Casio, Citizen and Seiko aren’t the only Japanese watch brands. Read on to explore the world of Japanese watches and watch movements.
When you talk about Japanese watch brands you have to start with the big three. They are Casio, Citizen and Seiko, period, full stop. I would go so far as to say (I have no proof) that Seiko and Citizen’s Miyota Movement division power more watches than any other movement manufactures in the world.
To give you an idea of the volume of movements being made, Miyota’s Caliber 2035 is manufactured at a rate of one per second. This is especially true in the lower part of the market, the sub $1500 market for automatics and the sub $500 in quartz.
My first automatic watch was a Seiko, the SRP150 Seiko 5 with a black case and yellow dial that I ordered from Amazon. I gave this watch to my eldest son who still wears it.
This post is not intended as a comprehensive guide to these huge and amazing Japanese watch brands. It is however a quick overview of the lines and styles of each, plus a few indie brands that are worthy of mention.
Contents
The Best Japanese Watch Brands
1. Casio
Casio was founded by the four Kashio brothers: Tadao, Toshio, Kazuo, and Yukio. Led by the second eldest, Toshio, the four brothers developed the 14-A, the world’s first compact all-electric calculator in 1957. With a corporate motto of “creativity and contribution” Casio prides itself on creating something from nothing!
Casio makes a large variety of watches with the most popular lines being G-Shock, Baby-G, Edifice, PRO-TREK, Vintage, Dress, Classic, Databank, Sports and Wave Ceptor watches. The G-Shock line is probably Casio most popular, these ultra tough watches deserve a place in everyone’s collection. I have three G-Shocks and it is my go to watch when things are going to get messy or harsh. Many of the lines share similar DNA with complex dials, Solar and Battery Powered watch movements often incorporating unique sensor technologies.
With over 2,000 watches on amazon right now Casio has something for everyone, check it out here. Also check out WhichWatch posts on the G-Shock GravityMaster GPW1000-1A, Gulfmaster GWN-1000H-9A, and the G-Shock Mudman G9300-1, which I think is the toughest watch in the world. The photo above is my PROTREK PRW-3000T-7JF that I photographed in Yosemite last year. The watch has seen a lot of action and makes a great hiking companion with its super light titanium case and band.
2. Citizen
Citizen watches are some of my favorite watches. Founded in 1930 by a group of Japanese and Swiss investors when they took over the Shokosha Watch Research Institute. Citizen created the world’s first multi-band atomic timekeeping watch in 1993, and was a pioneer in solar powered watches with their Eco-Drive technology.
Currently Citizen has 9 lines along with special and limited editions, including the ProMaster Sport Line, Satellite Wave, Atomic, Diamond and Dress, Super Titanium, Silhouette Crystal, Weekender, Drive by Citizen and the Japanese only market ChronoMaster.
Recently Citizen introduced the world’s most accurate light powered watch, the Caliber 0100 accurate to +/- 1 second per year! Check out the video on the Caliber 0100, here.
I have three Citizen watches, two ProMasters and an older Atomic from the early 2000’s. You can check out my post on the Alticron that I tested in Death Valley. My Atomic was one of my top picks for an everyday watch. With over 700 watches on Amazon, I highly recommend that you check out Citizen’s offerings.
3. Dedegumo
And now for something completely different. Dedegumo is a Japanese watch brand that is based in Kyoto and is driven and inspired by the local arts scene. Each watch is handcrafted and unique.
These artistic watches use Seiko and Citizen movements and are a huge departure from the typical high-tech watches to be found in Japan. I find Dedegumo’s steam punk sensibility inspiring and fun. In the high-tech world of Japanese watch making its cool to see a brand doing something different.
4. Knot
Knot is fashion forward brand that wants to bring quality Japanese watches with tons of strap choice to the public for a reasonable price. Check out their website here to make what they call a custom watch, click custom order in the menu and then select your watch type, strap and buckle. My choice of blue dialed quartz with a NATO style strap with a silver buckle came in at right over $200.00. The Classic pictured is a 40mm quartz with a super thin 7mm profile, it kind of reminds me of a Nomos-Glashuette Tangente, just way cheaper.
5. Minase
In 1963 Minase started as a cutting tool manufacturer in Kyowa. Today it has blossomed into a unique and beautiful manufacture of mid to high-end watches.
Minase released its own in-house hand winding movement in 2017. The brand also uses modified and customized Swiss watch movements in their watches. The HiZ collection includes The Horizon, Five Windows (pictured above), Divido and the Limited Edition Seven Windows. With prices starting around $4,000 and going up these unique watches really stand out! To say the least these watches are not available on Amazon.
6. Orient
The Orient Watch Company Limited really started in 1950 with the launch of the Orient Star model. The Orient Star featured an original mechanical movement along with a simple clean dial.
I really like that the Orient line has stayed true to its mission since day one. “To offer high-quality, attainable timepieces with enduring style.” This has stayed true even when the company was purchased by Seiko in 2009 and integrated into the Seiko Group of companies. I have two Orient watches, an Orange Mako I and a Gold Bambino Version IV.
Orient is another fantastic automatic starter watch brand, with respectable in-house movements, elegant style all combined with solid materials and build quality. Check out the line, here!
7. Seiko
Seiko started in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened his shop selling and repairing watches in Tokyo. Today they have 8 brands and make movements for dozens of small watch makers around the globe.
Seiko has been a watch innovator for years. Starting in 1969 with the first quartz watch in production to 2012 with the world’s first GPS Solar Powered Watch. Check out Seiko’s heritage page, here. Their current lines include Astron, Prospex, Presage, Recraft, Seiko 5, Coutura, the Diamond Collection and their premium line Grand Seiko.
My first automatic watch was a Seiko 5, but my current favorites are from the sporty Prospex line. Check out my post “My Blue Seiko’s” for more. Also, Amazon has over 1,000 Seiko’s currently for sale, I’m sure you will find one you like.
If there is a Japanese watch brand that should be included in this list, please let me know.
Keep on Watching!
