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Seiko Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Seiko
Seiko Stresses The Positive Environmental Impact Of Their Watches
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
While Seiko still makes normal quartz watches, the new site called Seiko Clean Energy, emphasizes how four watch movement types they utilize will not contribute (as much) to battery waste. None of these four movement types are new, but the intent of the website is to specifically promote the potential earth-friendliness of the those products. Seiko Spring Drive and mechanical movement watches don't have batteries at all, so they will never contribute to battery waste. These two movement types represent Seiko's highest-end products. Seiko Kinetic and Solar movement watches are technically quartz movements, but have batteries that recharge natively inside of the movement (they will really only contribute to waste if the watches themselves are thrown away). Seiko is dedicated to educating consumers, and with today's focus on energy efficiency and planet friend products, Seiko is communicating how they can contribute.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watch In Platinum
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
For the 50th Anniversary model collections, the watches each have a similar style but come with three different movements and different sizes. At the top of the heap is this limited edition Grand Seiko Spring Drive in solid platinum (Ref. SBGA065). It has 40.2mm wide case with crocodile strap (with platinum buckle). Inside the watch is a Caliber 9R15 Spring Drive movement. Price is a whopping 2,100,000 yen (just over $25,000) and it is limited to just 30 pieces. The Spring Drive 50th Anniversary watch also comes in a 41mm version in steel with metal bracelet that is about $7,000 limited to 300 pieces (the pieces in the collection are generally limited to either 300 or 500 pieces).
In addition to the Spring Drive models, the Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary collection is offered in a pure automatic mechanical version as well as a quartz movement version. These are in steel and range from 37-40mm wide. Prices start at about $3,800. You can read more about these classy high-end Japanese watches here via Seiko press release here.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Grand Seiko Luxury Watches Finally Available Wordwide
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would be available world wide last March, but didn't disclose any specific schedule. News has just been released that this month Seiko will offer the entire Grand Seiko collection (with the likely exclusion of a few special models) to 20 new markets around the world - including in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Grand Seiko watches are hand-made in Japan by highly skilled watch makers - probably the very best in the country. I personally visited these manufactures and wrote about them here. Most watch lovers agree that Seiko has 'gold' with Grand Seiko. The collection includes timepieces of three varieties based on the movement. One collection has quartz movements, another has purely mechanical movements, and the third collection contains Seiko's now famous Spring Drive movements (that is a beautiful combo of mechanical watches with high accuracy quartz regulation).
A brand new website has been released for Grand Seiko here. The well-done site includes information on all the available models, and clearly describes the many benefits and selling points of Grand Seiko watches (not everyone has someone like me to sit there and passionately explain why they should like these timepieces). I am not alone in my ability to be impressed by these watches. The designs are classic, the quality is superb, and the movements are beloved among collectors. The best part is that compared to their distant Swiss cousins, these watches are a good value. Prices (for mechanical and Spring Drive models) generally seem to be in the $4,400 - $9,700 range. My current favorite model is the Grand Seiko SBGE001 with a GMT Spring Drive movement. When Grand Seiko watches come to a store near you (there is a store locator on the site), I highly recommend you check them out.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Galante Mighty Atom Limited Edition Astro Boy Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
For Japan only is this incredibly cool Seiko watch for Astro Boy fans. First the bad news, in addition to being Japan only, it will be limited to just 150 pieces, and be priced at just over $5,150. Given the popularity (and importance) that Astro Boy has to Japanese pop culture, the chances of you getting one are slim to none. Though you never know what you'll find online now or in a few years...
Astro Boy first appeared in the "Mighty Atom" manga comic book in Japan in 1952 and is heralded as the very first "anime." Basically it embodied the look that later become known as Anime. Astro Boy is beautifully rendered on the dial of the watch against a realistic space-like background. The colors pop wonderfully, and it is a true showpiece of any fan's collection. The watch uses Seiko's Galante style case, which is one of their higher-end lines. Inside the watch is a Seiko Caliber 8L38 automatic mechanical movement - with an open heart window on the dial to the escapement. On the rear of the watch is another window to the escapement through the sapphire crystal - with a small red heart applied (Astro Boy fans will understand the symbolism). I really loved checking out this watch and look forward to seeing Seiko release more limited edition watches the celebrate noteworthy aspect of Japanese culture.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Astro Boy first appeared in the "Mighty Atom" manga comic book in Japan in 1952 and is heralded as the very first "anime." Basically it embodied the look that later become known as Anime. Astro Boy is beautifully rendered on the dial of the watch against a realistic space-like background. The colors pop wonderfully, and it is a true showpiece of any fan's collection. The watch uses Seiko's Galante style case, which is one of their higher-end lines. Inside the watch is a Seiko Caliber 8L38 automatic mechanical movement - with an open heart window on the dial to the escapement. On the rear of the watch is another window to the escapement through the sapphire crystal - with a small red heart applied (Astro Boy fans will understand the symbolism). I really loved checking out this watch and look forward to seeing Seiko release more limited edition watches the celebrate noteworthy aspect of Japanese culture.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase Watch Hands-On
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Inside the watch is the Seiko in-house made in Japan Spring Drive 5R67 automatic movement. Functions include the time, date, power reserve indicator, and moon phase. The movement is beautifully decorated and visible through the sapphire caseback window. The front facing crystal over the dial is also sapphire, and coated with AR to reduce glare. Those not familiar with Seiko Ananta collection watches will easily see the superior quality compared to lower priced Seiko watches they may be familiar with. While Seiko still places function and utility first, these are very impressive luxury watches that even impress big shots of the Swiss brands (even though they don't always admit it publicly).
