market achievements history product
MARKET Thong Sia Group, a member of the STELUX Group of Companies, has been the sole distributor of Seiko watches, Seiko clocks, Lorus clocks, Alba watches, Wired watches, and Seiko special time equipment in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Macau for more than 40 years. Established in 1967, Thong Sia has since grown tremendously – in both size, and reputation. Much of its success can be credited to its strong philosophy of service excellence. Every step of the way, the company has been dedicated to improving and upgrading customer experiences, dealer relationships, and service standards while continuing to deliver high quality products and services. Watches may be the heart of Seiko’s business, but its technological expertise in micro-engineering, metallurgy and mechatronics have enabled it to expand into many diverse fields including camera components, other precision instruments, eyeglasses, jewellery, as well as sports and toiletry products.
ACHIEVEMENTS
HISTORY
PRODUCT
As a pioneer in its industry, Seiko’s first wristwatch, which also happened to be Japan’s first, was produced in 1913 and named, “Laurel”. Then in 1969, Seiko unveiled the world’s first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, which was not just a landmark product for Seiko, but for the industry as a whole. In 2012, the company launched the Seiko Astron GPS Solar, the world’s first GPS solar watch. An innovative, refined development of revolutionary proportions, it recognises all 40 time zones on earth, and symbolises everything important to Seiko.
Established in 1881, Seiko has evolved with, and made significant contributions to the modern world with one innovative product after another. From the production of Japan’s first wristwatch in 1913, to the creation of the quartz watch in 1969, and the GPS solar watch in 2012, the company’s longevity and prominence have made it a household name. Seiko has also been the official timekeeper at numerous international sporting events since the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, sharing privileged moments of tremendous excitement with athletes and spectators worldwide.
Grand Seiko — Grand Seiko is the pinnacle of Seiko’s achievement as a fully integrated watchmaker. It features a wide range of mechanical calibers, the celebrated 9S series, the unique Spring Drive calibre 9R series and the super accurate quartz calibre 9F series. All the Grand Seiko calibers have been created with the same fundamental aims; simplicity, high accuracy, legibility and quality. Astron — The most recent product innovation, the Seiko Astron, is the world’s first GPS solar watch. It requires no external power source and is entirely self-sustaining. It connects to GPS networks and adjusts with atomic clock precision, at the touch of a button, to all 40 time zones. Practical, and easy to wear, all it requires to deliver perfect timekeeping is exposure to light. Ananta — Ananta is a Sanskrit word that means ‘the infinite’. When the Seiko design team embarked on this creation, they were told that there were no boundaries. They were given infinite scope to build a watch that embodied the Seiko dream of “the most technologically advanced craftsmanship in the world”. They could explore any design direction and seek new inspiration wherever they chose. Ananta is the result: a collection that expresses Seiko’s dedication to infinite perfection.
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Premier — The Seiko Premier collection combines classically refined inspiration with subtly modern expression. It has established itself as the company’s leading dress watch collection, and its design is inspired by the eternal beauty of neo-classical architecture, with a modern flair; reverential yet bold, restrained yet eye-catching. Velatura – Built for oceans, Seiko Velatura is a collection of high performance marine watches; each combines innovation of function with refinement in design. At the heart of the collection are two entirely new calibers, Kinetic Direct Drive and a Yachting Timer, both designed expressly for the needs of professional and recreational sailors alike. Prospex — Adventure sports, whether on land, in the sea, or in the sky, present the greatest challenge for true watchmakers. However, since launching its first dive watch in 1965, Seiko has been exceeding the expectations of sport enthusiasts with its truly professional specifications. Serious watches for serious sports. Sportura — Sportura is Seiko’s leading sports watch collection. Inspired by high-performance motor sport, whether Quartz or Kinetic, each watch is presented in a high-grade stainless steel case, with 10 bar water resistance, and a nonreflective sapphire crystal, so that it is durable, practical and legible, even at high speed. Criteria — Available only in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, Criteria series watches are ideal for anyone looking for style and substance. The high performance timepieces are fashionable without being flashy, and versatile enough to go with a business suit, casual weekend wear, or dressy clubbing outfits. Since 2011, international star, Wang Lee Hom has been Seiko’s spokesperson. His multifaceted talents complement the multi-faceted watchmaking artistries of the brand. Others – Besides producing watches, Seiko also manufactures special time equipment such as the Marine Clock System, Multi Timing System, Sports Timing System, Stop Watch, System Clock and Time Recorder.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS For Seiko, the story of quartz is only just the beginning. Thanks to its relentless drive for innovation, new possibilities in watch technology continue to open up as the new Seiko Astron, the world’s first GPS solar watch, so dramatically demonstrates. Seiko has, once again, pushed back the boundaries of what a watch can deliver and has set a new world standard in electronic watchmaking. The progress never stops, as demonstrated by Astron’s pursuit of “the ultimate wristwatch.” As Seiko continuously strives to improve the technology of its products, it also constantly refreshes and improves the appeal of its stores to provide a pleasurable shopping experience for consumers.
