Seiko Founds Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S.

In 2017, Grand Seiko was spun off from the main brand as part of Seiko’s strategy to grow in the luxury market, and to be in the same league as Rolex, Omega, etc. in terms of image and status (and price!). In 2018 the Grand Seiko Corporation of America was founded to manage the growth of the brand locally. Now it seems that Europe as a market has matured sufficiently, and from April 1st, Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S. will operate from France.

After America, Now It Is Europe’s Turn

The new company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company Seiko Watch Corporation Tokyo, and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of Grand Seiko throughout Continental Europe. All resources and investments will be pooled, including the management of Grand Seiko’s European boutiques. This will also allow for better coordination of local brand strategy decisions, and bring them closer to the customer. With this step, the company wants to underline its claim to be an important player in the European market for luxury watches.

Frédéric Bondoux, who is moving from the Swatch Group and whose last positions were Managing Director at Longines France and previously Managing Director Omega France, will become Chairman. This is a highly experienced “local”, which certainly says a lot about the importance of the new European arm for Grand Seiko. The company will be based in Paris, where a new Grand Seiko boutique opened this month on Place Vendôme.

It certainly does no harm if we now show Grand Seiko that Europe is indeed important. The best way to do this is to buy a Grand Seiko right next door, at our online store.