Master Craftsman

Mr. Satoshi Hiraga at Stockholm Grand Seiko Event

By Fotograf Ola Jacobsen

January 17^th, 2020

Do you know Seiko? The Japanese watch brand, widely known for their affordable and reliable wristwatches. But did you know that Seiko, through the sub-brands Grand Seiko and Credor, also makes some of the most technically advanced and best-crafted watches in the world?

Viewed among collectors and watch-aficionados as one of the best representatives of watchmaker craftsmanship, the Swedish watch community gathered at the Grand Seiko event in Globen, Stockholm, Sweden, to see the rare Japanese creations first hand, and even try the 10.000–350.000 Euro pieces on the wrist.

The event was hosted by Grand Seiko AD Klockmaster Globen and Fältöversten. The main attraction was Grand Seiko Master Watchmaker, Mr Satoshi Hiraga, assembling one of the brand's movements, the 9S86 caliber, live on stage.

This show, broadcasted in every detail through a stereo microscope on a large screen, magnetized the audience, watching the precision and speed of the skilled craftsman, jaws dropped, phones left in their pockets for over 30 minutes.

The Seiko Astron 35SQ (above) was the world’s first quartz wristwatch in the world, and it changed the watch industry forever. The unique design was by Kazunari Sasaki of Suwa Seikosha. The Quartz Astron went on sale December 25, 1969.