Did Japan invent the quartz watch?

Yes. Seiko unveiled the Astron on 25 December 1969, the first commercially produced analogue quartz wristwatch.

Is Grand Seiko a separate brand from Seiko?

Grand Seiko was launched as a high-end Seiko line in 1960 and was established as an independent brand within Seiko Holdings in 2017.

Asia

Japan

Japan industrialised mechanical watchmaking in the 20th century and led the quartz revolution: Seiko introduced the world's first commercially produced quartz wristwatch, the Astron, on 25 December 1969. The country is also home to Grand Seiko, Credor, Citizen and Casio, and to specialised manufacturing in Shizukuishi (Grand Seiko mechanicals) and Shiojiri (Spring Drive).

Capital

Tokyo

Currency

Japanese yen (JPY)

VAT / Tax

Japan's consumption tax is 10%. Tourists may purchase tax-free at registered retailers by presenting a passport at the time of sale.

Signature Brands

Seiko
Grand Seiko
Credor
Citizen
Casio

Traveler Note

Tokyo's Ginza and Wako Building, Shinjuku, and the Seiko Museum Ginza are anchor stops. The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi (Iwate Prefecture) hosts limited tours of the mechanical movement workshop.

Watch Cities in Japan

Tokyo
Tokyo is the global retail capital of Japanese watchmaking and one of the strongest pre-owned luxury watch markets in the world. The Ginza Wako building, with its iconic Hattori clock tower, has been Seiko's flagship address since 1932.