Top most popular Japanese watch brands

The story of Grand Seiko is closely linked to that of Seiko, the famous Japanese watch brand. However, Grand Seiko has a distinct identity as Seiko's premium division, focusing on watchmaking excellence, precision and refined aesthetics. Since its beginnings, Grand Seiko has strived to compete with the best Swiss watch brands, embodying Japanese know-how and developing its own vision of luxury watchmaking.

History of Grand Seiko

The story of Grand Seiko dates back to the late 1950s, when Seiko decided to create a line of high-end watches to compete with renowned Swiss brands. The goal was to design and manufacture watches that met the highest standards of precision, durability and finish.

In 1960, Grand Seiko was officially launched, with the introduction of the Grand Seiko "First" model. This watch was equipped with a manual mechanical movement and was distinguished by its exceptional precision and readability. The dial features a distinctive logo, “GS”, which will become emblematic of the brand. The first Grand Seiko models were received with praise, not only in Japan, but also abroad. The watches were particularly valued for their unparalleled precision, reliability and clean aesthetic. Grand Seiko quickly gained a reputation for watchmaking excellence, rivaling established Swiss brands.

Over the decades, Grand Seiko has continued to innovate and improve its watches. The brand introduced high-precision quartz movements in the 1970s, which were considered the most precise in the world at the time. However, Grand Seiko has always maintained its commitment to mechanical movements, developing sophisticated calibers with complications such as chronographs, minute repeaters and tourbillons.

In the 1990s, Grand Seiko faced challenges due to the growing popularity of quartz watches and the decline of interest in mechanical watches. However, the brand has continued to produce high quality watches with meticulous attention to detail and precision, cementing its reputation for watchmaking excellence. At the turn of the 21st century, Grand Seiko experienced a renaissance. The brand was reintroduced to the international market, with particular attention given to the United States and Europe. Grand Seiko watches were now presented as luxury products, with distinctive designs and high-end finishes.

The Grand Seiko line has also diversified with the introduction of collections such as the Grand Seiko Heritage, Grand Seiko Elegance, Grand Seiko Sport and Grand Seiko Nature of Time. Each collection offers a diversity of styles and features to meet the tastes and needs of watch enthusiasts around the world.

Over the past few years, Grand Seiko has consolidated its position as an internationally recognized luxury watch brand. Grand Seiko watches are made at the Shinshu Studio factory, located in the mountains of Japan, where master craftsmen are committed to creating watches of exceptional quality. Each watch is assembled by hand and undergoes careful checks to guarantee its precision and reliability.

The constant pursuit of watchmaking perfection is a key characteristic of Grand Seiko. The brand has developed innovative technologies, such as Grand Seiko's alloy spring movement and Zaratsu polishing, which gives the cases an impeccable mirror-polished finish. These advances demonstrate the brand's commitment to innovation and superior quality.

Grand Seiko has also been recognized for its distinctive design, combining elegance and functionality. Watches often feature sleek dials with precise indexes and hands, providing exceptional readability. The cases are designed with balanced lines and highly polished finishes, adding a touch of sophistication to each model.

The Grand Seiko watch has become a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and watchmaking excellence. The brand is proud of its motto "The Nature of Time", which reflects the deep connection between nature, time and the creation of each watch. This philosophy is reflected in dials inspired by nature, such as the Mount Iwate motif or the dials of the "Snowflake" series, which recall the beauty and purity of Japanese landscapes.

How much does a Grand Seiko watch cost?

Prices for new Grand Seikos change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between $7,000 and $9,000 depending on the models and finishes. A Grand Seiko Spring Drive begins at $5,000, while a Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon (limited to 20 pieces) costs no less than $370,000. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a less expensive Grand Seiko.

Grand Seiko: The discretion of luxury Japanese watchmaking

In summary, the story of Grand Seiko is that of a Japanese watch brand which has established itself as a major player in the world of luxury watchmaking. With its commitment to watchmaking excellence, unparalleled precision and refined aesthetics, Grand Seiko has captivated watch enthusiasts around the world.

To choose the Grand Seiko model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience. Check out the Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands, including Grand Seiko.

(Updated January 2024)

The Casio brand, founded in 1946 by Tadao Kashio in Tokyo, Japan, was a key player in the development and popularization of electronic watches. Although the company began producing calculators, it quickly identified the potential of electronic watches, launching its first model, the Casiotron, in 1974.

History of the Casio brand

The Casiotron - relaunched in 2024 in an ultra-limited series, was revolutionary for its time, featuring an automatic calendar that recognized months at 31, 30 and 28 days. This was the beginning of Casio's long history of innovation in watches. One of Casio's most notable contributions to watchmaking is the series G-Shock, launched in 1983. The G-Shock was designed to withstand shock and vibration, and it quickly became a benchmark for ruggedness and functionality.

