Vol.1 | by Seiko watch design

It is now over 100 years since the creation of the Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever wrist watch.
Amidst that long history we Seiko designers have created many watches filled with many fond memories. We hope this Design Museum will help you get acquainted with the most unique of these watches and the memories associated with their creation.

Arctura

The Arctura, released in 1997, is equipped with Seiko’s proprietary Kinetic caliber technology and is a curved design by renowned designer Jorg Hysek. It’s a symbolically significant model developed with the global market in mind which was unusual for its time. It employed the latest materials and technology in pursuit of a more daring design. Four series were released varying in water resistance and caliber.

A new structural concept enables a more integrated feel.

MIM (metal powder injection molding) technology has enabled a shape that integrated the band with the case. MIM was also indispensable in reproducing the complex shaping around the crown. Utilizing Kinetic caliber technology that makes changing batteries unnecessary, the back of the watch is a smooth, one-piece construction that is user friendly. The band, composed of urethane and stainless steel, supports a double compatibility of design and comfort.

Astron

The Astron, released in 2014, incorporates Seiko’s proprietary, world’s first GPS solar movement requiring no external charging and with signal reception that give you the correct time regardless of where in the world you may be. Along with the standard business model, this is part of the conceptual design series that exemplifies the GPS watch.

Envisioning the Stratosphere

The most outstanding feature of this model is its dome glass. It’s an expression of the dynamic view of the stratosphere surrounding the earth through sapphire glass. The glass has been carved from a block one by one, painstakingly, hour after hour, and it is this effort that has made this magnificent world view a reality.

Kinetic Chronograph

The Kinetic Chronograph was released in 1999 in a limited edition of 1,000 pcs and sold out immediately. The face displays originality never seen in the past and what is referred to as its independent multi-lens layout became a major topic of conversation. This model received the Good Design Award.

Exceptional Legibility

Unlike ordinary chronographs, this chronograph uniquely features sub dials that are not inset under the hands, but are independent like an instrument panel. This enables extraordinary legibility. The objective of this design is to instill a sense of euphoria like that of a sports car dashboard, as well as a feeling of pure innocence from the metallic finish.

Airpro

The Airpro, which was released in 1997, was very avant-garde compared to current watch designs and has an aura all its own. The impressive form, that has been super-sized in order to attach air pumps and air valves, is the outstanding feature of the design.

Easy to See Functionality

Attaching miniature air pumps and valves, and equipping the band with an air chamber, serves to reduce any shock to the main body of the watch. It also helps reduce the burden on the wrist of the user. The objective of this design was to integrate these two “functions.”

Tisse

The Tisse, released in 1984, is a watch that has the feel of an accessory. With the development of very minute calibers it became possible to make the outer diameter extremely small. The form, like an extraordinarily simple rosary, gave rise to the loose fit style and had the overwhelming support of young women just before Japan’s bubble economy came to an end.

Designing Watches as Accessories

Watches are accessories that uplift the spirits of the women who wear them. It could well be said that among ladies’ watch design styles that are now accepted as the normal standard, the Tisse was an epoch-making design.