Kintaro Hattori was a pioneering Japanese businessman and watchmaker, best known as the founder of Seiko. Born in Tokyo in 1860, Hattori began his horological journey at the age of 13 as an apprentice at the Kameda Clock Shop. By 1877, he had established his own repair shop in Ginza, and in 1881, at the age of 21, he founded K. Hattori and Co., which specialized in selling and repairing imported timepieces.

Driven by a vision to manufacture his own products, Hattori established the Seikosha factory in 1892. This facility initially focused on wall clocks but soon expanded into pocket watches with the introduction of the Timekeeper in 1895. A landmark achievement occurred in 1913 when Hattori produced the Laurel, Japans first wristwatch. His business philosophy emphasized being one step ahead of the rest, a principle that guided the company through significant challenges, including the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

Following the destruction caused by the earthquake, Hattori demonstrated remarkable resilience by rebuilding his factory and launching the Seiko brand name in 1924. Throughout his career, he integrated Western manufacturing techniques with Japanese craftsmanship, eventually earning the title King of Timepieces in the East. Hattori passed away in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and precision that transformed Japan into a global leader in the watchmaking industry. Today, his contributions are recognized as the foundation of the modern Japanese horological sector.