August 22, 2011
The Seiko Orange Monster is one of the most popular, and affordable Seiko timepieces. It comes with a Japanese automatic movement for the price of a typical Japanese quartz timepiece. Needless to say, the value proposition is amazing.
The Seiko Baby Monster (pictured, right), is maybe an even better value. It has most of the features that have made the original Orange Monster (pictured, left) so popular, for approximately one hundred dollars less.
October 15, 2010
For the 50th anniversary of Grand Seiko six models have been created, including automatic, quartz and Spring Drive powered models. The one (shown above) is the most accurate of these new mechanical Grand Seiko timepieces. It runs at -2/+4 seconds per day, which is slightly better than the Swiss standard for chronometers (COSC certified-chronometer's rate should be between -4/+6 per day).
Seiko is the oldest watch manufacture in Japan, a true manufacture that can make mechanical and quartz movements totally in-house. They clearly produce some amazing pieces, like the Ananta, for example. The Ananta has Seiko's high-end Spring Drive movement in it, and has an extremely smooth seconds hand as a result of that proprietary Seiko technology. The problem, though, is that it retails for $6,400. Yeah, a Seiko for over six grand. In Japan, Seiko has been selling high-end watches for years, but for the United States, Seiko is perceived much differently. And now, after 50 years of selling Grand Seiko in Japan, they will be introducing the brand to numerous markets around the world, including the United States. The problem, is that US consumers are used to prices for Seiko watches being under five hundred dollars.
The new Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36,0000 50th Anniversary edition costs more than brand new ceramic bezeled steel Rolex Submariner ($7,400-$7,800).
The Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36,0000 features a Japanese in-house manufacture movement (although Swiss movements are generally more sought after, even if the Seiko produces comparable quality). The movement beats at a high rate of 36,000 vph (the same rate as the Zenith El Primero). At -2/+4 seconds per day, it is even slightly more accurate than what COSC chronometer certification specifications require (-4/+6 second per day). The movement finishing, assembly, case and materials are all first rate. These timepieces are highly regarded and have been selling consistently in Japan for 50 years now. But when these timepieces arrive in the United States, I wonder if enough people will be interested. The list price for the Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36000 model (shown above), is $8,378 (based on today's exchange rates).
Based on the perceived brand value of Seiko (created by Seiko's long time marketing strategy of selling lower priced timepieces), I think it may pose quite a challenge to convince US consumers to part with eight grand for a timepiece that says "Seiko" on it. Especially when there are so many more prestigious brands to choose from in this price range - Rolex, Breitling, IWC and Panerai to name a few. And yes, I understand that the "Seiko" name is a sense of pride, but other Japanese brands, such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, have put their pride aside, and used totally different brand names for their higher-end models, Lexus, Acura and Infiniti - without too many problems.
April 7, 2010
The Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Chronograph was introduced last year, so this is not a 2010 model. However, during Baselworld 2010 was the first time I had a chance to see it close-up. It is a good looking timepiece, and it could easily be mistaken for a watch costing thousands more. The bezel features a black PVD treatment, and it's fully polished. The case sides, lugs, pushers and crown are a mixture of polished and brushed steel. The case is 46 mm x 15.8 mm thick and has fairly large pushers, so it looks pretty big. Although, the case is well designed, so it does not feel uncomfortable on your wrist.
October 25, 2009
The Seiko Velatura Kinetic Direct Drive was recently introduced in rose gold. It features one of Seiko's proprietary hybrid quartz/mechanical movements. A kinetic movement consists of an automatic mechanical rotor that powers a traditional electronic quartz movement. This configuration allows quartz accuracy and cost, without the need for a battery.
October 15, 2009
August 27, 2009
August 3, 2009
Seiko Ananta is an exclusive collection of luxury timepieces with Spring Drive mechanical movement. The new Ananta GMT Chronograph 50 jewels, and is designed for ultra precise timekeeping. The movement runs at 28800 vph and features an extended 72-hour power reserve. The power reserve is displayed by the katana-blade shaped subdial at 7 and 8 o'clock.
April 24, 2008
[ via Seiko ]
Here is a shot of the new Concept/Limited Edition watch from Seiko, the Spring Drive Spacewalk. Very cool name and some very impressive specs, especially the case that is 53 mm L x 48.7 mm W. Hit the jump for official press images and for a lengthly but interesting press release. I visited the Seiko booth a few times during the Baselworld show and did not see this watch displayed, so I am guessing they are still preparing it for production. Check the specs below:
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