In the late 19th century, Japan was transforming at an extraordinary pace. The nation was modernizing rapidly, but clocks remained a rarity. Amid this backdrop, a young man named Kintaro Hattori found himself captivated by the mysteries of timekeeping. His fascination with clocks would shape not only his own destiny but also the history of watchmaking in Japan.
A Dream of Precision
As a boy, Hattori was mesmerized by the intricate workings of timepieces. He devoted his days to studying how clocks functioned and dedicated himself to repairing them. By the age of 21, his passion had already taken a firm direction—he opened a small shop, marking the beginning of his journey as a watchmaker.
A decade later, his ambitions grew bolder. Hattori founded Seikosha, which translates to House of Precision. What began as a modest clock-making workshop soon expanded into a pioneering factory, producing wall clocks that set new standards of accuracy.
Ginza’s Clock Tower: Time for the People
In the years that followed, Hattori opened a store in Tokyo’s bustling Ginza district, building more than just a retail space—it became a landmark. The shop was crowned with a magnificent clock tower, visible to all, which struck the hour and brought the gift of precise timekeeping to the people of Tokyo.
By 1913, Hattori had reached another milestone: he successfully produced Japan’s very first wristwatch. Step by step, his dream of becoming a true watchmaker had come alive.
A City in Ashes: The Great Kanto Earthquake
But on September 1, 1923, tragedy struck. The Great Kanto Earthquake shook Tokyo, unleashing fires that devastated the city. Hattori’s shop, his factory, and his ambitions—all reduced to ashes in a single day.
It seemed as though time itself had stopped. Yet, even in ruin, Hattori refused to surrender.
Rebuilding Dreams, One Step at a Time
Determined to help his community recover, Hattori offered replacement watches to customers who had lost theirs in the disaster. This small yet powerful gesture symbolized his belief that time was not only to be measured but also to be shared—a way of restoring normal life to those who had lost everything.
Brick by brick, watch by watch, he rebuilt his company, once again dedicating his skills to help people measure the passage of time.
A Landmark of Hope
Hattori’s final great project was to rebuild the clock tower in Ginza. More than just architecture, it became a symbol of Tokyo’s resilience and recovery, inspiring hope for the city and the nation. Even today, that clock tower continues to mark every passing hour, just as it did nearly a century ago.
The Father of Seiko
Kintaro Hattori, founder of Seiko, at different stages of his life
Kintaro Hattori’s legacy lives on through Seiko, the company he founded, and the countless clocks and watches that carry his vision of precision. His words still echo through the halls of time:
“Don’t run, but always keep going. Always one step ahead of the rest.”
From a small repair shop to Japan’s first wristwatch, from ashes of disaster to global renown, Hattori’s story reminds us that time is more than numbers—it is resilience, progress, and hope.
Photo Credit source:
monochrome-watches.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiko
