous regulator. Specially developed by leading SEIKO employees.
1. Controls the mechanical energy of the spring.
2. Converts a small portion of this energy into electricity to power the quartz crystals.
3. Generates magnetic resonance to adjust the speed of the slip wheel.
Due to the fact that three different forms of energy are used, the regulator is called "three-synchronous".
Main spring. SEIKO has developed a new high resilience alloy "Spron 510" for the spring. SPRON 510* is SEIKO's unique, industry-leading grade for enhanced power and precision.
Magic Lever. Magic Lever is a unique winding system first developed by SEIKO in 1959. In the SPRING DRIVE model, the new Magic Lever winding system is installed directly on the rotor shaft, and is more efficient. Thanks to it, the time of the plant is reduced and a larger supply of energy is saved.
Kinetic
Kinetic has become a platform for creating a series of watches, as well as the Mechanical and Quartz series. In the Kinetic quartz watch, Seiko has managed to combine automatic winding with electronics, which made it possible to do without changing the battery. Over the past 20 years, SEIKO has built a series of Kinetic movements on this platform, each bringing unique features to consumers.
At the 1986 Basel Fair, SEIKO presented its first Kinetic prototype. It was presented to the public under the provisional name "AGM". This model was the first watch in the world that could convert the kinetic energy of movement into electrical energy. This was the first step in the development of this technology and led to the fact that after 20 years the Kinetic brand has gained a reputation for environmentally friendly, high-performance and convenient technology among users around the world. Since the first commercially available watch (then called AGS) was released in 1988, over eight million Kinetic watches have been sold to date (as of 2007).
In 1998, the Kinetic Auto Relay was released, and the watch's rest life was extended to four years. In 1999, the Ultimate Kinetic Chronograph was released, an unsurpassed masterpiece that embodied SEIKO's knowledge and skills in the manufacture of electronic and mechanical watches on the watch, and in 2003 another Kinetic Chronograph was released. At Baselworld 2005, the Kinetic Perpetual was first introduced, embodying the comfort and durability of the Kinetic. It also featured a perpetual calendar available until the year 2100. In 2007, the Kinetic Direct Drive model was released, using emotive technology specially developed by SEIKO.
1.SEIKO Kinetic Direct Drive is the epitome of SEIKO technology with an emotional touch. SEIKO offers new features in addition to the convenience and environmental friendliness of all models in the SEIKO Kinetic series.
Two winding options. As with all existing Kinetic models, the wearer automatically generates electrical energy by moving the wrist. With the new Kinetic Direct Drive model, the owner can wind the watch by simply twisting the wheel.
Indicator functions. The Kinetic Direct Drive model shows not only the reserve of energy, but also the level of charge when the owner of the watch twists the winding wheel. The owner can directly see and feel how the energy is directly transferred from the winding wheel to the reserve. The Kinetic Direct Drive model creates a direct interaction between the watch and its wearer!
2.Kinetic Chronograph. Unlike ordinary watches, the dials that show the time are located outside the center. The central hand is the second hand, which can show time with an accuracy of 1/5 second. The hour and minute dials showing the present time are displayed at the bottom of the watch screen, the seconds dial is displayed at the top left. Minutes are shown on a fan-shaped dial at the top right of the watch screen and can show time up to 45 minutes. The Reverse Reset function returns all hands to their original position at the same time by pressing the reset button. This feature is available for every hand, and operates through a mechanism that operates with a cardioid cam, which is commonly used for mechanical timepieces.
Movement Specifications (Caliber 7L22)
Powered by the movement of your hand
Operating time when fully charged: about 5 months
Chronometer: up to 45 minutes in 1/5 second increments
3.Kinetic Perpetual. The Kinetic Perpetual model combines the classic beauty of a perpetual calendar valid until February 28, 2100, with the benefits of the Kinetic model: recharging with the movement of your hand, the precision of a perpetual crystal oscillator, and up to 4 years of battery life when not in use. This model embodies the triumph of the classical tradition of watchmaking and modern microelectronics. The model includes 232 parts, almost the same number found in various models of high-end mechanical watches, as well as the smallest ultrasonic motor in the world, only 0.4 mm wide. As a result, the Kinetic Perpetual has set a new standard in the world of perpetual calendar watchmakers. This 0.4mm thick ultrasonic motor is the only power source for the 101 pieces of perpetual calendar mechanical gear train, which correctly displays not only the date and day of the week, but also months, including leap years. This unique calendar is also equipped with a photo sensor that recognizes the characters on the transmission mechanism and corrects the date, day, month and year, including for leap years. In addition, this model is based on SEIKO's unique Kinetic Auto-Relay technology. Thanks to it, the watch receives the energy for winding from the movements of the hand with the precision and reliability typical of the Kinetic Perpetual quartz watch model. Even if you don't wear the watch, this technology will allow it to function normally for up to 6 months from a full charge, after which the watch mechanism will go into "sleep" mode for up to four years. However, the watch retains its accuracy and the calendar continues to show the correct date, month and year, but the hands stop, conserving energy, until the watch is put on again - then the hand automatically snaps into place and shows the correct time.
