Difference between revisions of "Seiko" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
(New page: {{dablink|This article is about the watch company. For other meanings, see Seiko (disambiguation).}} {{Infobox_Company | company_name = Seiko Holdings Corporation<br />セイコーホ...)
 
Line 9: Line 9:
 
  location = [[Minato, Tokyo|Minato]], [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] |
 
  location = [[Minato, Tokyo|Minato]], [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] |
 
  key_people =  [[Katsumi Yamamura]], Chairman; [[Koichi Murano]], President|
 
  key_people =  [[Katsumi Yamamura]], Chairman; [[Koichi Murano]], President|
−
  num_employees = 6,699 ([[March 31]], [[2006]], consolidated) |
+
  num_employees = 7,358 ([[March 31]], [[2007]], consolidated) |
−
  revenue = [[Image:Green up.png]] [[¥]]213.73 billion (FY2005, consolidated) |
+
  revenue = [[Image:Green up.png]] [[¥]]201.9 billion (FY2006, consolidated) |
 
  industry = Retail-Jewelry, Precision Instruments and Machinery |
 
  industry = Retail-Jewelry, Precision Instruments and Machinery |
 
  products = Watches, clocks, printers, semiconductors, mechatronics devices, machine tools, optical glass materials, jewelry, eyeglasses, etc. |
 
  products = Watches, clocks, printers, semiconductors, mechatronics devices, machine tools, optical glass materials, jewelry, eyeglasses, etc. |
 
  homepage = [http://www.seiko.co.jp/index.html?lang_is=en Seiko Holdings Corporation]|
 
  homepage = [http://www.seiko.co.jp/index.html?lang_is=en Seiko Holdings Corporation]|
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Nihongo|'''Seiko Holdings Corporation'''|セイコーホールディングス株式会社|Seikō Hōrudingusu Kabushiki-gaisha}} ({{tyo|8050}}) (more commonly known simply as '''Seiko''' [pronounced say-co]) is a [[Japan]]ese [[watch]] company.
+
'''Seiko Holdings Corporation''' (セイコーホールディングス株式会社; Seikō Hōrudingusu Kabushiki-gaisha) ({{tyo|8050}}) (more commonly known simply as '''Seiko''' [pronounced say-co]) is a [[Japan]]ese company that produces watches and clocks, timepiece technologies, optical products, precision electronic components, and business machines. Perhaps best known for its watches, Seiko began as K. Hattori, a shop in the Ginza district of Tokyo that sold jewelry and imported clocks. Seiko produced the first Japanese wristwatch in 1913. In 1958, Seiko began manufacturing clocks using electronic oscillators regulated by quartz crystals to create a signal with a very precise frequency, that measured time more accurately than mechanical clocks.  In 1969, Seiko introduced the [[Astron (wristwatch)|Seiko Astron]], the world's first production [[Quartz clock|quartz watch]]; today, quartz crystal watches powered by movements of the wrist make up a large proportion of its sales.  
  
−
==History and ongoing developments==
+
Seiko has used its expertise in timepiece technology to produce a wide variety of products such as camera components, business products including network communication devices, software, printers, time recorders, integrated circuit tags, precision manufacturing devices, lenses and optical devices, and luxury products. Seiko’s sports division, S-Yard Co., Ltd. Produces golf clubs, stop watches, and sports timing devices. Seiko has been the official timekeeper at several Olympic Games and Football World Cups.
−
The company started in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and [[jewellery]] shop called {{Nihongo|"[[K. Hattori]]"|服部時計店|Hattori Tokeiten}} in the [[Ginza]] area of [[Tokyo]], Japan. Eleven years later in 1892, he began to produce [[clock]]s under the name {{Nihongo|[[Seikosha]]|精工舎|Seikōsha}}. According to Seiko's official company history, titled "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a [[Japanese language|Japanese]] word meaning "exquisite", "minute", or "success". (The meaning "exquisite" is usually written 精巧 while the meaning "success" is usually written 成功.)
+
 
 +
==History ==
 +
In 1881, Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and [[jewelry]] shop called ("[[K. Hattori]]", 服部時計店, Hattori Tokeiten) in the [[Ginza]] area of [[Tokyo]], Japan, and began to sell imported clocks. In 1892, Hattori began to produce wall  [[clock]]s under the name Seikosha (精工舎, Seikōsha). According to Seiko's official company history, "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a [[Japanese language|Japanese]] word meaning "exquisite," "minute," or "success." "Exquisite" is usually written “精巧” while "success" is usually written “成功.”
 +
 
 +
In 1913, Seikosha launched the first wrist watch made in Japan, the Laurel. The first watches produced under the “Seiko” brand appeared in 1924. In 1930, Seiko began to manufacture camera shutters. The watch production division split off in 1937 as Daini Seikosha Co., Ltd., predecessor of today's Seiko Instruments Inc.; and in 1947, after the end of World War II, the retail division became Wako Co., Ltd.. The company, which had been incorporated as K. Hattori & Co., Ltd. in 1917, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1949. In 1953, Seiko sponsored Japan’s first TV commercial.
 +
 
 +
In 1958, Seiko began making commercial quartz clocks for broadcasters, using electronic oscillators regulated by quartz crystals to create a signal with a very precise frequency, that measured time more accurately than mechanical clocks.  In 1969, Seiko introduced the [[Astron (wristwatch)|Seiko Astron]], the world's first production [[Quartz clock|quartz watch]]; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko went on to produce the first quartz [[chronograph]]. Quartz clocks and watches soon proliferated, due to their low cost of production and inherent accuracy.
 +
 
