This technical innovation of the first importance (for more details about this remarkable achievement, see Europa Star 2.05 and 6.05, or our website, www.europastar.com) was also the dreamed of occasion for Seiko to finally move into other market sectors, in terms of both price and product, outside of the Japanese archipelago. In Japan, Seiko has, for a long time, distributed mechanical timekeepers in the haut de gamme market segment.
With a selective distribution policy, a strictly controlled network of boutiques (which will gradually pass from about a hundred sales points today to around 200 in mid-2007), a small number of available pieces, high level launches, a whole strategy for moving upmarket has been organized for this special occasion.
The first pieces began distribution last fall and, at present, are beginning a second phase, following this same strategy. This should slowly transform Seiko’s image in the international marketplace, and, more specifically, in the historic markets of Swiss and European Haute Horlogerie.
During BaselWorld 2006, Seiko is presenting several new models of the Spring Drive collection, with a particularly well thought out styling, irreproachable finishing, and equipped with small complications.
Two models especially stand out: the GMT model and the Moon Phase model.




SPRING DRIVE GMT



SPRING DRIVE MOON PHASE


Equipped with a power reserve indicator graduated over 72 hours, the GMT has a second concentric 24-hour scale within the dial, with the time indicated by a red hand. High readability, a purity of lines, and three-dimensional dial characterize this lovely model.
With a limited edition of 200 numbered pieces, the Spring Drive Moon Phase is equipped with a very finely decorated movement featuring a pattern of lunar rays that illuminate the movement and the openwork rotor. The silvered bridges and the blued screws create an attractive contrast. For the dial, the accent is placed on the circle, with a power reserve indicator, in a circular dial, that shares the space with a beautiful yet elegantly simple moon phase display on a mother-of-pearl disc. The decoration is particularly refined, modern, and pure in its expression (fine circular grooves that are reminiscent of a Zen garden), with attention to the slightest details such as the seconds hand decorated with a crescent moon.

New models in the Sportura range
In an entirely different domain, Seiko also intends to strengthen its position in the sports watch sector, and is launching a series of new models in its Sportura range, strongly inspired by the world of car racing (as a reminder, Seiko sponsors the Honda F1 Racing Team). The result: new movements, new case design, new attaches and a new bracelet.




SPORTURA and SPORTURA FOR WOMEN


One can discover these new features in the 7T82, for example, which is an analogue chronograph measuring 1/100th of a second. While the 1/100th hand revolves at high speed for 40 minutes, the minute hand also moves for 40 minutes then returns instantaneously to zero to then continue.
Another model, the H024, also new with a double display of 1/100th of a second, is analogue for the hour and minute, and digital for its chronographic function. This model also has an automatic calendar that does not require any corrections until December 31, 2055.


Source: Europa Star April-May 2006 Magazine Issue