Movement Specifications (Caliber 7D48)
Works with hand movements
Perpetual calendar until 2100
Hour hand (24 hours)
An arrow that shows the months
Leap year hand (7D46 / 7D56)
Leap year dial (7D48)
Power saving function
Time delay relay system shows accurate time up to 4 years
4.Kinetic Auto Relay Equipped with sleep and wake function. Was created on the basis of the "Kinetic" model; a quartz oscillator that supports the Automatic Generation System, which converts the kinetic energy of hand movement into a charge to run the watch. The Kinetic model has an energy-saving mode that activates when the wearer is not wearing the watch and recharges the watch for continuous operation for an extended period of time. Power saving function (sleep mode), which automatically stops the movement of the hands 72 hours after the watch has been removed, in order to save energy. Automatic time switching function (wake-up mode), which resumes power generation by the movement of the watch (when the wearer's hand moves) and automatically returns to normal to show the present time. This is provided that the watch is continuously used for 4 years (on a full charge) after it stops. Kinetic auto relay is equipped with these two features. In our latest model, Kinetic technology has been further developed with the development of Kinetic perpetual, which includes a perpetual calendar in addition to the Kinetic auto relay function. Movement Specifications (Caliber 5J32) Works with the movement of your hand. The time switching system allows the watch to run continuously for up to 4 years, showing the exact time.
5.Kinetic GMT Now that the Kinetic model is equipped with the GMT function, it has become even more convenient for travelers. From now on, setting the hour hand is possible without compromising the precision of the unique SEIKO Kinetic movement. Since Kinetic is powered by the movement of your hand, this practical and sophisticated new watch will allow the traveler to experience a unique combination of elegance, functional design and set-and-forget settings.
Movement Specifications (Caliber 5M65)
Powered by the movement of your hand
Operating time when fully charged: about 6 months
Power reserve indicator - viewable at the touch of a button
GMT hand with hour hand setting function
Mechanical
SEIKO 6R20 automatic movement. This high-end caliber will position SEIKO in the premium watch market. The 6R20 movement is assembled from parts, each of which, except for rubies, was produced by SEIKO Instruments Inc. The mechanism is elegantly complemented by an engraved rotor, polished details of the bridges and hatching on the dial. The fast paced movement (28,800 beats) provides an accuracy of -15 ~ +25 seconds per day, and the Spron 510* spring (a highly elastic material developed by Seiko Instruments Inc.) provides a power reserve of more than 45 hours.
Movement Description (Caliber 6R20)
Hour, minute and second hands
Day and date indicators
Power reserve indicator 28,800 strokes/hour
208 parts
Possibility of supplying arrows
engraved rotor
Movement Description (Caliber 6R15)
Hour, minute and second hands with calendar
168 parts
Possibility of manual winding
engraved rotor
Quartz
With its commitment to excellence, the latest development of SEIKO Quartz has become a new trend in the history of watchmaking.
Quartz watches, developed in 1969, revolutionized the accepted concept of watches. This watch is equipped with a crystal oscillator for accuracy. Crystals cut into specific shapes can generate vibrations when voltage is passed through them. Over the years, the idea has arisen that the crystal is a special conductor of electricity, and it can be used to create a quartz oscillator to improve the accuracy of watch movements. However, in order to take advantage of the valuable properties of quartz crystals, the advantages and accuracy of which have already been mentioned, many obstacles had to be overcome.
In 1969, SEIKO was able to solve all these issues and introduced the world's first quartz watch for sale. It has been ten years since Suwa Seikosha created a technology development plan to create watches based on crystal vibrations. SEIKO's unique technologies have been developed to create quartz watches. These include a tuning fork shaped crystal oscillator, integrated circuits and a stepper motor to properly control the signals from the crystal oscillator. In addition, SEIKO, with its desire to change the future of the watch industry, did not pursue the goal of monopolizing the patent right on these unique technologies and made them open to the whole world. Later, many of the technologies proposed by SEIKO became world standards and contributed to the development of quartz watch production technology.