 +
In 1982, Seiko introduced the first TV watch. The company was renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983. In 1985, [[Orient Watches]] and Seiko established a joint factory. In 1990, the company became Seiko Corporation. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation, Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a [[holding company]] in 2001 and was renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation in July, [[2007]]. <ref>Seiko Japan [http://www.seiko.co.jp/en/corporate/history.html  History] Seiko of Japan. Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
  
−
The first watches produced under the Seiko brand appeared in 1924. In 1969, Seiko introduced the [[Astron (wristwatch)|Seiko Astron]], the world's first production [[Quartz clock|quartz watch]]; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko later went on to introduce the first quartz [[chronograph]]. In 1985, [[Orient Watches]] and Seiko established a joint factory. Recognized as a leader in timekeeping accuracy, Seiko products are often used as the official timekeepers of the major sporting events including the [[Olympic Games]] and the [[FIFA World Cup]] editions in Argentina 1978, Spain 1982, Mexico 1986 and Italy 1990.
 
 
[[Image:Grand Quartz 9943-8010.jpg|thumb|right|Grand Quartz, produced in 1978]]
 
[[Image:Grand Quartz 9943-8010.jpg|thumb|right|Grand Quartz, produced in 1978]]
  
−
The company was incorporated (K. Hattori & Co., Ltd.) in 1917, renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983 and Seiko Corporation in 1990. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation, Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a [[holding company]] in 2001 and renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation as of [[July 1]], [[2007]].
+
== Seiko Group == 
 +
[[Image:Seiko Companies Logos.png|thumb|Seiko, SII and Epson logos. Three companies share "Seiko" in their official names but have different [[Corporate identity|corporate visual identities]].]]
 +
'''Seiko Group''' (セイコー・グループ, Seikō Gurūpu) consists of three core companies Seiko Holdings Corporation  (Seiko), [[Seiko Instruments|Seiko Instruments Inc.]] (SII) and Seiko Epson|Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson), all utilizing timepiece technology in their products. Although they have some common shareholders including the key members of the Hattori family, the three companies in the Seiko Group are not affiliated, and are managed and operated independently. Epson has established its own brand image and rarely uses "Seiko."
 +
 
 +
Seiko Instruments Inc. and Seiko Epson Corp. manufacture the movements for Seiko watches, which are marketed by Seiko Watch Corporation, a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings Corporation. Seiko Instruments Inc., (SII), is a privately held company, headquartered in [[Chiba, Chiba|Chiba]]), Japan.
 +
 
 +
=== Seiko Holdings Corporation===
 +
 
 +
'''[[Seiko|Seiko Holdings Corporation]]''' ('''SEIKO''', {{Tyo|8050}}, headquartered in [[Tokyo]]), is one of the three core companies of the [[Seiko Group]]. It includes the following business lines:
  
−
Seiko Holdings is one of the three core companies of the [[Seiko Group]]. The Seiko Group consists of Seiko Holdings Corporation (Seiko), [[Seiko Instruments|Seiko Instruments Inc.]] (SII) and [[Seiko Epson Corporation]] (Epson) which is known for its printers in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] and its diverse line of electronics and computer equipment within Japan. Although they have some common shareholders including the key members of the Hattori family (posterity of Kintarō Hattori), the three companies in the Seiko Group are not affiliated. They are managed and operated completely independently. Seiko Watch Corporation, an operating subsidiary of Seiko Holdings Corporation, markets Seiko watches while Seiko Instruments and Seiko Epson manufacture their movements.  
+
===Watches and clocks===
 +
Seiko is perhaps most famous for its wristwatches. Seiko is known for its advanced technology, and is one of the few wristwatch manufacturers that produces all of its watches and movements entirely in-house. Even secondary items, such as the oils used in lubricating the watches, and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials, are produced by the Seiko factories.
  
−
Seiko is perhaps known best, though, for its wristwatches. Seiko is known for their advanced technology and is one of the few wristwatch manufacturers that produce all of their watches and movements entirely in-house. Even minor items such as the oils used in lubricating the watches and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials are produced by the Seiko factories.
+
Seiko produces both quartz and mechanical watches, sold for prices ranging from around US$50 to as much as $US150,000 for the Credor Spring Drive Sonnerie in Rose Gold. <ref>[http://www.credor.com/lineup/sonnerie/index.html SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE] {{ja icon}}<br />[http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/sd/basel2006/index.html Road to BASEL WORLD 2006 - CREDOR NODE SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE] {{ja icon}}</ref>. Seiko's mechanical watches, including the common Seiko "5" series (“5” representing the 5 essential features of the watch: shock resistant, water resistant, automatic, with day and date display), the Seiko automatic Chronometer series, the "Bell-Matic" with a mechanical alarm, and the luxury "Credor", "King Seiko" and "Grand Seiko" lines, are the most prized by collectors.
  
−
Seiko produces both quartz and mechanical watches of varying prices. The cheapest are around US$50; the most expensive (the Credor Spring Drive Sonnerie) costs over $US100,000<ref>[http://www.credor.com/lineup/sonnerie/index.html SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE] {{ja icon}}<br />[http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/sd/basel2006/index.html Road to BASEL WORLD 2006 - CREDOR NODE SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE] {{ja icon}}</ref>. Seiko's mechanical watches are the most prized by collectors&mdash;from the Seiko "5" series (the 5 is proposed to reflect 5 essential features of the watch namely shock resistant, water resistant, automatic, with day and date display), which is the most common, the Seiko automatic Chronometer series, the "Bell-Matic" with a mechanical alarm to the highly prized luxury "Credor", "King Seiko" and "Grand Seiko" lines.  [[Automatic quartz|Seiko Kinetic watches]] account for a large proportion of sales nowadays and combine the self-energizing attributes of an [[automatic watch]] with quartz accuracy.  There is no battery to change; the watch is entirely powered by its movement in everyday wear.
+
[[Automatic quartz|Seiko Kinetic watches]] now account for a large proportion of sales. These watches have the accuracy of quartz and are entirely powered by the movements of the wrist during everyday wear.
  
