NOTE: I have extracted this material from the Japanese website, translated it with Google, and edited it for English readers.
NINE REASONS FOR TRUME
Seiko Epson's goal is to make an analog watch with the most advanced technology. Here are nine reasons for "TRUME" with details that expose us to the thinking behind Seiko Epson's pursuit of excellence.
REASON ONE: An Epson watch should be something only Epson can create
"Epson has gained global market share in genres such as printers and projectors. Why is it launching a new concept watch to the world, named TRUME? Since we were founded in 1942, Epson has been developing and manufacturing domestically-produced watches, starting with parts manufacturing and assembly. In 1969, it was successful in developing the quartz watch for the first time in the world, setting the trend of the worldwide wristwatch market. "
"Epson has been involved in the development and manufacture of innovative watches. We do almost all of our own design development, design, assembly etc. As a result, Epson has all the assets of human resources, technical capabilities and production facilities, making it one of the world's leading watch makers producing high precision products. So why is Epson just now sending out new watch brands to the world? Because in recent years, the needs of watch users have diversified, and the desire to have one's own way is increasing day by day."
Seiko Epson Corporation President and CEO Minoru Usui responds,
"Epson has cultivated a diverse range of watch technology skills; I think that the potential to expand the possibilities of wristwatches is within our company".
In the business of watches, Epson has various movement technologies from quartz to mechanical type. Among them, TRUME aims to be the brand that can fill analog watches with the most advanced technology. The first model features a variety of functions that combine high precision utilizing crystal oscillators and semiconductors that Epson has polished over many years with creative sensing technology that can measure direction, altitude, atmospheric pressure, etc.
"Epson's strength as a manufacturing enterprise, its origin are nurtured in watch manufacturing because we strive to save energy, save space and pursue accuracy. This is a wearable equipment business, requiring ultra-precision processing technology and ultra-low power consumption technology. Of course, no one can acquire such technology in a short time. Since our inception, almost all processes related to the development and manufacture of watches have been carried out in-house. Epson passionately cherishes making indispensable things, training craftsmen and creating unique products."
"In recent years, Epson has developed Orient Star, Orient, WristableGPS, Smart Canvas, etc. and promotes multi-brands of watches. TRUME joins them with high technology, and a unique lineup has been prepared. We are thinking that we will strengthen and nurture the brand business with the technical power that Epson is good at, as the watch market is about to change.This will make it more free, I believe it can provide more unique watch value."
Epson continues to explore and pursue its core technical skills.
"It goes without saying that we will continue to refine the technologies of analog quartz and GPS-equipped solar power watches that we have cultivated over many years. Fortunately, integration with the Orient watch gave us experience with good quality mechanical movements. We also succeeded with processing technology not only for the movement but also for making a case which feels and looks beautiful. Of course we are proud of low power consumption technology. Utilizing microdevices (semiconductors and quartz crystals), we are also developing sensing and smart watch technologies through WristableGPS etc. We have this high level of technology, developing a variety of movements with Watchmakers with unique resources. From the planning and development design, Epson's current vertical integration business carries out everything in-house, a finished product created by ourselves using the power of manufacturing, delivering it to customers in a timely manner! We believe our business model can offer value that exceeds customer expectations. "
TRUME symbolizes Epson's message.
REASON TWO: Epson's Main Talents are concentrated here
The first model of TRUME aimed for "the ultimate analog watch with fusion of sensors". Inside a small case, it contains all of GPS sensor, atmospheric pressure / altitude sensor, direction sensor. It operates with solar charging only, while able to connect to the "expanded sensor" by Bluetooth.
Epson's focus is on three technologies: to save energy, to make things smaller, to pursue accuracy.
This has been cultivated through experiences overcoming the challenges standing in the world's first quartz watch development, Epson's unique asset. From its origins Epson has consistently worked on manufacturing, and now it is the base of all products that Epson develops, from watches to printers, projectors, robots and microdevices.
Seiko Epson watches demonstrate "small and fine technology". We display ultra-precision processing technology, ultra-low power consumption (as in very high precision micro devices and sensing devices). We developed our own crystal devices and semiconductors for these reasons, and high accuracy and low power consumption sensors combined make up the core of the TRUME first model. This is the wearable innovation that Epson is aiming for and has realized in the first TRUME model.
