Seiko vs Hamilton: Brand Comparison

This is an interesting comparison as Seiko and Hamilton cannot be more different when it comes to their watch designs and constructions. This article will give a clearer picture of how each brand compares to one another regarding their watch construction and design. Seiko is a more prominent brand and certainly earns its reputation as one of the world’s best timepiece manufacturers. On the other hand, Hamilton is considered by many as a versatile all-around watch brand that covers a lot of bases. In this comparison guide, we will compare Seiko vs Hamilton.

Both brands are well-respected in the industry, each offering a unique take with their timepiece craftsmanship. Can Hamilton surprise us by one-upping Seiko, or will Seiko prove once again why it is among the top companies in this industry?

 

Seiko vs Hamilton: History of the Brands

History of Seiko

Seiko is a world-famous Japanese watch brand. Even casual fans will no doubt be familiar with Seiko watches. Seiko has a proven track record of revolutionizing the industry with its innovative technology. The company is probably one of the most influential in the industry as its innovations managed to shift the global market into new territories.

One of their most important innovations is their introduction of the quartz movement back in 1969. Quartz movement watches quickly gained popularity and jumpstarted the quartz watch revolution of the ‘70s. Leading the charge is the Seiko Aston, the very first quartz movement wristwatch in the world.

With this achievement level, you would think that Seiko would take it slow and enjoy the praise they gained with their quartz watches. But within a decade, Seiko once again revolutionized the industry. By 1977, Seiko unveiled its solar-powered watch technology to the public. With Seiko’s already highly precise quartz movement, the inclusion of solar-powered batteries further boosted the company’s overall standing in the industry to new heights.

In the late ‘90s, Seiko took the industry by surprise by introducing another new watch technology, called the Spring Drive movement. The rather Star Trek-sounding moniker was chosen deliberately. Spring Drive movement watches were designed to withstand the strain of space travel while also providing accurate time to the wearer.

Seiko is a giant in the industry, and it manages to deliver more awe-inspiring timepieces like clockwork. Expect more from the Japanese watchmaker soon.

History of Hamilton

The American-based watch company (now with a Swiss connection), Hamilton, has been in the watchmaking business since 1892. Hamilton watches have always been connected to American history. One of their more prominent eras came during the Second World War when Hamilton shifted its focus from making consumer timepieces to developing military-grade watches. They partnered up with the American military exclusively during this tumultuous period.

Once World War II ended, Hamilton once again returned to crafting watches for the consumer market. By 1969, Hamilton migrated to Switzerland and began operating and manufacturing from there. The reason for this significant change is due to their acquisition of the Buren factory. From this point on, Hamilton included Swiss quartz movements into their watches, improving upon their already impressive craftsmanship.

In 1974, Hamilton was picked up by the Swatch Group and has since been a subsidiary of the mega-conglomerate. This acquisition helped improve Hamilton’s sales by expanding its reach to a broader audience.

Until today, Hamilton has maintained its reputation as one of the more trusted brands in the watch market. Their models come in a wide range of prices, allowing more people to enjoy their fantastic looking timepieces.

 

Seiko vs Hamilton: Specs

Seiko Specifications

Let’s start with chronograph watches. This type of watch must provide excellent reliability and accuracy to the wearer.

Comprising of Seiko’s two popular features, the quartz movement and solar-powered technology, the Seiko SSC143 is a beast of a chronograph that few other watches can touch. The SSC143 features the standard three sub-dial functionalities. Main features include an alarm, a 60-minute timer, and a second timer.

As with all Seiko watches, the SSC143 incorporates the ever-reliable Japanese quartz movement with an analog display. The hands are all coated with Lumibrite to provide legibility even in low-light environments.

Whether you need a rugged tool for underwater or a stylish tool for wearing on dry land, Seiko’s Prospect collection has everything to offer from its Sea models. This collection is equipped with quartz movements and impressive water resistance (assisting with saturation diving), and it includes limited-edition models with cermet bezels. The Land series of the Prospex collection supports adventure seekers of every kind. Characterized by their legible day-date features and bold Arabic numeral hour tracks, they offer the explorer instant access to the time whenever it is required.

This Seiko chronograph watch comes with a two-tone black ion and silver design. An apt description for the SSC143 is that it’s a stylish watch with a mysterious edge to it. This is a timeless design that will still be turning heads even after a decade. The Seiko SSC143 is also surprisingly sleek with its 42.5 mm diameter case. Overall, not only is the SSC143 an extraordinarily reliable and well-made chronograph watch, but it is also one stylish timepiece that fits all occasions.

 

Hamilton Specifications

Hamilton watches are exceptionally accurate with its Swiss-automatic movement. The analog display is encased in a sturdy sapphire crystal window. The sapphire crystal used is tough and scratch-resistant, making this watch ideal for outdoor use. In regards to functionality, Hamilton is one of the company’s most exceptional timepieces. As for its aesthetics, Hamilton exudes an air of adventure with its tough cow leather strap and silver and black casing.

Additional features of note include a date display located over at the 9 o’clock position and a 100 m water resistance rating. If you are looking for a reliable chronograph watch for the outdoors and even looks the part, you might want to check out the Hamilton. The Hamilton comes with a slightly larger 44 mm diameter case. It comes with the primary three sub-dials with a three-hand analog display.  One major deciding factor for most buyers will be the price as this Hamilton comes in at several times the price of the Seiko SSC143.

 

Seiko vs Hamilton: Warranty

Seiko offers a four-year warranty with additional features, and Hamilton offers a two-year warranty with additional features.

 

Seiko vs Hamilton: Conclusion

At the end of the day, it seems like Seiko is the better watch brand. Seiko has proven time and time again to deliver excellent timepieces that encompass a full price bracket. No matter the watch’s price, if Seiko made it, you can expect it to be a highly reliable timepiece to have.