 
[[Image:seiko_pyramid_talking_clock.jpg|thumb|Seiko Pyramid Talk, world's first quartz talking clock, from 1984]]
 
[[Image:seiko_pyramid_talking_clock.jpg|thumb|Seiko Pyramid Talk, world's first quartz talking clock, from 1984]]
 
[[Image:Ginza K Hattori.jpg|thumb|The Hattori Clock Tower in Ginza, Tokyo, former headquarters and main store building of K. Hattori & Co., currently houses [[Wako Department Store]].]]
 
[[Image:Ginza K Hattori.jpg|thumb|The Hattori Clock Tower in Ginza, Tokyo, former headquarters and main store building of K. Hattori & Co., currently houses [[Wako Department Store]].]]
−
Frustratingly for collectors, Seiko does not release all of its watch lines in every region. Some are exclusively available in [[Asia]], for instance. Many online retailers will ship watches overseas, though.
+
 
 +
Seiko portrays its watches as a means of enhancing enjoyment of life, expressing pride, and sharing joy and emotion. Seiko Watch Corporation [http://www.seikowatches.com/ Seiko Watch Corporation] handles marketing program, product planning, and after-market servicing for the Seiko, Credor, and Wired brands in Japan, and for the Seiko, Pulsar, Alba and Lorus brands internationally. <ref> Seiko Japan [http://www.seiko.co.jp/en/corporate/division/other.html  Corporate Divisons] Seiko Japan. Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
  
 
[[Seiko Corporation of America]] is responsible for distribution of Seiko watches and clocks, as well as [[Pulsar (brand)|Pulsar]] brand watches, in the [[United States]]. The models available in the United States are normally a smaller subset of the full line produced in Japan. Seiko Corporation of America has its headquarters and Coserv repair center in [[Mahwah, New Jersey]]. In the United States, Seiko watches are sold primarily by fine jewelers and department stores, as well as 19 company stores located in various cities.
 
[[Seiko Corporation of America]] is responsible for distribution of Seiko watches and clocks, as well as [[Pulsar (brand)|Pulsar]] brand watches, in the [[United States]]. The models available in the United States are normally a smaller subset of the full line produced in Japan. Seiko Corporation of America has its headquarters and Coserv repair center in [[Mahwah, New Jersey]]. In the United States, Seiko watches are sold primarily by fine jewelers and department stores, as well as 19 company stores located in various cities.
  
−
Seiko's 2004 marketing campaign emphasized that a watch, as opposed to other traits (such as what car they drive, for example) tells most about a person.
+
Various Seiko watches were worn by the cinematic [[James Bond]] 007 in four films, starring [[Roger Moore]], from 1977-1985. Also, a Seiko watch was worn by [[Sean Connery]] in the 1983 Bond film, [[Never Say Never Again]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Seiko Clock Inc. dates to the earliest days of “Hattori Tokeiten,” and handles every aspect of the clock business, from product planning and development to production, sales, and service. It has manufacturing bases both in Japan and overseas; its Hong Kong base manages overseas marketing. The company seeks to deliver superior products to market through quality, innovative technology and technical prowess.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Spring drive====
 +
In 1997, Seiko Epson publicly announced the '''Spring Drive''', a new watch movement developed in collaboration with [[Seiko Instruments]] and [[Seiko|Seiko Holdings]].
 +
<ref>Epson Japan [http://www.epson.co.jp/e/company/milestones_35_spring_drive.htm  Milestone Seiko/Credor Spring Drive] Milestone Products, Seiko Epson Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref> It was presented at the 1998 Basel Watch Fair and first appeared commercially in the Credor 'luxury watch' range as a limited edition in 1999. A version which included an automatic winder was shown in Seiko models at the 2005 Basel Watch Fair.
 +
 
 +
Like a mechanical watch, the spring drive uses a [[mainspring]], barrel, automatic winder and stem winding to store energy, but the conventional [[escapement]] is replaced with a device that Seiko calls a ''Tri-synchro Regulator'' to regulate the unwinding of the [[mainspring]]. The regulator controls the use of the three forms of energy used in the Spring Drive mechanism: the mechanical power of the mainspring, created by the automatic winder; the [[electrical energy]] generated from this mechanical power; and the [[electromagnetic]] energy that governs the rotation of the [[glide wheel]]. Energy produced by the glide wheel powers a control circuit and a tiny, ultra-low consumption (~25 nanoWatts) quartz [[crystal oscillator]], which in turn regulates the electro-mechanical braking of the glide wheel. The glide wheel's speed is sampled 8 times per second (each time it makes a complete revolution around the regulator), and compared with the reference quartz signal by the control circuit. A variable braking force is continuously applied to regulate the glide wheel's frequency. The movement never stops as in a traditional escapement; it is slowed to the proper speed by the brake.  The result is a watch with hands that glide instead of ticking, as in a conventional mechanical or quartz watch. The accuracy of this watch movement is guaranteed to be within one second per day, but watch owners commonly report an accuracy of one to two seconds per week. 
 +
 
