Seiko facts for kids

Quartz wristwatch Astron Cal. 35A, Seiko, Japan, 1969

Seiko is a famous Japanese company. It is well known for making amazing watches and clocks. They also create other electrical components. Seiko is one of the main companies in the "Seiko Group." This group includes Seiko Holdings Corporation, Seiko Instruments Inc., and Seiko Epson Corporation.

How Seiko Started

Seiko began a long time ago in Japan. A young man named Kintaro Hattori started a watch and jewelry shop. This was in 1881 in Tokyo. He was only 22 years old at the time. His shop was called "K. Hattori & Co."

Making Their Own Clocks

At first, Kintaro Hattori sold watches and clocks made by other companies. But he wanted to make his own. In 1892, he opened a factory. He named it Seikosha. "Seiko" means "exquisite" or "success" in Japanese. "Sha" means "house" or "company."

First Wristwatch

In 1913, Seikosha made Japan's very first wristwatch. It was called the "Laurel." This was a big step for the company. It showed they could make high-quality timepieces.

Seiko's Big Inventions

Seiko is famous for inventing new things in watchmaking. They have changed how watches work many times.

The Quartz Revolution

One of their biggest inventions was the quartz watch. In 1969, Seiko released the "Seiko Astron." This was the world's first commercial quartz wristwatch. Quartz watches are very accurate. They use a tiny quartz crystal to keep time. This invention changed the watch industry forever. It made accurate watches available to many people.

Other Innovations

Seiko has also created other cool technologies. They made the first quartz watch with a digital display. They also developed watches that get power from movement. These are called "Kinetic" watches. They even made watches that use light to charge, called "Solar" watches.

What Seiko Makes Today

Today, Seiko makes many different products. They are still best known for their watches.

Watches and Clocks

Seiko produces watches for all kinds of people. They make watches for everyday use. They also create luxury watches like Grand Seiko. These watches are known for their amazing craftsmanship. Seiko also makes clocks for homes and public places.

Other Products

Beyond watches, Seiko Group companies make other things. Seiko Epson Corporation makes computer printers and projectors. Seiko Instruments Inc. makes electronic components. They also create industrial robots and scientific instruments.

The Seiko Group

The Seiko Group is made up of three main companies. They all work together but focus on different areas.

• Seiko Holdings Corporation: This is the main company. It focuses on watches, clocks, and jewelry.
• Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII): This company makes electronic devices. They also produce precision parts and factory automation systems.
• Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson): This company is famous for its printers. They also make projectors, robots, and other electronic devices.

Images for kids

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  Pulsar Montre 4

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  A stainless steel Seiko 5 SSK003 with GMT complication, blue dial, two-tone bezel and metal bracelet. Note the lack of day display.

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  A stainless steel Seiko 5 with grey face and 18 mm wide leather watch strap

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  Grand Seiko SBGA011 "Snowflake" with 9R Spring Drive movement

See also

In Spanish: Seiko para niños