Casio is one of the 3 flagship brands in the Japanese watch industry with Seiko And Citizen.

What are Casio’s iconic models?

Casio offers a wide range of watches, from rugged sports watches to stylish watches. Here are some of their most popular collections:

Casio G-Shock

Launched in 1983 and celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Casio G-Shock is undoubtedly the brand's most emblematic model. Available in hundreds of versions from a few tens of euros to several thousand like the MRG range, the G-Shock is undoubtedly the watch that appeals to the greatest number of watch enthusiasts. And yes, we can almost say that all watch enthusiasts have a G-Shock in their collection! With an ultra-resistant case in resin, steel, titanium or other alloys, the G-Shock features a quartz movement, a mainly digital display, and complications such as chronograph, alarm, and perpetual calendar, the G-Shock is a watch designed for adventure and action accessible to all budgets!

Casio Edifice

This collection is geared towards style and functionality, with a stainless steel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM, steel bracelet, quartz movement, analog dial, and complications such as chronograph and date. Some models also include Bluetooth connectivity.

Casio Pro Trek

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, these watches offer a resin case, water resistance up to 100 meters, resin strap, quartz movement, digital dial, and complications such as compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. The Pro Trek are true watches for adventurers looking for monitoring of their performance.

Casio Vintage

Inspired by retro designs, these watches feature a resin or steel case, water resistance up to 100 feet, a steel or resin bracelet, quartz movement, and a classic digital dial. They capture the essence of the 80s and 90s.

Casio Oceanus

The Oceanus series represents the elite of Casio technology, offering a fusion of technology and elegance. The case is made of titanium, with water resistance up to 10 ATM, a titanium bracelet, a solar movement that uses Multi-Band 6 technology for automatic time synchronization, an analog dial with diamond indexes or in mother-of-pearl, and complications such as perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator, and world time display for certain models.

Casio: The brand for all watch lovers

Casio has managed to combine innovation, style and accessibility. Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable everyday watch, Casio has something to offer. The Casio website offers a wealth of information on their watches, and owners' reviews on Dialicious can guide you in your choice.

In summary, Casio is a brand that has brought true innovations to watchmaking, offering a range of watches that meet different needs and preferences. With its reputation for quality and durability, Casio continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a watch that is both functional and affordable.

Check out the Ranking of the best japanese watch brands, including Casio.

(Updated July 2023)

 

 

Citizen was founded in 1918 in Japan by Kamekichi Yakamazi of the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in Tokyo. Now one of the world's largest watch companies, recognized for its innovative watches and cutting-edge technology. The history of Citizen begins with the launch of its first pocket watch in 1924, called the "CITIZEN".

History of the Citizen brand

This watch was equipped with a high-quality mechanical movement and was highly valued for its precision and reliability. It quickly gained popularity, establishing the foundation of Citizen's reputation in watchmaking.

Over the following years, Citizen continued to innovate and push the boundaries of watchmaking technology. In 1956, the company introduced the world's first pocket wristwatch, which revolutionized the way watches were worn. This innovation paved the way for a new era of more practical and functional watches. In the 1960s, Citizen released several revolutionary watches, including the Citizen Parawater, Japan's first waterproof watch, and the Citizen Cosmotron, the country's first solar-powered electronic watch. These technological advances have solidified Citizen's position as a pioneer in the watch industry.

Citizen has also played a key role in the quartz watch industry. In 1973, the company introduced the Citizen Crystron Solar Cell, the first quartz watch powered by solar energy. This innovation paved the way for a new generation of more precise and durable quartz watches with the 1976 launch of the technology Citizen Eco-Drive.

Over the decades, Citizen has continued to introduce new features and technologies into its watches. In 1993, the company launched the Citizen Promaster Aqualand, a diver's watch that has pushed the boundaries of underwater performance. It was equipped with features such as measuring depth and diving time, which allowed divers to explore the seabed safely.

In the 2000s, Citizen began developing ecological watches. In 2008, the company introduced the Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave, the first solar-powered watch capable of receiving satellite signals for optimal accuracy around the world. This revolutionary technology eliminated the need to change batteries, providing a more durable and convenient solution for watch enthusiasts. Over the past few years, Citizen has maintained its leading position in the watch industry. The company continues to innovate in design, technology and sustainability, while maintaining its commitment to quality and precision.

Today, Citizen is a globally recognized brand, offering a wide range of watches to suit all tastes and needs. Whether for lovers of classic watches, diving watches, connected watches or sports watches, Citizen offers varied options meeting the expectations of consumers around the world. Citizen is one of the 3 major Japanese watchmaking groups with Seiko And Casio.

The current range includes models such as Citizen Eco-Drive, Citizen Promaster Diver, Citizen Tsuyoza, Citizen Skyhawk or Citizen Chronomaster.