Seiko Ananta Spring Drive watches are beautiful to look at and really comfortable. The large hour markers are diamond polished for a fantastic look shine and luxurious appearance. The movement has three days of power reserve and is accurate to about 1 second a day. In Europe, the Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase will retail for 4,000 euros, with the price in the US being in the same range give or take a bit. Click "READ MORE" below for more images of this Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase watches.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Fires CEO In Rare Japanese Corporate Move
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Executive terminations in the USA aren't usually very newsworthy - nor in Europe for that matter. But in Japan where the historic sentiment was "job for life," the outing of a CEO by the board is a big deal. Especially when the termination wasn't even disguised as "resignation." 72 year old former top executive of Seiko Koichi Murano (not the man in the picture here) was removed by the board recently for flat out doing a bad job. From the outside it is almost impossible to determine exactly what Mr. Murano did improperly (for likely a long period of time), but it was enough for his dismissal to be referred to as being due to "dogmatic, and tendentious" management of the company. For a Japanese brand to remove someone for being inflexible and likely highly bureaucratic is saying a lot. I actually am proud of Seiko's move. When something doesn't work properly you fix it. Seiko made no cover-up of its management musical chairs, and I think the move speaks positively of them from a public relations perspective and for brand confidence. While I didn't meet Mr. Murano during my visit to Seiko, I did meet his replacement, 52 year old Shinji Hattori (the man in the picture). A high-level executive Seiko himself, Mr. Hattori will now oversee that entire (complex) entity that is Seiko. Seiko lost money last year - likely due to the highly depressed watch industry, but remains one of the top watch makers in the world. Comparatively speaking, they didn't lose that much money though. Mr. Hattori will be responsible for modernizing Seiko a bit in terms of marketing, sales, and distribution, I am sure. I can't say much else about him, but at least he isn't a "dogmatic manager." A year from now we will see how things work out for the major Japanese company.
Via Financial Times.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Tag Heuer New Caliber 1887 Watch Movement SNAFU
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Tag Heuer got caught red handed by the watch lover community who noticed the similarities between the two movements. This qualifies us as true nerds, seeing details such as this. Tag Heuer would have gotten away with it to, if it wasn't for us meddling bloggers! That's right, thank the internet watch lover community, who is responsible for this situation being discovered. A powerful indication to the watch industry of what the internet can do for them, or against them. In good taste, as a response to the situation, Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Christophe Babin himself went online to respond to the "accusations." He honorably admitted a "mistake" by Tag Heuer and that the movement was in fact "adopted" from Seiko.
The clear winner in this whole situation is first and foremost the power of the Internet watch lover community, second Seiko, and third Tag Heuer for responding to a sticky situation quickly and admirably. Seiko movements are pretty outstanding, and it is funny that here even the Europeans are rather tacitly suggesting that. Plus, Tag Heuer is a rather mainstream watch brand. Meaning that most people who buy their watches will never even know about this situation. Tag Heuer admitted wrong doing, hopefully a few heads will be caved in there in the marketing department, and they will go on their lives being good watch designers, not movement designers. Lastly, there are several watch forums and blogs that knew about this situation but refused to mention it even though they discussed the new Tag Heuer Caliber 1887movement. They lose the most in this situation for the destruction of valuable street cred among Internet watch lovers who simply expect more.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Galante Spring Drive 5th Anniversary Special Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
The Galante watches are far from just image. These are extremely well constructed and designed, hand assembled watches that include the very impressive (and accurate) Seiko Spring Drive mechanical hybrid movements. They are the best of what Seiko offers and are considered by many to be a modern pinnacle of mechanical watch making.
I haven't handled this specific 5th Anniversary Special Edition model, but have handled very similar Galante watches on the metal bracelet. I was quite wowed by them, especially given the jewelry-like quality and feel of the steel bracelet. The design as I said is youthful and inspired, with unique decoration. As you can see, the rotating bezel is engraved with a form of floral decoration, and if you look closely on the dial, you can make out the forms for roses (as see from the side) that are part of the dial design.