Creation of artificial crystals to develop a quartz oscillator The first quartz watch on the world market Released on December 25, 1969, this watch revolutionized watchmaking. It was "SEIKO Quartz ASTRON". At that time, the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator was 8192 Hz, four times less than now. One of the main distinguishing features of this model was the stepper second hand, based on the action of the stepper motor, which later became a characteristic feature of quartz watches.
Like many watch lovers Seiko JDM (Japan Domestic Market) ), I started my acquaintance with them about 10 years ago with a purchase from the world-famous Seio Kobayashi ( Seiya Kobayashi ). Seiya's online store began operations in 2002. During this time, hundreds, if not thousands of buyers from Russia and certainly thousands of buyers from all over the world have become his clients.Some time ago, the Russian representative office of Seiko stepped up its work. But from the Russian prices for Seiko, I, to put it mildly, went nuts. As in the eternal phrase of the unforgettable Viktor Stepanovich "it turned out as always." Was it worth it to come to Russia with prices 2 times higher than in quite, to put it mildly, not cheap Japan?
"My charm" (c) Seiko Automatic Presage SARW 011 from Seiya costs $754.98 or ~ 45300 rubles
SPB 045J 1 (for example, a simpler design strap made of calfskin, not crocodile) in the official Russian online store costs 95,900 rubles - 2.1 times more expensive
Seiko Automatic Presage SARX019 by Seiya costs $608.98
Reduced cost model SPB 047 J 1 (again, a calfskin strap) in the official Russian online store costs 79,900 rubles - 2.2 times more expensive
Model from the new collection Presage Seiko Automatic SARY 075 from Seiya costs $336 or ~ 20,000 rubles
Completely similar model SRPB 43 J in the official Russian online store costs 32,990 rubles - only 1.65 times more expensive. Gotta get it, bgggg.
Particularly cynical sounds section "About us"
The purpose of this project was the desire not only to provide complete correct official information about the brand, to be the first to introduce new products and provide customers with the best service. The club format provides for bringing together people interested in the Seiko brand on a single platform where they could exchange emotions, thoughts, knowledge about the Great Seiko, raise and discuss current issues, share their knowledge and discover something new for themselves from the immense rich history of the brand Seiko.
We attract a wide range of interested people in social networks, where we try to regularly acquaint you with the history, pressing problems, the current situation, posting interesting events and news from the life of the brand in online and life-format.
We have been entrusted with a difficult honorable mission - to be the No. 1 site in Russia, and by combining our efforts, we will cope with the tasks set! Join and unite!...
Ftopku such "enthusiasts." Buy the right Japanese watches from the right Japanese stores.
P. S . Once again clearly visible that the idea pushed through by AKIT with VAT does not play any piano. Two ends is not at all 18%
In 1881, Kintaro Hattori, who studied watchmaking on his own, opened a watch shop in Tokyo. The novice entrepreneur bought imported watches and not only resold them, but also repaired them. Hattori was the first to understand the prospects for the development of watchmaking in Japan. After 11 years, he opened his own watch factory, which began the production of chronographs in Japan. With the intention of making first-class watches, Hattori named his business Seikosha (seiko is Japanese for "precise"). Since then, the rise of the company has begun, which is a phenomenal, almost fantastic story of discoveries, experiments and successive models of real pieces of watchmaking art. But first it took 32 years for a small factory with a dozen workers to become one of the most respected enterprises in the country of the Rising Sun. And although it looks like a fairy tale, today we call it the "Japanese economic miracle."
The company received its current name Seiko in 1924. In the same period of development, the main slogan of the enterprise was formulated - "A company that should surprise." After this discovery followed one after another. Seiko was the first company in Japan to manufacture a self-winding mechanical watch in 1955. The world's first quartz chronograph with hands on the dial was offered to consumers in 1964. And already in 1969, Seiko announced the start of the production of quartz watches. In the same year, the company offers a quartz wall clock and the wrist model SeikoAstron 35SQ, which made Seiko famous. Soon, quartz watches with a six-digit liquid crystal display and backlight will go on sale. The next novelty "capable of surprising" is the ultra-precise TwinQuartz model with an accuracy of ±5 seconds per year. At that time, this was the best indicator of accuracy, which contributed to the choice of Seiko as the official timekeeper of many important sports events, including, since 1964, the Olympic Games.