REASON THREE: Small, high performance sensors within the movement display aspects of "time" "space" "humanity"
TRUME's first model is equipped with three sensors.
The first atmospheric pressure / altitude sensor measures the pressure of the outside air flowing over the back side of the sensor cover at the 4 o'clock position.
The second orientation sensor is located away from motors that generates magnetism. At the time of measurement, we stop the motor that moves the needle, to eliminate the influence of magnetism.
The third GPS sensor is a small, power-saving type developed in-house. With high precision, when receiving radio waves from the GPS satellites, it stores the position of the satellite, and is able to receive and measure the position information of the satellite in a short time from the next reception. In addition to coordinating with barometric / altitude sensors and direction sensors, the GPS sensor contributes to the accuracy of various data and the "way point function" showing distance and direction from the current location to the starting point.
The "Expanded sensor" accessory measures and displays various information, measures temperature, ultraviolet ray, step count, calorie consumption. By separating it from the watch itself, data such as temperature which are susceptible to the influence of body temperature are measured with high accuracy. Various data are sent to the watch body by Bluetooth ® communication. Operating as if was a built-in sensor, it provides excellent convenience and functionality.
TRUME carries out data communication with the expanded sensor while operating various internal sensors that measure the GPS sensor and altitude, pressure and azimuth. TRUME realizes high accuracy - from its foundation being Epson's proprietary low-power GPS reception system "satellite link" and a solar power source.
TRUME is equipped with Epson's self-developed high sensitivity, low power consumption GPS reception system "SATELLITELINK". The built-in GPS module is compatible with domestic quasi-zenith satellite system and boasts the world's top class reception sensitivity. It can locate the time zone of the current position only with GPS satellite radio waves and always display accurate time. Since it is unnecessary to use other radio waves in combination, low power consumption has also been realized.
TRUME is equipped with a "light charge" function that receives light with solar panels behind the dial and generates energy. Charging is be sufficient even with indoor light. Also, when light does not hit for more than three days, the sleep function temporarily stops movement of the hands. The watch can identify whether it is indoors or outdoors, and stops reception of GPS electric waves when indoors. We improve the length of operation with fine-grained power saving control.
TRUME includes a satellite link and a solar charger in a small case. It has a "dual ring antenna" which can receive GPS satellite radio waves and Bluetooth ® simultaneously, encased within the ceramic bezel. The ring shaped antenna is located high above the dial, and reception sensitivity is dramatically increased. By placing the ring antenna there, light can be received on the entire panel, and high power generation efficiency is realized.
REASON FOUR: An orderly, functional and beautiful watch
An analog watch equipped with functional beauty opens a new future of measurement. TRUME's precise and neat face, with a case and bracelet with an elegant shine give rise to a uniquely luxurious watch.
The strong presence of the first model is embodied with "inspiration" from "armor". Armor represents the strength and spirit of Sengoku warrior, and the beauty of its shaping stimulates the sensibility of those who saw it. Epson's designers have positioned this first model as an aspirational item to be acquired by those who continue fighting the modern age of information society. "Contemporary armor" to express yourself by knowing yourself and wearing it ... .... Such feelings are put into this watch.
From this background the elegance and powerful feeling of the first model was conceived. There is a strong link between designer and skilled technicians who are manufacturing our watches. TRUME promoted development of teams; its external design and movement design teams were coordinated with shared values from the start of development. As a result, it was possible to match the design with strong presence and the movement performance suitable for it, and a functional and unblurred form.
To create "beauty" the design teams held both interior and exterior design finishes to 0.05 - 0.10 mm (corresponding to one hair). As a result, we succeeded in combining beauty while doing important work of efficiently placing various parts in the case of limited space. The result of such development process is the result unique to Epson which is closely linked with design department and engineering department, and is connected by trust.
REASON FIVE: the real worth of the analog watch is to instantaneously read various data
This is very different from a digital watch. Analog watches also have genuine presence and a unique luxury feel. TRUME sticks to the analog display which displays all data with needle and dial. Among them, the first model incorporates craftsmen / craftsmanship techniques and ingenuity everywhere to pursue visibility, which is one of the watch's values.
The hour and minute hands are shaped with emphasis placed on the visibility vis-a-vis the dial. Also, we adopted "diamond cut" process in which the center of the needle approaches like a peak, so the light reflects even in dim lighting. Excellent visibility is acquired by a combination of the brushed and mirrored surfaces.