The watch is nicely sized at 44.5mm wide, and houses the Seiko 5R66 Spring Drive movement that includes the time, power reserve indicator, date, and GMT hand. Seiko makes sure that each of its luxury watches are a complete timepiece package. Meaning they are well made, function well, and look good. Price is gonna be over $5,000 (not sure of exact amount) and as far as I know you'll have to contact a Japanese Seiko dealer if you want one.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko: The Luxury Watch Brand You Didn't Know Existed
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Have you, or anyone you know, ever complained about how Japan gets cool stuff that the rest of the world is left longing for? Electronics, games, cars, and also luxury watches. Sure you can get Seiko watches all over the world. In fact, Seiko is one of the most popular watch brands on the planet. Not all Seiko watches are made alike though. One the one hand you have most 'rank and file' Seiko watches that are known to be inexpensive and reliable watches. The "Toyota of watches" as many people call them.
On the other hand, there the other side to Seiko, the luxury watch maker. Deep inside Japan are several Seiko watch manufacturers making some of the best and most reliable luxury watches ever created. These are the "Lexus of watches." Until recently such highly desirable watches have been mostly for the Japanese domestic market only. Bearing such names like Grand Seiko and Credor, most Westerners didn't even know of their existence. There also exists a large population of American and European (among other places) watch lovers who are aware of the Seiko treasures in Japan, and are almost pained by the fact that they cannot get them locally. The good news is that is about to start changing.
Enter the Seiko Ananta line of watches. Finally a global high-end product from Seiko that contain the high-end 100% manufacture-made movements and watches. Why the important of "manufacture-made?" Today everyone speaks about "manufacture movements." These are movements in watches made all in-house by the manufacturer with out having third part companies make them. Such in-house movements are considered to be at the top of the heap for luxury watch desirability. The majority of watch brands don't make their own movements. Seiko does however. In fact, Seiko is of the few totally vertically integrated watch makers in the world.
$40,000 Seiko Decor Collection Perpetuity Mantel Clock
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
The clock sits on a wood and brass base. Much of the brass is gold plated. The housing is glass and brass with stainless steel as well as aluminum. The movement is totally mechanical with an 8 day power reserve manually wound mechanism. The big clocks weighs about 35 pounds and is anything but diminutive at over 15 inches wide and 19 inches tall. While the movement is mechanical, it does have a quartz regulator just like the Seiko Spring drive movements. This gives it the allure of a mechanical movement with the accuracy of a quartz movement. Everything is made using Seiko's highest level of quality (which is pretty high). Being part of the Decor Collection, the clock is meant to be a serious statement of class and taste in ones home (according to Seiko that is). Still wondering what the other $30,000 - $35,000 is for though.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Builds A Watch for Space
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
The Seiko watch company has a compelling story behind their latest watch the Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk launched at Baselworld. The watch has been engineered to withstand the extreme environment of outer space and will be worn on the wrist of Richard Garriott, the sixth private-citizen space explorer, when he takes his trip this fall. Garriott, a video game designer and the son of a NASA astronaut, will pay $45 million for his trip and plant to viisit the International Space Station and become the first private citizen to do a space walk outside of it. He will be wearing the Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk outside of his spacesuit and so the watch has to be able to survive zero gravity and an environment where temperatures can get as low as negative 22 degrees Celsius. Battery-powered watches aren't viable for space and the spring drive was chosen over a mechanical watch for safety and accuracy. The watch was designed to be light and recesses on the sides of the case save weight. It also has a dial with a Lumibrite treatment for readability. The case is air tight and made of high-intensity titanium. The watch is a limited edition of 100, three will go with Garriott on his October adventure and the other 97 will be available in December and will retail for $25,000.
Seiko Spectrum Watches To Be Sold Via eBay
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions
If you've got to have one of the ultra-modern
Seiko "Spectrum" e-ink watches get ready to make your move. The watches won't be sold on websites or in
stores. Instead, you've got to fight the throngs on eBay. There are only 500 of the watches and they will be sold from March 19-25 on eBay with proceeds going to
benefit the Help A London Child Charity. The official price was listed as around $2,000 last year but once it hits eBay
all bets are off. The watch is thin and flexible, bending around the wrist and adjustable through touch buttons.Seiko Spectrum Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Not sure how we missed this since Engadget covered it at
the start of the month but Seiko has announced a new watch with an electrophoretic display (EPD) that will be available
in March 2006. The watch is known as the Spectrum and
will have a high contrast display similar to a printed page and will not need a backlight. The watch is being developed
by E Ink and Seiko and will cost around $2,200 for the first watches. Only 500 of this limited edition will be made.
Cool technology, but like a lot of Seiko products, not so much in the looks department.[via Dexigner]
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