Almost since its inception, Seiko has grown steadily. Today, in addition to Chinese subsidiaries, a representative office in the United States has been opened, called the Seiko Corporation of America (“American Seiko Corporation”). The company also owns brands such as Lassale and Pulsar.
By the early 1980s, Seiko was becoming one of the most dynamic companies in the world, and its technological breakthroughs were gaining worldwide recognition. Even the James Bond of that period replaces the classic Rolex with the Japanese Seiko Quartz Analog and then with the Seiko LCD Digital, whose functionality is enhanced by such fantastic devices as a built-in radio transmitter or a time bomb. A real Seiko watch is even more fantastic and, at the same time, more practical from the point of view of the average buyer. For example, in the 80s, the company's designers offer a chronograph with a built-in TV. In the 90s, more useful additions appeared, such as a recording device or a minicomputer. Seiko was one of the first companies in the world to develop a diver's watch with a built-in dive map. In addition, the company's laboratories have invented a unique and inexpensive Sapphlex glass with sapphire sputtering. In terms of quality and appearance, it is no different from real sapphire glass, and at a much cheaper price.
And, finally, it was Seiko who was the first to design the 21st century chronograph - the Kinetic quartz watch with a "perpetual" clockwork. In such a watch, the mechanical energy of the movement of the hand is converted into electrical energy, so the mechanism will work as long as the watch remains on the hand. Another, more modern version of the mechanism without a battery, Seiko offered to consumers in 1999. In this model, the difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of a person's hand is used to generate energy.
And yet, no matter how new the developers surprise us, the good old mechanical watches never go out of fashion. Seiko still offers the exclusive GrandSeiko model, released way back in 1960, which initiated the collection of the same name. The Japanese watches of this series broke the monopoly of the Swiss on ultra-precise watches. But not only the unprecedented accuracy glorified the GrandSeiko model. Compared to watches of modern design, the old collection stands out effectively with its correct proportions and classic design. Such things will never go out of fashion - over time, like good wine, they only become more expensive.
Without exception, all Seiko watches meet the four main criteria - precision, simplicity, strength and quality. It is on this formula that consumer confidence in the products of Japanese watchmakers is based. Seiko's history is a clear example of how, with skillful leadership, unparalleled perseverance, and a relentless search, even wars, crises and natural disasters can be turned to good cause.
The Seiko watch brand has become legendary since the days of the Soviet Union. Wearing a Seiko watch on your wrist was almost more prestigious than Rolex today. The Japanese manufacturer did not know that on one sixth of the land, his products are a measure of prestige and success in life. Almost two decades have passed since those happy years. The great USSR has disappeared from the maps, the concept of "deficit" has disappeared, and now you can buy Japanese electronics without leaving your home.
Now no one is chasing "Japanese watches", the products of Swiss watchmakers have become the object of desire. However, for a small part of connoisseurs, Seiko continues to produce a series of very inexpensive, but very attractive watches. The models are grouped into "Series 5". In terms of its popularity, the series can compete with the legendary Three Stars series from Orient. The name "series 5" itself reflects the five main advantages of this watch: shock resistance, water resistance, automatic movement, date display and number display. What makes the "five" so coveted?
We'll just list the benefits.
All models of the "5" series are assembled exclusively at factories in Japan. The proud inscription "Made in Japan" is located in the lower left part of the dial and is duplicated on the back of the case. By the way, the back cover is transparent, which allows you to meditate, looking at the measured work of the mechanism. The Japanese assembly is also confirmed by the stamp on the pendulum of the winding mechanism. For those who are especially curious, we note that you can determine the place of assembly of Seiko watches by the index at the end of the model number. Japanese origin will be indicated with a "J". Models assembled outside the country of the samurai have P and K indices.
As part of the fifth series, only classical mechanics are presented. Quartz movements, for all their attractiveness, are not included in the "5 Series". Most of the mechanisms are made on the basis of 21 stones, there are modifications with 18 and 22 stones. As a rule, all movements are marked "Automatic", which means the presence of an automatic winding mechanism from the movement of a hand. In simple models, unfortunately, there is no possibility of a traditional winding, through a crown. This can hardly be called a disadvantage, however, if you have several pairs of watches, it can cause certain inconveniences.