 +
=== Precision products===
 +
 
 +
Seiko Precision Inc. produces electronic devices such as camera components, peripheral devices and applications, and precision molded components; as well as business products including network communication devices, software, printers, time recorders, integrated circuit tags, and precision manufacturing devices.
 +
 
 +
Seiko NPC Corporation develops products that employ analog and digital technologies, for applications in mobile devices, digital consumer electronics, and intelligent home appliances. Its quartz crystal oscillator ICs, which have the top share in the global market,  are key components in the reference clock signals which control various electronic devices.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Optical products===
 +
 
 +
Seiko began selling imported eyeglass frames in Japan in 1921, and eventually developed a full line of lenses and optical products. Seiko established Japan's first full-scale laboratory system in 1964, and introduced Japan's first plastic optical lenses in 1975. Seiko Optical Products is in charge of the planning, marketing, sales and service of Seiko optical lenses and frames, and eyeglass-related products including frames and sunglasses under a variety of licensed brands.
 +
 
 +
===Retail===
 +
Wako Co. Ltd., an upscale specialty retailer, is a landmark in Ginza, and sells a wide range of sophisticated products, including watches, jewelry, men's and women's clothing, interior home decor, arts and crafts, eyeglasses, and foodstuffs. <ref>Wako [wako.co.jp  Ginza Wako] Wako Web site (Japanese) Retrieved June 30, 2008</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Other===
 +
*Seiko S-Yard Co., Ltd. conducts businesses that range from product planning and development to domestic and overseas sales of golf clubs under the S-YARD brand. It also produces stop watches, sports timing devices, fitness products including runners' watches and pedometers, and musical accessories including metronomes and tuning devices. During the 1980's, the music division produced a range of [[Digital synthesizer|digital synthesizers]], such as the [[Seiko DS-250|DS-250]], for use in electronic music.
 +
<ref> Seiko S-Yard [ http://www.seiko-sl.co.jp/index.html Seiko Sports Life] Web site (Japanese). Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
 +
 
 +
*Established in 1970, Seiko Time Systems Inc. is engaged in the integrated manufacturing, and sales of products ranging from the system clocks widely used in schools and hospitals, marionette clocks, and technical clocks, such as those for broadcasting stations, to sports timing devices that are accurate to within 10 thousandth of a second, data processing computer systems, and all types of large displays. The company provides time-keeping systems for a variety of sporting events. <ref> Seiko Time Systems [ http://www.seiko-sts.co.jp/e/index.html  Seiko Time Systems Inc.] Web site. Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
 +
 
 +
*Cronos Inc. is one of the largest Japanese luxury timepiece retailers, operating numerous sales centers in upscale Japanese department stores nationwide offering Seiko brand and other prestigious watches, jewelry, and eyeglasses, watch repair and associated services.<ref> Cronos [http://www.cronos.co.jp/  Cronos] Web site (Japanese). Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
 +
 
 +
*Ohara Inc. (Seiko owns 32.2% {{Tyo|5218}}) is a specialty optical glass manufacturer, established in 1935,  manufacturing products for optics-related industries, such as environmentally friendly optical glass, HDD glass substrate materials, and ultra-low expansion glass ceramics (CLEARCERAM®)., as well as supplying technologies and services to the optical and information sectors..<ref> Ohara Inc. [http://www.ohara-inc.co.jp/en/index.html  Ohara Inc.] Web site. Retrieved June 30, 2008.</ref>
  
−
Various Seiko watches were worn by the cinematic [[James Bond]] 007 in four films, starring [[Roger Moore]], from 1977-1985. Also, a Seiko watch was worn by [[Sean Connery]] in the 1983 Bond film, <i>[[Never Say Never Again]]</i>.
 
  
−
Seiko also produces other electronic devices. Notably, during the 1980's, this company produced a range of [[Digital synthesizer|digital synthesizers]], such as the [[Seiko DS-250|DS-250]], for use in electronic music. Today, the music division, a part of [http://www.seiko-syd.co.jp/index2.html Seiko S-Yard], produces metronomes & tuning devices.
+
=== Seiko Epson Corporation===
 +
'''[[Seiko Epson|Seiko Epson Corporation]]''' ('''EPSON''', {{Tyo|6724}}, is headquartered in [[Suwa, Nagano|Suwa]], [[Nagano prefecture|Nagano]], Japan, includes Orient Watch Co. Ltd.. [[Seiko Epson Corporation]] (Epson) is known for its printers in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] and its diverse line of electronics and computer equipment within Japan.
  
−
===Spring Drive===
 
−
On [[7 October]] [[2005]], Seiko announced the world launch of the Seiko [[Spring Drive]], a new calibre which delivers more power, more smoothly and for longer.  Three days (72 hours) of power are provided, as opposed to the average of 40 hours in automatic mechanicals. To achieve this feat, Seiko has developed a special alloy called "Spron510". This new movement has eliminated the traditional [[balance wheel]]/[[escapement]] regulating system in favor of a so-called ''Tri-synchro Regulator''. The power from the spring is used to turn the wheels but also is used to generate electrical power for a tiny, ultra-low consumption (~25 nanoWatts) crystal oscillator which in turn is used to regulate -with quartz accuracy- the speed of the wheels to exactly 8 beats per second. Spring Drive was sold regularly in Japan within the Grand Seiko and Credor lines. Seiko announced that no more than 300 units will be produced on a monthly basis. The Spring Drive also marks the first true luxury Seiko watches available outside Japan. They are expected to retail around $3,200 to $3,500. In the Paris premiere, Seiko auctioned the first Spring Drive, which was sold for about 10,000 euros and the money was given to a Basel-based charity that supports children suffering from cancer and leukemia.
 
