Do we like them?

Do we like Seiko?

Japanese watchmaker (Grand Seiko, Prospex) and precision-parts group, based in Tokyo.

Our score: 6 out of 10. A long-established, family-linked watchmaker with no big fines or scandals in what we found. The 2023 data breach counts against it, but we'd back it with only moderate enthusiasm.

Seiko is one of Japan's best-known watch names. Today it sits under Seiko Group Corporation, which is listed in Tokyo. Founder Kintaro Hattori's great-grandson Shinji Hattori leads it, so it's still very much a family-shaped business.

Shuji Takahashi became president of the holding company in June 2021, taking over from Yoshinobu Nakamura. Shinji Hattori took over as chairman, CEO and CCO of Seiko Watch Corporation from 1 October 2025.

The big drama we found was a 2023 ransomware attack. The BlackCat/ALPHV gang claimed it. Seiko said about 60,000 items of personal data were compromised. They covered customers, job applicants, business contacts and staff. Seiko said no credit card details were involved, and it began sending breach letters to those affected.

Beyond that, our searches turned up no regulator fines or court losses against the group. So we give it a middling score. Nothing alarming, but little here to say it's doing special good.