Japan Semiconductor Innovation 50 (A-6 1960s)
Electronic Wristwatch (Seiko-Epson)
Seiko Epson (then Suwaseikosha) developed and commercialized
the world first quartz watch, Seiko Quarts Astron 35SQ, in December 1969.
The birth of this world first electronic wristwatch moved into limelight
in the market and the industry in and outside of Japan. This watch had a
stepping motor drive by a crystal oscillation circuitry and realized far
better accuracy compared to conventional mechanical watches. Newly developed
Hybrid IC was incorporated with oscillation, dividing, and driving circuits,
thus removing all mechanical parts in the watch. This created a historic
conversion of wristwatches from conventional mechanical systems to electronic
systems. CMOS ICs for electronic watches were developed in 1971, replacing
hybrid ICs. The electronic watch industry led the technology of Japanese
low power CMOS semiconductors for consumer use.
76 transistors, 29 condensers and other elements composed the hybrid IC
of the first Seiko Quarts Watch.
| Astron 35SQ |
 |
| Quote from Seiko-Epson HP |