  
 
==Official timekeeper==
 
==Official timekeeper==
−
Seiko is also the official timer of many major sporting events:
+
Seiko has been the official timer of many major sporting events:
  
 
* Tokyo [[1964 Summer Olympics|Olympic Summer Games]] in Japan, 1964
 
* Tokyo [[1964 Summer Olympics|Olympic Summer Games]] in Japan, 1964
 +
* Sapporo Winter Olympic Games, 1972
 
* [[Football World Cup 1978|1978 World Cup]] in [[Argentina]],
 
* [[Football World Cup 1978|1978 World Cup]] in [[Argentina]],
 
* [[Football World Cup 1982|1982 World Cup]] in [[Spain]],
 
* [[Football World Cup 1982|1982 World Cup]] in [[Spain]],
Line 60: Line 109:
 
* [[Nagano]] [[1998 Winter Olympics|Olympic Winter Games]] in Japan, 1998
 
* [[Nagano]] [[1998 Winter Olympics|Olympic Winter Games]] in Japan, 1998
 
* [[Salt Lake City]] [[2002 Winter Olympics|Olympic Winter Games]] in USA, 2002
 
* [[Salt Lake City]] [[2002 Winter Olympics|Olympic Winter Games]] in USA, 2002
 +
* IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, 2007.
  
 
Seiko is also named as the official timekeeper of the ''[[Gran Turismo]]'' racing game series, published by Sony.
 
Seiko is also named as the official timekeeper of the ''[[Gran Turismo]]'' racing game series, published by Sony.
  
−
Currently, Seiko have agreed to sponsor Honda (previously known as BAR (British American Racing) Honda). The Seiko name cannot currently be found on the Honda racing cars because Seiko Japan refuse to be advertised whilst the names of tobacco companies are still appearing on the cars. They can, however, be found on the lollipop used in the pitlane.
 
  
−
== Products and services (operating companies)==
+
==Footnotes==
−
*Watches — [http://www.seikowatches.com/ Seiko Watch Corporation]<br />Seiko Watch is a planning and marketing company. Seiko Holdings Corporation delegates a large portion of the manufacturing in its watch business to [[Seiko Epson|Epson]] and [[Seiko Instruments|SII]].
+
<references/>
−
**Seiko (Grand Seiko, Dolce & Exceline, Brightz, Lukia, Prospex, iu, Ruse, Spirit, Alpinist, Ignition, Premier, Coutura, Arctura, Sportura, Criteria, Rivoli, Vivace, etc.)
+
 
−
**Credor
+
==References==
−
**Galante
+
* Caswell, M. "WATCH THIS SPACE: As Seiko reaches the final frontier, a firm that keeps breaking new ground". BUSINESS TRAVELLER, ENGLISH EDITION- 2008. 36-57.
−
**Wired
+
*Marrison, W. A (1948). "The Evolution of the quartz crystal clock". Bell System Technical Journal, 1948.  27: 510–588. [http://www.ieee-uffc.org/freqcontrol/marrison/Marrison.html Retrieved June 30, 2008].
−
**Wired XYZ
+
* Nihon Keieishi Kenkyūjo, and Seikō Tokei Shiryōkan. History of the Japanese clock and watch industry. [Tokyo]: Hattori Seiko Co., 1986.  
−
**[[Alba (watch)|Alba]]
+
* Uchida, Hoshimi. Wall clocks of Nagoya, 1885-1925. History of the Japanese clock and watch industry, 2. [Tokyo?]: Hattori Seiko Co., 1987.
−
**[[Pulsar (watch)|Pulsar]]
+
 
−
**Lorus
+
 
−
*Clocks — [http://www.seiko-clock.co.jp/ Seiko Clock Inc.]
 
−
**Decor Seiko
 
−
**Seiko Emblem
 
−
**Seiko Premium
 
−
**Seiko Melodies in Motion Musical Clocks
 
−
**Seiko
 
−
**Pyxis
 
−
*Stopwatches — [http://www.seiko-syd.co.jp/index2.html Seiko S-Yard Co., Ltd.]
 
−
*Kitchen & cooking timers -- [http://www.seiko-clock.co.jp/ Seiko Clock Inc.]
 
−
*Sports timing equipment — [http://www.seiko-sts.co.jp/english/index.htm Seiko Time Systems Inc.]
 
−
*System clocks (outside, building wall, monument, floral clocks) — [http://www.seiko-sts.co.jp/english/index.htm Seiko Time Systems Inc.]
 
−
*Time servers — [http://www.seiko-p.co.jp/E/index.html Seiko Precision Inc.]
 
−
*Printers — [http://www.seiko-p.co.jp/E/index.html Seiko Precision Inc.]
 
−
*Electronic devices, semiconductors, camera shutters, etc. — [http://www.npc.co.jp/en/ Seiko NPC Corporation] & [http://www.seiko-p.co.jp/E/index.html Seiko Precision Inc.]
 
−
*Engineering devices — [http://www.seiko-p.co.jp/E/index.html Seiko Precision Inc.]
 
−
*Golf clubs — [http://www.seiko-syd.co.jp/index2.html Seiko S-Yard Co., Ltd.]
 
−
*Musical accessories (tuners, metronomes) — [http://www.seiko-syd.co.jp/index2.html Seiko S-Yard Co., Ltd.]
 
−
*Jewelry — [http://www.seiko-jwl.co.jp/ Seiko Jewelry Co., Ltd.]
 
