The company was founded in 1881 when Hattori Kintaro opened a watch and jewelry store called Hattori Tokeiten/服部時計店 in Tokyo's Ginza district. 11 years later, in 1892, he began to produce a watch called Seikosha (精工舎 / Seikōsha), which can be translated as "the house of exclusive craftsmanship" ("seiko" can be translated as "sophistication" or "refinement")
The company is transformed into a joint stock company K. Hattori & Co. in 1917. In 1983, the company name was changed to Hattori Seiko Co. Ltd., and in 1990 it became the Seiko Corporation. Since July 1, 2007, the company has been named Seiko Holdings Corporation.
Hattori Kintaro in 1890.
1907.
Durings 1920s.
In 1895 Hattori acquired his own "corner" on the Ginza and built there the first version of the famous Hattori clock tower.
Unfortunately the great earthquake of 1923 would totally destroy both the factory and the tower.
This is how the tower clock looked like when was found in the ruins of the store.
New main store building of K. Hattori & Co. was completed only in 1932.
Our days.
The company is transformed into a joint stock company K. Hattori & Co. in 1917. In 1983, the company name was changed to Hattori Seiko Co. Ltd., and in 1990 it became the Seiko Corporation. Since July 1, 2007, the company has been named Seiko Holdings Corporation.
Hattori Kintaro in 1890.
1907.
Durings 1920s.
In 1895 Hattori acquired his own "corner" on the Ginza and built there the first version of the famous Hattori clock tower.
Unfortunately the great earthquake of 1923 would totally destroy both the factory and the tower.
This is how the tower clock looked like when was found in the ruins of the store.
New main store building of K. Hattori & Co. was completed only in 1932.
Our days.
