On Thursday, April 3, Seiko Watch Corporation hosted a press conference on the first day of the Baselworld Fair to launch the new 2008 Seiko collection.

As part of his address to the conference, the President of Seiko Watch Corporation, Mr Shinji Hattori made a promise to the world's press. He said,

“We have worked hard in the past few years to make sure that, in all four areas of watchmaking, Seiko has unmatched strength. And it is because we are now strong in all four areas that we can find synergies and new ideas that cross over the traditional boundaries. New developments will continue to flow, as our skills in each of these four areas generate new ideas and possibilities. That is our promise to you and to our industry today. As the only company with leadership skills in all four areas of the watchmaker's art, we promise to deliver more refinement and more innovation today and in the years to come.”

Mr Hattori made his speech to the world's press

This promise was supported by the launch of 4 new calibers and powerful new offerings in each area: mechanical, quartz, Kinetic and Sprig Drive.

The highlight of the presentation was a watch that has been designed, from scratch, for a spacewalk. Featuring a Spring Drive Chronograph movement, it has a completely airtight and remarkably light (44 grams) case for a watch with a dial diameter of 49 mm, a result that has been achieved through Seiko's unique engineering abilities. It will be taken into Space in October by Mr. Richard Garriott, who is set to become the first private individual to make a space walk.

Press conference gathered over 300 people in the audience

The number of attendees at the press conference was over 300, a new record high for Seiko, reflecting the increasing global interest in Seiko as one of the world's leading watch manufacturers.