−
*Optical lenses & frames — [http://www.seiko-opt.co.jp/l/index.html Seiko Optical Products Co., Ltd.]
 
−
*Upscale specialty retails — [[Wako Department Store|Wako Co., Ltd]] & [http://www.cronos.co.jp/ Cronos Inc.]
 
−
*Specialty optical glass (glass materials for lenses and prisms) — [http://www.ohara-inc.co.jp/en/index.html Ohara Inc.] (Seiko owns 32.2% {{Tyo|5218}})
 
  
−
==References and footnotes==
 
−
<references/>
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 +
All links retrieved June 30, 2008.
 
* [http://www.seiko.co.jp Seiko Holdings Corporation website] {{ja icon}}
 
* [http://www.seiko.co.jp Seiko Holdings Corporation website] {{ja icon}}
 
* [http://www.seiko.co.jp/index.html?lang_is=en Seiko Holdings Corporation website] {{en icon}}
 
* [http://www.seiko.co.jp/index.html?lang_is=en Seiko Holdings Corporation website] {{en icon}}
Line 125: Line 152:
  
  
−
{{credits|Seiko|214594728|}}
+
{{credits|Seiko|214594728|Seiko_Group|178076551| Quartz_clock|222592499|Spring_Drive|221046501|}}

Revision as of 11:41, 1 July 2008

This article is about the watch company. For other meanings, see Seiko (disambiguation).
Seiko Holdings Corporation
セイコーホールディングス株式会社
File:Seiko logo.jpg
Type Public TYO: 8050
Founded Chūō, Tokyo, Japan (1881)
(Incorporated in 1917)
Headquarters Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Key people Katsumi Yamamura, Chairman; Koichi Murano, President
Industry Retail-Jewelry, Precision Instruments and Machinery
Products Watches, clocks, printers, semiconductors, mechatronics devices, machine tools, optical glass materials, jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.
Revenue Green up.png ¥201.9 billion (FY2006, consolidated)


Employees 7,358 (March 31, 2007, consolidated)


Website Seiko Holdings Corporation


Seiko Holdings Corporation (セイコーホールディングス株式会社; Seikō Hōrudingusu Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 8050) (more commonly known simply as Seiko [pronounced say-co]) is a Japanese company that produces watches and clocks, timepiece technologies, optical products, precision electronic components, and business machines. Perhaps best known for its watches, Seiko began as K. Hattori, a shop in the Ginza district of Tokyo that sold jewelry and imported clocks. Seiko produced the first Japanese wristwatch in 1913. In 1958, Seiko began manufacturing clocks using electronic oscillators regulated by quartz crystals to create a signal with a very precise frequency, that measured time more accurately than mechanical clocks. In 1969, Seiko introduced the Seiko Astron, the world's first production quartz watch; today, quartz crystal watches powered by movements of the wrist make up a large proportion of its sales.

Seiko has used its expertise in timepiece technology to produce a wide variety of products such as camera components, business products including network communication devices, software, printers, time recorders, integrated circuit tags, precision manufacturing devices, lenses and optical devices, and luxury products. Seiko’s sports division, S-Yard Co., Ltd. Produces golf clubs, stop watches, and sports timing devices. Seiko has been the official timekeeper at several Olympic Games and Football World Cups.

History

In 1881, Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop called ("K. Hattori", 服部時計店, Hattori Tokeiten) in the Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan, and began to sell imported clocks. In 1892, Hattori began to produce wall clocks under the name Seikosha (精工舎, Seikōsha). According to Seiko's official company history, "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a Japanese word meaning "exquisite," "minute," or "success." "Exquisite" is usually written “精巧” while "success" is usually written “成功.”

In 1913, Seikosha launched the first wrist watch made in Japan, the Laurel. The first watches produced under the “Seiko” brand appeared in 1924. In 1930, Seiko began to manufacture camera shutters. The watch production division split off in 1937 as Daini Seikosha Co., Ltd., predecessor of today's Seiko Instruments Inc.; and in 1947, after the end of World War II, the retail division became Wako Co., Ltd.. The company, which had been incorporated as K. Hattori & Co., Ltd. in 1917, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1949. In 1953, Seiko sponsored Japan’s first TV commercial.

In 1958, Seiko began making commercial quartz clocks for broadcasters, using electronic oscillators regulated by quartz crystals to create a signal with a very precise frequency, that measured time more accurately than mechanical clocks. In 1969, Seiko introduced the Seiko Astron, the world's first production quartz watch; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko went on to produce the first quartz chronograph. Quartz clocks and watches soon proliferated, due to their low cost of production and inherent accuracy.

In 1982, Seiko introduced the first TV watch. The company was renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983. In 1985, Orient Watches and Seiko established a joint factory. In 1990, the company became Seiko Corporation. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation, Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a holding company in 2001 and was renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation in July, 2007. [1]

Grand Quartz, produced in 1978

Seiko Group

File:Seiko Companies Logos.png
Seiko, SII and Epson logos. Three companies share "Seiko" in their official names but have different corporate visual identities.

Seiko Group (セイコー・グループ, Seikō Gurūpu) consists of three core companies Seiko Holdings Corporation (Seiko), Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) and Seiko Epson|Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson), all utilizing timepiece technology in their products. Although they have some common shareholders including the key members of the Hattori family, the three companies in the Seiko Group are not affiliated, and are managed and operated independently. Epson has established its own brand image and rarely uses "Seiko."