takes tremendous pride in the words “Japanese Manufacture”; words that describe Seiko’s sincere determination to produce truly practical watches that respond to the broad preferences of a global customer base. The company continues to operate on its founder’s vision, to be “Always one step ahead of the rest.” It strives to remain a leader in the timepiece industry by offering merchandise with emotional technology, and refined design that creates pleasure, excitement, and satisfaction for all users.
PROMOTION In addition to interacting with customers via traditional media such as print, broadcast and outdoor channels, Seiko engages the marketplace via innovative new media platforms such as digital and social channels. As an active contributor and supporter of the local sporting scene, Seiko participates in major events including the Standard Chartered Marathon, and the Sundown Marathon. To pledge its support to a wider range of sports, Seiko has too came on board as a sponsor for the Singapore Sailing Federation. Seiko also takes a leadership role in areas of Corporate Social Responsibility, recognising CSR as a way to give back to the community. Since 2011, Seiko has been supporting the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run to help raise awareness about ex-offenders, and the consideration they need from the community, for a second chance.
BRAND VALUES Seiko’s vision is “Innovation and Refinement. The brand’s strength lies in its commitment to integrate every process, right from the initial idea stage, through to in-house production. It
www.thongsia.com.sg THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT SEIKO t 0O"VHVTU +BQBOBJSFEJUTmSTU TV advertisement, and at precisely 7 pm, immediately following the hourly signal, Seiko became its very first advertiser on Nihon TV, or NTV as it is now known. The commercial promoted a Seiko alarm clock, although at the time, the brand was known by the company’s original name, Seikosha, which means ‘The house of precision’. t 4FJLPTIBT XBMM DMPDL CVTJOFTT XBT on the rise throughout the 1890’s, so Kintaro looked to broaden the scope of offerings. In 1895, he created a pocket watch called the Timekeeper; this was a vital development, as it paved the way for Japan’s first ever wrist watch. t &WFSZ DPNQPOFOU PG B 4FJLP UJNFQJFDF is made in-house. It is a true, vertically integrated ‘manufacturing’ company. This means that all processes are completed in-house, from development and design, to manufacturing and assembly. It has even developed a special alloy for a spring component which affects the accuracy of mechanical watches. Very few companies in the world can do this.
SINGAPORE’S STRONGEST BRANDS
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ACHIEVEMENTS
HISTORY
PRODUCT
As a pioneer in its industry, Seiko’s first wristwatch, which also happened to be Japan’s first, was produced in 1913 and named, “Laurel”. Then in 1969, Seiko unveiled the world’s first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, which was not just a landmark product for Seiko, but for the industry as a whole. In 2012, the company launched the Seiko Astron GPS Solar, the world’s first GPS solar watch. An innovative, refined development of revolutionary proportions, it recognises all 40 time zones on earth, and symbolises everything important to Seiko.
Established in 1881, Seiko has evolved with, and made significant contributions to the modern world with one innovative product after another. From the production of Japan’s first wristwatch in 1913, to the creation of the quartz watch in 1969, and the GPS solar watch in 2012, the company’s longevity and prominence have made it a household name. Seiko has also been the official timekeeper at numerous international sporting events since the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, sharing privileged moments of tremendous excitement with athletes and spectators worldwide.
Grand Seiko — Grand Seiko is the pinnacle of Seiko’s achievement as a fully integrated watchmaker. It features a wide range of mechanical calibers, the celebrated 9S series, the unique Spring Drive calibre 9R series and the super accurate quartz calibre 9F series. All the Grand Seiko calibers have been created with the same fundamental aims; simplicity, high accuracy, legibility and quality. Astron — The most recent product innovation, the Seiko Astron, is the world’s first GPS solar watch. It requires no external power source and is entirely self-sustaining. It connects to GPS networks and adjusts with atomic clock precision, at the touch of a button, to all 40 time zones. Practical, and easy to wear, all it requires to deliver perfect timekeeping is exposure to light. Ananta — Ananta is a Sanskrit word that means ‘the infinite’. When the Seiko design team embarked on this creation, they were told that there were no boundaries. They were given infinite scope to build a watch that embodied the Seiko dream of “the most technologically advanced craftsmanship in the world”. They could explore any design direction and seek new inspiration wherever they chose. Ananta is the result: a collection that expresses Seiko’s dedication to infinite perfection.
