In 2009, SEIKO unveiled at Baselworld the Ananta collection, an exclusive range of luxury timepieces with Spring Drive and high-grade mechanical movements. Ananta has been remarkably well received by watch collectors, aficionados and journalists alike, and its global distribution has exceeded expectations. For 2010, three new models are created, bringing to 13 the total number of watches in the Ananta collection.

Katana is the centuries-old art of sword-making, which combines great handcraft skills with the highest technology. Today, Katana swords are still made and prized for their beauty and precision. Precision, artistry, parabolic curves and sharpness of Katana all find expression in the new Ananta collection. The side of the case has the distinctive Katana curve and a three-stage ‘blade’ polishing process gives the case its remarkable mirror finish, as smooth and flat as a Katana sword. The sharpness of the hands and dial markers reflects the razor edge of the blade and the precision of the steel work in the Katana sword is mirrored in the high accuracy of the mechanical and Spring Drive movements.

To represent the beauty of the orbit of planets has always been a cherished goal of watchmaking. Today, this aim is realized more perfectly and precisely than ever before as the glide motion of Spring Drive is allied to a moon phase. The natural flow of time is measured to an accuracy of one-second-a-day by Seiko’s unique Spring Drive technology, while the glide motion of the hands perfectly represents the continuous, silent and graceful orbit of the planets.The success of the previous generation of Ananta chronographs is powerful testament to the watch lover’s fascination with chronograph watches. Ananta collection for 2010 offers two new chronographs. Both models are in high-intensity titanium, a metal that is as strong as steel, but has only 60% of its weight. Thanks to its glide motion hands, the Spring Drive Chronograph captures the exact elapsed time, not just to the nearest fraction of a second, with accuracy five times greater than any mechanical chronometer. It is offered as a Limited Edition of just 150.

The Automatic Chronograph houses the celebrated 8R caliber that incorporates a column wheel and a vertical clutch for precise operation. It delivers 12 hour elapsed time measurement and a 45 hour power reserve. The sports appeal of this new creation is enhanced by the addition of a carbon fiber dial.

Source : Seiko, thewatcheavenue

The Seiko Velatura Kinetic Direct Drive was recently introduced in rose gold. It features one of Seiko’s proprietary hybrid quartz/mechanical movements. A kinetic movement consists of an automatic mechanical rotor that powers a traditional electronic quartz movement. This configuration allows quartz accuracy and cost, without the need for a battery.

This Seiko Velatura uses the 5D44 calibre of Kinetic movement, which powers traditional hours, minutes and seconds functions, along with a retrograde date display and a power reserve display. Seiko says a full-charge lasts one month and the 12 jewel movement assures accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month.

The 48 mm stainless steel case is coated with an 18k rose-gold finish. The dial is black patterned and features luminous material on the hands and indices. Water-resistance is 100 meters. Sapphire Crystal. Screwdown caseback. The price is $1,295.

Have you, or anyone you know, ever complained about how Japan gets cool stuff that the rest of the world is left longing for? Electronics, games, cars, and also luxury watches. Sure you can get Seiko watches all over the world. In fact, Seiko is one of the most popular watch brands on the planet. Not all Seiko watches are made alike though. One the one hand you have most ‘rank and file’ Seiko watches that are known to be inexpensive and reliable watches. The “Toyota of watches” as many people call them.

On the other hand, there the other side to Seiko, the luxury watch maker. Deep inside Japan are several Seiko watch manufacturers making some of the best and most reliable luxury watches ever created. These are the “Lexus of watches.” Until recently such highly desirable watches have been mostly for the Japanese domestic market only. Bearing such names like Grand Seiko and Credor, most Westerners didn’t even know of their existence. There also exists a large population of American and European (among other places) watch lovers who are aware of the Seiko treasures in Japan, and are almost pained by the fact that they cannot get them locally. The good news is that is about to start changing.

Enter the Seiko Ananta line of watches. Finally a global high-end product from Seiko that contain the high-end 100% manufacture-made movements and watches. Why the important of “manufacture-made?” Today everyone speaks about “manufacture movements.

” These are movements in watches made all in-house by the manufacturer with out having third part companies make them. Such in-house movements are considered to be at the top of the heap for luxury watch desirability. The majority of watch brands don’t make their own movements. Seiko does however. In fact, Seiko is of the few totally vertically integrated watch makers in the world.

The Seiko Velatura collection, initially introduced in 2007, is destined at professional sailors who need a reliable timekeeping companion to withstand even the harshest conditions of racing in the open ocean. The collection offers a range of marine watches characterized by robust design and supreme functionality.

In 2009, the Velatura collection has been enlarged by five new models. The most exciting addition to the collection is the new Velatura Yachting Timer. The timepiece is even lighter, tougher and more durable than its predecessors.
The case of the new Velatura Yachting Timer is crafted from titanium and provided with a new black hard coating. The case construction incorporates a new screw-in crown system to guarantee 200-meter water resistance.

The Seiko watch is coupled with an innovative strap produced from a combination of leather and ballistic nylon to provide extra elegance and strength. The strap is fitted with a titanium buckle with hard coating.

The newly designed dial of the watch offers supreme legibility, with the pre-set start times accentuated by bright yellow and blue. The dial is shielded by sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The Seiko Velatura Yachting Timer watch is equipped with Caliber 7T84. As watches.infoniac.com has been informed, the timepiece is expected to be available at a retail price of 950 Euro.

The Seiko Velatura collection has also been joined by models for women. The timepieces are characterized by perfect functionality and unique design.
The Seiko Women’s Chronograph watch features an elegant stainless steel case. The timepiece is 100-meter water-resistant.The mother-of-pearl dial is adorned with 16 diamonds. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The Seiko women’s watch goes on a stainless steel bracelet fitted with a three-fold clasp with push button release. It is also available on a leather strap fitted with a stainless steel buckle.The watch accommodates a 12-hour chronograph caliber – Caliber 7T92. It is expected to be available at a retail price of 590-640 Euro.

Seiko Partners with the World of Sailing
In 2007, Seiko became the watch partner of the International 49er Association, having provided the leading sailors with its Velatura watches. In 2009, Seiko has expended its partnership with the Association. The gold, silver and bronze winners at the 2009 World and European Championships, held in Italy and Croatia respectively, will be awarded with Velatura Yachting Timer watches to celebrate their achievements.

Seiko has also provided its support to the fastest skiff class for women, the 29erXX, attracting more and more women to its ranks all over the world.

Source: WatchesInfoniac

Weighing at nearly one pound and featuring a meaty 42.5 millimeter case, the Seiko Orange Monster Watch ($200) is indeed monstrous.
Other features include water resistance down to 660 feet, a silver-tone stainless steel body and band with orange dial, Lumibrite hands, markers, and unidirectional bezel, Japanese Automatic movement, and a day-and-date calendar function at three o’clock.

Just one idea drives the Honda Racing F1 Team – winning. All 470 members of the team are focused on winning races in 2006 and SEIKO is proud to share their passion for success. To celebrate this shared passion, SEIKO decided to create a new watch bearing the team emblem and it was natural that it be the team itself that provided the direction for the design of the new chronograph. Seiko Sportura Special Edition Honda Racing F1 Retrograde Alarm Chronograph SNAC03P1.
It fulfills the true needs of the race team. It provides split-second timing in a watch where legibility, thanks to the non-reflective crystal and jet black dial, is unrivalled.
It is built to be tough – the case is steel and has a screw down back and crown, and the glass is made from scratch resistant sapphire. And, finally, it is presented on a urethane strap whose surface will resist even the ravages of motor-oil spillages.