Seiko Instruments Inc. and Seiko Epson Corp. manufacture the movements for Seiko watches, which are marketed by Seiko Watch Corporation, a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings Corporation. Seiko Instruments Inc., (SII), is a privately held company, headquartered in Chiba), Japan.

Seiko Holdings Corporation

Seiko Holdings Corporation (SEIKO, TYO: 8050, headquartered in Tokyo), is one of the three core companies of the Seiko Group. It includes the following business lines:

Watches and clocks

Seiko is perhaps most famous for its wristwatches. Seiko is known for its advanced technology, and is one of the few wristwatch manufacturers that produces all of its watches and movements entirely in-house. Even secondary items, such as the oils used in lubricating the watches, and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials, are produced by the Seiko factories.

Seiko produces both quartz and mechanical watches, sold for prices ranging from around US$50 to as much as $US150,000 for the Credor Spring Drive Sonnerie in Rose Gold. [2]. Seiko's mechanical watches, including the common Seiko "5" series (“5” representing the 5 essential features of the watch: shock resistant, water resistant, automatic, with day and date display), the Seiko automatic Chronometer series, the "Bell-Matic" with a mechanical alarm, and the luxury "Credor", "King Seiko" and "Grand Seiko" lines, are the most prized by collectors.

Seiko Kinetic watches now account for a large proportion of sales. These watches have the accuracy of quartz and are entirely powered by the movements of the wrist during everyday wear.

Seiko Pyramid Talk, world's first quartz talking clock, from 1984
The Hattori Clock Tower in Ginza, Tokyo, former headquarters and main store building of K. Hattori & Co., currently houses Wako Department Store.

Seiko portrays its watches as a means of enhancing enjoyment of life, expressing pride, and sharing joy and emotion. Seiko Watch Corporation Seiko Watch Corporation handles marketing program, product planning, and after-market servicing for the Seiko, Credor, and Wired brands in Japan, and for the Seiko, Pulsar, Alba and Lorus brands internationally. [3]

Seiko Corporation of America is responsible for distribution of Seiko watches and clocks, as well as Pulsar brand watches, in the United States. The models available in the United States are normally a smaller subset of the full line produced in Japan. Seiko Corporation of America has its headquarters and Coserv repair center in Mahwah, New Jersey. In the United States, Seiko watches are sold primarily by fine jewelers and department stores, as well as 19 company stores located in various cities.

Various Seiko watches were worn by the cinematic James Bond 007 in four films, starring Roger Moore, from 1977-1985. Also, a Seiko watch was worn by Sean Connery in the 1983 Bond film, Never Say Never Again.


Seiko Clock Inc. dates to the earliest days of “Hattori Tokeiten,” and handles every aspect of the clock business, from product planning and development to production, sales, and service. It has manufacturing bases both in Japan and overseas; its Hong Kong base manages overseas marketing. The company seeks to deliver superior products to market through quality, innovative technology and technical prowess.[4]


Spring drive

In 1997, Seiko Epson publicly announced the Spring Drive, a new watch movement developed in collaboration with Seiko Instruments and Seiko Holdings. [5] It was presented at the 1998 Basel Watch Fair and first appeared commercially in the Credor 'luxury watch' range as a limited edition in 1999. A version which included an automatic winder was shown in Seiko models at the 2005 Basel Watch Fair.

Like a mechanical watch, the spring drive uses a mainspring, barrel, automatic winder and stem winding to store energy, but the conventional escapement is replaced with a device that Seiko calls a Tri-synchro Regulator to regulate the unwinding of the mainspring. The regulator controls the use of the three forms of energy used in the Spring Drive mechanism: the mechanical power of the mainspring, created by the automatic winder; the electrical energy generated from this mechanical power; and the electromagnetic energy that governs the rotation of the glide wheel. Energy produced by the glide wheel powers a control circuit and a tiny, ultra-low consumption (~25 nanoWatts) quartz crystal oscillator, which in turn regulates the electro-mechanical braking of the glide wheel. The glide wheel's speed is sampled 8 times per second (each time it makes a complete revolution around the regulator), and compared with the reference quartz signal by the control circuit. A variable braking force is continuously applied to regulate the glide wheel's frequency. The movement never stops as in a traditional escapement; it is slowed to the proper speed by the brake. The result is a watch with hands that glide instead of ticking, as in a conventional mechanical or quartz watch. The accuracy of this watch movement is guaranteed to be within one second per day, but watch owners commonly report an accuracy of one to two seconds per week.

Precision products

Seiko Precision Inc. produces electronic devices such as camera components, peripheral devices and applications, and precision molded components; as well as business products including network communication devices, software, printers, time recorders, integrated circuit tags, and precision manufacturing devices.

Seiko NPC Corporation develops products that employ analog and digital technologies, for applications in mobile devices, digital consumer electronics, and intelligent home appliances. Its quartz crystal oscillator ICs, which have the top share in the global market, are key components in the reference clock signals which control various electronic devices.[6]

Optical products

Seiko began selling imported eyeglass frames in Japan in 1921, and eventually developed a full line of lenses and optical products. Seiko established Japan's first full-scale laboratory system in 1964, and introduced Japan's first plastic optical lenses in 1975. Seiko Optical Products is in charge of the planning, marketing, sales and service of Seiko optical lenses and frames, and eyeglass-related products including frames and sunglasses under a variety of licensed brands.