68
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SUPERBRANDS VOLUME VIII
Premier — The Seiko Premier collection combines classically refined inspiration with subtly modern expression. It has established itself as the company’s leading dress watch collection, and its design is inspired by the eternal beauty of neo-classical architecture, with a modern flair; reverential yet bold, restrained yet eye-catching. Velatura – Built for oceans, Seiko Velatura is a collection of high performance marine watches; each combines innovation of function with refinement in design. At the heart of the collection are two entirely new calibers, Kinetic Direct Drive and a Yachting Timer, both designed expressly for the needs of professional and recreational sailors alike. Prospex — Adventure sports, whether on land, in the sea, or in the sky, present the greatest challenge for true watchmakers. However, since launching its first dive watch in 1965, Seiko has been exceeding the expectations of sport enthusiasts with its truly professional specifications. Serious watches for serious sports. Sportura — Sportura is Seiko’s leading sports watch collection. Inspired by high-performance motor sport, whether Quartz or Kinetic, each watch is presented in a high-grade stainless steel case, with 10 bar water resistance, and a nonreflective sapphire crystal, so that it is durable, practical and legible, even at high speed. Criteria — Available only in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, Criteria series watches are ideal for anyone looking for style and substance. The high performance timepieces are fashionable without being flashy, and versatile enough to go with a business suit, casual weekend wear, or dressy clubbing outfits. Since 2011, international star, Wang Lee Hom has been Seiko’s spokesperson. His multifaceted talents complement the multi-faceted watchmaking artistries of the brand. Others – Besides producing watches, Seiko also manufactures special time equipment such as the Marine Clock System, Multi Timing System, Sports Timing System, Stop Watch, System Clock and Time Recorder.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS For Seiko, the story of quartz is only just the beginning. Thanks to its relentless drive for innovation, new possibilities in watch technology continue to open up as the new Seiko Astron, the world’s first GPS solar watch, so dramatically demonstrates. Seiko has, once again, pushed back the boundaries of what a watch can deliver and has set a new world standard in electronic watchmaking. The progress never stops, as demonstrated by Astron’s pursuit of “the ultimate wristwatch.” As Seiko continuously strives to improve the technology of its products, it also constantly refreshes and improves the appeal of its stores to provide a pleasurable shopping experience for consumers.
takes tremendous pride in the words “Japanese Manufacture”; words that describe Seiko’s sincere determination to produce truly practical watches that respond to the broad preferences of a global customer base. The company continues to operate on its founder’s vision, to be “Always one step ahead of the rest.” It strives to remain a leader in the timepiece industry by offering merchandise with emotional technology, and refined design that creates pleasure, excitement, and satisfaction for all users.
PROMOTION In addition to interacting with customers via traditional media such as print, broadcast and outdoor channels, Seiko engages the marketplace via innovative new media platforms such as digital and social channels. As an active contributor and supporter of the local sporting scene, Seiko participates in major events including the Standard Chartered Marathon, and the Sundown Marathon. To pledge its support to a wider range of sports, Seiko has too came on board as a sponsor for the Singapore Sailing Federation. Seiko also takes a leadership role in areas of Corporate Social Responsibility, recognising CSR as a way to give back to the community. Since 2011, Seiko has been supporting the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run to help raise awareness about ex-offenders, and the consideration they need from the community, for a second chance.
BRAND VALUES Seiko’s vision is “Innovation and Refinement. The brand’s strength lies in its commitment to integrate every process, right from the initial idea stage, through to in-house production. It
www.thongsia.com.sg THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT SEIKO t 0O"VHVTU +BQBOBJSFEJUTmSTU TV advertisement, and at precisely 7 pm, immediately following the hourly signal, Seiko became its very first advertiser on Nihon TV, or NTV as it is now known. The commercial promoted a Seiko alarm clock, although at the time, the brand was known by the company’s original name, Seikosha, which means ‘The house of precision’. t 4FJLPTIBT XBMM DMPDL CVTJOFTT XBT on the rise throughout the 1890’s, so Kintaro looked to broaden the scope of offerings. In 1895, he created a pocket watch called the Timekeeper; this was a vital development, as it paved the way for Japan’s first ever wrist watch. t &WFSZ DPNQPOFOU PG B 4FJLP UJNFQJFDF is made in-house. It is a true, vertically integrated ‘manufacturing’ company. This means that all processes are completed in-house, from development and design, to manufacturing and assembly. It has even developed a special alloy for a spring component which affects the accuracy of mechanical watches. Very few companies in the world can do this.
SINGAPORE’S STRONGEST BRANDS
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