On the minute hand and indexes, we apply high luminance phosphorescent material "Luminous Light" that glows even in dark places by storing light. In addition, the center hands are intuitive and you can quickly read a variety of information in any view - for example. we make the height of the needle almost the same as the scale of the dial ring arranged on the outer periphery of the dial. In addition to making the positions and sizes of the various types of data easy to read, the inner dial itself also influences the shape of the hand for reading information, the size of the scale, and the color condition.
In addition to the pursuit of such practicality, in the compass display, the sense of earth magnetism is sensed, and the play center of a red center needle pointing north while shaking like a compass needle is another plus. Users will taste the real pleasure as an instrument that can be worn on the arm unique to analog hands.
REASON SIX: Fusion of beauty, functionality, operability
TRUME design combines functional beauty and personality. We started with an inquiry into the watches worn by the development team, which has penetrated even the details, and a wealth of knowledge on the feeling of wear and operability.
The "Armor ornament" at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position of the case is a part symbolizing the first model. The case and the bracelet which continues outwards from the armor ornament with a sense of unity, improving the fit to the arm. Moreover, sapphire glass which is strong against scratches and has high transparency was adopted as crystal. We also applied "SAR coating" treatment to suppress the reflection of light and clearly show the movement of the dial and needle.
"Armor ornament" smartly gathers lines that follows from the case to the bracelet. Fonts are developed primarily for readability. Scale is finely set insize and position according to each needle. The SAR coating reduces the reflection of light and provides high visibility.
Meanwhile, the sensors which are the core of the first model incorporate ingenuity to prevent damage and performance degradation. We protect the sensor surface at 4 o'clock with a cover, making it less susceptible to winds and preventing invasion of debris. Also, on the back side of the sensor cover, a fine hole allows us to sense the pressure of outside air.
A crown on the outer circumference of the case and a push button that can switch various measurement modes with a single button are devices for preventing erroneous operation. The crown, for reliable operability, is large and has notches on the periphery so that it can be gripped easily and reliably with fingers, and grooves are provided in the center of the outer periphery, and consideration is given to ease of withdrawal. Also, push buttons are set to the minimum size required so as not to impact the wrist. We provide a cylindrical guard in the case, and pay attention to the shape of the tip of the push button. We have exquisite roundness so that we can familiarize your fingertips and ensure push operation. AAdoption of the screw lock crown realizes prevention of malfunction and high waterproofness.
TRUME's first model combining beauty, functionality, and operability. That is the result of the commitment of the development team.
REASON SEVEN: Materials and manufacturing complement the watch's goals
TRUME condenses various functions. Its case and bracelet have an elegant form that improves the sense of fit while firmly protecting its sensing function that is the heart.
The case material is titanium alloy. Titanium's lightness, strength and corrosion resistance are excellent. A disadvantage of titanium alloy is that it takes time and labor to manufacture. TRUME resolved this challenge by introducing a hot-forging manufacturing method. We heat the round rod shaped titanium alloy to about 800 ° C first. From there, it is molded at once with a high pressure press. After that, the burnt portion called "scale" attached to the surface is scraped through a plurality of cutting steps. All the special equipment and work related to hot forging is completed within Epson.
In the final stage of case manufacturing, skillful personnel cuts a fine linear line to the case surface with careful hairline processing, and performs mirror finish polishing work partially, creating a beautiful shine with depth. On top of that, keep in mind that we apply a thin, scratch-resistant protective coating on the surface of the case.
To achieve the intent of the designers and beauty by distinct colors and finishes, an "Armor ornament" made of a symbolic titanium alloy was manufactured separately from the case. To that extent, high integration accuracy to the case is required and achieved by following the same manufacturing process as the case. Furthermore, in order to ensure uniform precision, we devised and introduced a new processing method for collectively hot forging. Even if you take just one of these armor ornaments, you can see that our commitment is abundantly packed into it.
The armor ornament, which is a symbol of TRUME, is manufactured with high processing accuracy as with the case, so it is precisely integrated with the case and realizes a beautiful finish
The titanium bracelet has a fancy finish, integrating mirror polished parts into the center of the body subjected to brushed treatment. Like the case, we apply a protective coating on the surface.The ceramic adopted for the bezel is 3 times harder than stainless steel - it takes time and effort to process - but we utilize Epson's extensive know-how to engrave numbers on the surface by laser and add white special paint to improve visibility.