Retail

Wako Co. Ltd., an upscale specialty retailer, is a landmark in Ginza, and sells a wide range of sophisticated products, including watches, jewelry, men's and women's clothing, interior home decor, arts and crafts, eyeglasses, and foodstuffs. [7]

Other

  • Seiko S-Yard Co., Ltd. conducts businesses that range from product planning and development to domestic and overseas sales of golf clubs under the S-YARD brand. It also produces stop watches, sports timing devices, fitness products including runners' watches and pedometers, and musical accessories including metronomes and tuning devices. During the 1980's, the music division produced a range of digital synthesizers, such as the DS-250, for use in electronic music.

[8]

  • Established in 1970, Seiko Time Systems Inc. is engaged in the integrated manufacturing, and sales of products ranging from the system clocks widely used in schools and hospitals, marionette clocks, and technical clocks, such as those for broadcasting stations, to sports timing devices that are accurate to within 10 thousandth of a second, data processing computer systems, and all types of large displays. The company provides time-keeping systems for a variety of sporting events. [9]
  • Cronos Inc. is one of the largest Japanese luxury timepiece retailers, operating numerous sales centers in upscale Japanese department stores nationwide offering Seiko brand and other prestigious watches, jewelry, and eyeglasses, watch repair and associated services.[10]
  • Ohara Inc. (Seiko owns 32.2% TYO: 5218) is a specialty optical glass manufacturer, established in 1935, manufacturing products for optics-related industries, such as environmentally friendly optical glass, HDD glass substrate materials, and ultra-low expansion glass ceramics (CLEARCERAM®)., as well as supplying technologies and services to the optical and information sectors..[11]


Seiko Epson Corporation

Seiko Epson Corporation (EPSON, TYO: 6724, is headquartered in Suwa, Nagano, Japan, includes Orient Watch Co. Ltd.. Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) is known for its printers in Europe and North America and its diverse line of electronics and computer equipment within Japan.


Official timekeeper

Seiko has been the official timer of many major sporting events:

  • Tokyo Olympic Summer Games in Japan, 1964
  • Sapporo Winter Olympic Games, 1972
  • 1978 World Cup in Argentina,
  • 1982 World Cup in Spain,
  • 1986 World Cup in Mexico,
  • IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Italy, 1987
  • 1990 World Cup in Italy,
  • IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Tokyo, Japan, 1991
  • Barcelona Olympic Summer Games in Spain, 1992
  • Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games in Norway, 1994
  • Nagano Olympic Winter Games in Japan, 1998
  • Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in USA, 2002
  • IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, 2007.

Seiko is also named as the official timekeeper of the Gran Turismo racing game series, published by Sony.


Footnotes

  1. ↑ Seiko Japan History Seiko of Japan. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  2. ↑ SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE (Japanese)
    Road to BASEL WORLD 2006 - CREDOR NODE SPRING DRIVE SONNERIE (Japanese)
  3. ↑ Seiko Japan Corporate Divisons Seiko Japan. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  4. ↑ Ibid.
  5. ↑ Epson Japan Milestone Seiko/Credor Spring Drive Milestone Products, Seiko Epson Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  6. ↑ Ibid.
  7. ↑ Wako [wako.co.jp Ginza Wako] Wako Web site (Japanese) Retrieved June 30, 2008
  8. ↑ Seiko S-Yard [ http://www.seiko-sl.co.jp/index.html Seiko Sports Life] Web site (Japanese). Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  9. ↑ Seiko Time Systems [ http://www.seiko-sts.co.jp/e/index.html Seiko Time Systems Inc.] Web site. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  10. ↑ Cronos Cronos Web site (Japanese). Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  11. ↑ Ohara Inc. Ohara Inc. Web site. Retrieved June 30, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Caswell, M. "WATCH THIS SPACE: As Seiko reaches the final frontier, a firm that keeps breaking new ground". BUSINESS TRAVELLER, ENGLISH EDITION- 2008. 36-57.
  • Marrison, W. A (1948). "The Evolution of the quartz crystal clock". Bell System Technical Journal, 1948. 27: 510–588. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  • Nihon Keieishi Kenkyūjo, and Seikō Tokei Shiryōkan. History of the Japanese clock and watch industry. [Tokyo]: Hattori Seiko Co., 1986.
  • Uchida, Hoshimi. Wall clocks of Nagoya, 1885-1925. History of the Japanese clock and watch industry, 2. [Tokyo?]: Hattori Seiko Co., 1987.


External links

All links retrieved June 30, 2008.

Flag of Japan Japanese electronics industry
Advantest · Akai · Alps · Alpine · Anritsu · Aiwa · Brother · Canon · Casio · Citizen Watch · Copal · Denon · Denso · DNP · Eizo · Elpida · Epson · Fanuc · Fostex · Fuji Xerox · Fujifilm · Fujitsu · Funai · Futaba · Hamamatsu Photonics · Hitachi · Horiba · HOYA · Icom · Iwatsu · JEOL · JRC · JVC · Kawai · Kenwood · Keyence · Konica Minolta · Korg · Kyocera · Luxman · Mabuchi Motor · Marantz · Maspro · Matsushita · Maxell · Melco · Mitsubishi · Mitsumi · Nakamichi · National · NEC · Nichia · Nikon · Nintendo · Nitto Denko · Oki · Olympus · OMRON · Onkyo · Quasar · Panasonic · Pentax · Pioneer · Pixela · Plextor · Renesas · Ricoh · Rohm · Roland · Sansui · Sanyo · Seiko · Sega · Sharp · Shimadzu · SII · Sony · Sumitomo Electric · Taiyo Yuden · TEAC · TDK · Technics · Tiger · Toshiba · Uniden · Yaesu · Yagi-Uda · Yamaha · Yaskawa · Yokogawa · Zojirushi


Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Seiko&oldid=747649

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki