Since its inception, the Orient Watch Company has been a well-known and respected name in the watch industry. The best-selling products of this company are mechanical wristwatches. It is known for its high-quality, in-house-made automatic timepieces. Today, many watch companies are still striving to achieve the level of success and quality that Orient Watch has achieved with its timepieces.
Orient Watches, along with Seiko and Citizen, is one of Japan’s top three watch brands, and it is well-known around the world. From Hong Kong to Singapore to Brazil, the brand today has manufacturing facilities in various nations. Among them is Japan. Orient Watch is known for its mechanical timepieces, but it now offers quartz and solar-powered watches at relatively reasonable costs.
Its origins date back over 100 years. The Orient Watch Company was founded in 1951, but its founder Shogoro Yoshida opened his first watch business in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan. The Yoshida Watch Shop started out selling imported pocketwatches and had its initial success.
Yoshida founded Toyo Tokei Manufacturing in 1920 to manufacture table clocks and gauges. In 1934, Toyo Tokei Manufacturing extended its company by producing wristwatches. Its business expanded and its timepieces became popular throughout Japan. However, due to Japan’s post-war economic crisis, the company collapsed in 1949.
Orient Is Not Seiko’s
Many people may have thought Orient was Seiko’s subordinate. But Orient Watch Co. is a separate company from Seiko Watches. Their parent companies are both owned by The Seiko Group, hence they are more like sibling companies.
The Seiko Group consists of three main companies: Seiko Instruments, Seiko Holding, and Seiko Epson. Despite being part of the same organization, these three enterprises have little connection.
Seiko Epson owns Orient Watch Company and Seiko Watch Company is owned by Seiko Holdings Group. Seiko Epson has been the largest shareholder (52% ) of Orient Watch since 2001. In 2009, Seiko Epson acquired 100% ownership of Orient Watch.
So, contrary to popular belief, Seiko does not own Orient Watch and they do not share movements.
Japanese Craftsmanship
Japan-made goods are noted for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. From electronics to autos, these high-tech products are noted for their longevity. It is one of the most well-known Japanese watch brands, and it is made to strict Japanese quality and standards.
When making timepieces, Orient Watch Japan values quality and craftsmanship. It ensures you will get years of reliable service from the Orient watch you buy. It would be a great idea to give to your family or loved ones as a gift. There are significant timepieces for men and women. An Orient lady’s watch is the ideal anniversary gift.