Models belonging to the "5 Series" are made in a classic timeless design. Copies released in the early eighties, even after almost thirty years, look fresh and relevant. Against the backdrop of pretentious and instantly outdated models from some eminent competitors from supposedly Swiss lands, this decision is very pleasing.
The watch is delivered in a strict, classical packaging for Seiko. Black box with laconic Seiko lettering on the top cover. On the watch itself, there is always a cardboard nameplate tied to the bracelet indicating the model and the company logo. The only thing that can cause some difficulties is the absence, in most cases, of a Russian operating manual. The initial orientation of the models to the countries of the Middle East has an effect, it is not for nothing that most models have a bilingual calendar - Anglo-Arabic. However, there is nothing difficult to manage, and the Russian version of the manual can be easily downloaded from the Internet.
You should not rush to the nearest watch store with the question: “Do you have any of these?” Most likely, the answer will disappoint you. In most stores, only the quartz series of mid-range chronographs and sports models are presented. You can find the legendary Seiko, but you will have to choose the search paths yourself. In any case, the find will definitely not disappoint you.
Seiko Holdings Corporation, better known by its simple name Seiko, is one of the most popular Japanese companies.
The dawn of the Seiko industry can be seen in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop called K. Hattori" in a small suburb of Tokyo - Ginza. A few years later, in 1982, he began to produce watches under the Seikosha brand, which literally means "House of Fine Craftsmanship". According to the company's official history, "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a Japanese word that means "refinement", "precision", "success ".
The first watch with the proud Seiko inscription appeared in 1924.
In 1969, the company first introduced the well-known Astron, Seiko's first quartz watch. It is worth noting the fact that the price of this creation at that time was equal to a fully functional car. A little later, the company continued to surprise the Japanese audience with the release of a quartz chronograph. In 1985, a landmark event in the Japanese watch industry took place - Orient Watches and Seiko founded a joint venture.
The Grand Quartz watch first appeared in 1978.
If we talk about today's perception of the company, then Seiko is primarily associated with watchmaking, and its own - without any outside interference. That is, all parts are developed exclusively in the Seiko manufactory, including micro mechanisms, hands, quartz oscillator, batteries, sensors, and much more.
Currently, all Seiko watch modules are manufactured in Shizukuishi, Iwate; Shiojiri, Nagano (Seiko Epson) and other subsidiaries in China, Singapore, Malaysia. But the fully integrated production system is, of course, in Japan.
Seiko manufactures both quartz and mechanical watches at various price points. The cheapest model can be bought at $45 (Alba); expensive US$554,000 (Credor JURI GBBX998). Seiko mechanical watches are very popular among collectors, especially the "5" line (5 displays the five necessary watch features: super strength, water resistance, automatic, day window, week and dates). These specifications can be found in the Bell-Matic line of automatic chronographs with mechanical alarms, as well as in the most expensive Credor, King Seiko, and Grand Seiko series.
Seiko Kinetic range remains the best-selling watch at the moment, as this watch combines the components of self-charging and the precision of quartz. Seiko Kinetic models are charged by their own mechanism, and every day. On October 7, 2005, Seiko Manufacture officially launched the Seiko Spring Drive range, a completely new module at the time that provided 72 hours of continuous running, compared to 40 hours (in mechanical versions) and 3 years of quartz watches. The new line uses the "Tri-synchro Regulator".
Power from the spring is used to activate the motor and generator. The generator supplies power to the whole circuit including an economical quartz oscillator. The oscillator is part of a continuous cycle that keeps the generator running at eight rotations per second. Judging by the official Seiko records, this module is the most accurate of all other quartz movements.
Seiko Pyramid Talk - the world's first talking quartz watch (1984).
The Hattori Clock Tower in Ginza, Tokyo is the current headquarters and main home of K. Hattori & Co.
Much to the dismay of collectors, Seiko does not produce a line of watches in every region; some models can only be found in Asia (for example). True, in the era of the information space, many sellers send watches to any corner of the planet.
It would be foolish not to mention the Department of Seiko Corporation of America, which is responsible for distributing Seiko products in the US. Seiko watch models in America are usually a very small fraction of Seiko's total production in Japan.
Some Seiko watches have become famous in the world of cinema: James Bond 007 (Roger Moore) from 1997 to 1985; Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again. The Seiko Chronograph is also featured in the Bourne Identity movies.
Seiko has also become the official watch of Gran Turismo racing. The company is also a sponsor of FC Barcelona.
Here you will find many reviews of the watches of this amazing company.