How much does a Citizen watch cost?

The prices of Citizen watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between $400 and $800 depending on the models and finishes. As an example, a Citizen Eco-Drive starts to $250 and the top of the range Citizen with the collection The Citizen oscillates between $3,000 and $7,000. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Citizen.

Citizen: The other giant of Japanese watchmaking

Citizen Watch is a renowned Japanese watch company with a history dating back almost a century. From its first mechanical watches to its innovations in solar energy, quartz and sustainability, Citizen has played a major role in the evolution of the watch industry. Today, Citizen continues to position itself as a global leader, offering superior quality watches combining functionality, design and innovation.

Citizen is owned by a Japanese industrial group in the same way as the brands Bulova, Alpina, Arnold & Son and Frederick Constant. Citizen produces several million watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Citizen model that best suits you, Dialicious customer reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real owner experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best japanese watch brands, including Citizen.

(Updated December 2023)

The Seiko brand, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, has become one of the most influential and respected watch companies in the world. Since the opening of its first store, Seiko has continued a path of constant growth and innovation.

History of the Seiko brand

The year 1924 marked the first watch produced under the Seiko brand. The company continued to develop new technologies, and in 1956 it released the first self-winding wristwatch made in Japan. The real game-changer came in 1969 with the introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch. This innovation not only changed the direction of Seiko but also revolutionized the entire watch industry.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko solidified its reputation as a technological leader with the development of solar-powered watches and the introduction of professional divers' watches. In 2005, Seiko presented the Spring Drive, a unique movement combining the strength of mechanical watchmaking and the precision of quartz.

In recent years, Seiko has continued to innovate by creating eco-friendly watches and supporting various environmental initiatives. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, precision and sophisticated design.

What are Seiko’s iconic models?

Seiko Prospex

This collection is dedicated to those who seek adventure, whether underwater, on land or in the air. The Prospex offers solid cases, water resistance up to 200 meters, steel or silicone bracelets, and automatic or solar movement. These watches are often associated with professional divers and adventurers.

Seiko Presage

Bringing together the best of traditional Japanese watchmaking and modern design, the Presage offers stainless steel cases, leather straps, automatic movement, and exquisite dials. The collection is appreciated for its elegance and style.

Seiko Astron

This iconic collection represents Seiko innovation. With titanium or stainless steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, metal bracelets, solar quartz movement with GPS, the Astron continues to be at the cutting edge of technology.

Seiko 5 Sports

The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a symbol of youth and dynamism. With steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, steel or fabric straps, and automatic movement, it is designed for the active lifestyle.

How much does a Seiko watch cost?

The prices of new Seiko watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between €500 and €1,000 depending on the finishes. Price differences can be significant between the brand's different collections. For example, the price of a Seiko 5 fluctuates between €200 and €400 and the Seiko Prospex between €300 and €2,500. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Seiko.

Seiko: An essential brand for starting out in watchmaking

Seiko is a brand that has charted its path through over a century of innovation and excellence. Its main models reflect a diverse range that meets the needs of sportsmen, divers, luxury enthusiasts and fashionable young people. Seiko's positioning in the watch landscape is unique, offering high quality watches at different price points, and remaining at the forefront of technology and design.

To find out more about these models, the brand's website is a useful information resource. Furthermore, the Dialicious owners' reviews are essential to making the right choice from this historic brand. Choosing a Seiko watch is more than a purchase; it’s an investment in a piece of Japanese watchmaking history that continues to shape the future. Some may prefer Grand Seiko but this is another journey...

Check out the Ranking of the best japanese watch brands, including Seiko.

(Updated November 2023)

The Orient brand was created in 1951 by Shogoro Yoshida in Japan. It all began in 1901 when the founder opened a watch boutique in the Ueno commercial district of Tokyo. For 50 years, it was able to take advantage of an expanding market and expand to the point of offering its own models. It was only in 1950 that he founded the “Tama Keiki Co” factory in the town of Hino. The original name of the company was quickly changed to accompany the release of their first model, the Orient Star, in 1951.

The name of the brand comes from the Latin Oriri which means to be born, to rise, to rise. Orient offers high quality, precise watches with unbeatable value for money. It is also known as one of the world's main manufacturers of mechanical watches in volumes.

The range includes models like the Orient Mako III Kamasu, the Orient Bambino 1, the Orient Mako, the Orient Flight and the Orient King Star.

How much does an Orient watch cost?

The prices of Orient watches sold on the brand's website are changing between €179 and €1,350 depending on the models and finishes. Count €245 for an Orient Bambino 2 and €449 for an Orient Mechanical Sports.

Orient is owned by Seiko Epson Corporation and produces approximately 2 million watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Orient that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best japanese watch brands, including Orient.

(Updated December 2023)