A team of master watchmakers

The Micro Artist Studio at Seiko Epson's facility, in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture is located among the Northern Japan Alps, which include the Hotaka and Jonen mountain ranges. It is a high-end watch studio that makes the Masterpiece Collection, a series of individual watches that combine the best in horological technology with hand craftsmanship of the highest order.

This studio was established in 2000 with the purpose of “uncovering, examining, and mastering the technologies and skills passed on by our predecessors for the production of luxury watches so that world-class Japanese watches could be created.” Today, the team consists of over 10 people, each one an expert in their respective fields including a skilled technician, Masatoshi Moteki, and a master watchmaker, Katsumi Nakata, who was selected by the Japanese government as a Contemporary Master Craftsman, a title given to technicians who possess outstanding skills and are leading experts in their fields. Nakata was also awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon, which is given, by the government, to individuals who have become public role models through their dedication to their work.

With “the idea and culture to cherish quality products” as its inspiration, the Micro Artist Studio’s goals are to produce “watches that last until their grandchildren’s generation” and to pursue “watchmaking that Japanese people could be proud of.” These ideals are displayed on the walls of the studio, serving as a constant reminder to the watchmakers of the studio’s guiding principles.