Titanium alloys, titanium, and ceramics are all non-magnetic, which is another reason for their selection - we don't want to influence delicate sensing functions.
REASON EIGHT: Providing full vertical manufacturing, from movement parts to manufacturing the assembly robots
In 1969 that Epson first made its name known to the world -- by succeeding in the development of the first quartz watch in the world! This shocked Switzerland. In 1999, we succeeded in developing a quartz-like precision, spring-powered watch (Spring Drive), and in 2012, the world's first solar power watch with GPS function.
Epson has produced almost everything in-house from the watch design, development, design, as well as parts and dials of the movement, case manufacture of the exterior, assembled finished goods. The background lies in the spirit of "If you do not have what you need, you can make it yourself".
The advantage of being able to carry out from design to productization of each part by our own company is to keep high quality while pursuing necessary accuracy. Among them, quartz resonators and semiconductors, which influence the performance of quartz movement, have been researched and developed in own company since the 1960s, when it was difficult to reduce the size. In addition, various sensors have also been researched from the dawn of the quartz watch.
TRUME is packed with many in-house technologies, but chief among them are the core module the GPS module and the motor. The GPS module is developed and designed by our company to realize unprecedented power saving, high accuracy and high sensitivity. The motors were also developed and designed in-house so that the torque can be maximized though small energy, in order to move a long pointer hand and realize quick movement.
Also, in design and finishing, since an in-house designer familiar with the work site handles exterior design, it is easy to form subtle forms of cases and bands, and corrections are quick and accurate. Based on the design, the metal material is cut with a machine tool to make it into the shape of a case and a band, but after that, the polished mirror finish is handled by skilled Epson's skilled technicians .
On the other hand, industrial robots that operate on TRUME 's movement production line are actually made inhouse. Epson decided to introduce industrial robots in the early 1980s. However, there are not many industrial robots that skilled workers can substitute for the carefully performed work. So we decided to design and manufacture the robot in my company. In the production line on which the completed robot operates, the robot will reproduce the skill of the craft that Epson boasts and judgment and movement of skilled technicians.
TRUME born from such manufacturing-oriented mind is to offer value that exceeds customer's expectation by Epson's "vertically integrated business model" conducted by the company from the planning and development design to the customer's delivery to the customer.
REASON NINE: People make watches, so we create watch craftsmen that are proud to work for the future
Epson has been involved in designing and manufacturing precision and highly accurate mechanical wristwatches, starting with parts manufacturing and assembly of hand-rolled movement, and developing quartz watches equipped with sensing functions. The insatiable search for such technological capabilities, and the passion to develop skills has become an unchanged attitude from the foundation in 1942.
In the latter half of the 1960s, the watch that Epson exhibited dominated the top in overseas competition for most accurate watch. Those who played an active part in doing so will connect the skills recognized by the world to the future. From 1971, we participated in the National Skill Competition. In order to acquire the domestic top level skills in a short period of time, the young people learned from the foundation under the guidance of veteran technicians and everyday we encouraged training. Its efforts were blossoming at the same time as Epson's technicians acquire five consecutive gold medals at the World Skill Olympics Games Repair Occupation (held every two years) from 1977 to 1985. For decades there were no competiions, but when they restarted the Skills Olympic Games in 2012, Epson's technicians acquired Gold and Silver Awards at the competition. In the latest 2016 tournament, we also won Gold and Silver Awards.
Many skilled people with such world-class skills are enrolled in Epson. Young men train with skilled veterans, adopt their feelings for the work, and develop strong ties with each other. Many of these craftsmanship techniques, of course, also feed back to the manufacturing process of TRUME. In TRUME movement manufacturing, the robots developed and designed by Epson are active, but we must tell them where to grab the small parts, how to distinguish the front and back of the parts. By incorporating them into developing the movement of the robot, skill of the artisan is also skillfully reproduced.
Without the inheritance of skills, work requiring delicacy cannot be completed. We must have skilled people who fully demonstrate the ability to do anything, in order to incorporate those skills into a highly accurate robot. Such a strong system will be handed down through time.
CONCLUSION
This is a well-thought-through move by Seiko Epson. I am looking forward to seeing these watches.
Cazalea
