Seiko Group Exhibition Explores Japanese Time Philosophy in NYC
News related to:Seiko Group Corporation · 3 min read
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Seiko Group Corporation Unveils "The Gift of Time" in New York City, Offering a Japanese Perspective on the Concept of Time
Seiko Group Corporation recently brought its "The Gift of Time" exhibition to New York City, offering visitors a unique insight into the Japanese philosophy of "Ma," or the space between moments where time is not simply measured, but experienced. The event, held at Pace Gallery in the heart of New York's vibrant art scene, was structured around three themes: History, Culture, and Space, and explored Seiko's relationship with time through a selection of Grand Seiko and Credor timepieces, Japanese culture and craftsmanship, and immersive expressions of time and space.
The exhibition began with a screening of "The Gift of Time," a short film directed by Paula Chowles and narrated by Chairman Shinji Hattori. The film explored Seiko's origins and the Japanese concept of "Ma," which Hattori described as a sense of space, an opening, and an emptiness. The event also featured a serene tea house designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, which brought the concept of "Ma" into physical form, and an architectural model of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.
The exhibition was hosted by Hiromi Kanagawa, Senior Executive Vice President of Seiko Group Corporation, who explained that the best "gift" for a fast-paced, high-energy city like New York would be the gift of "Ma." The evening brought together distinguished voices across architecture, design, horology, and culture, including Seiko's Chairman, Group CEO, and Group CCO, Shinji Hattori, and tea master Souyuu Yamazaki of the Urasenke school.
Throughout the evening, guests experienced the world of Seiko's short film, "The Gift of Time," alongside a serene tea house designed by Kengo Kuma on Pace Gallery's sixth-floor terrace. Tea master Souyuu Yamazaki of the Urasenke school also led a series of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies within the tea house, offering an intimate experience of "Ma" against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Celebrated New York chef Hiroki Odo and bartender Takuma Watanabe of Martiny's brought their talents to the evening, creating an atmosphere of conversation and connection while honoring the Japanese appreciation for seasonality and hospitality.
The exhibition was complemented by an Exclusive Pop Up Experience at the Grand Seiko Flagship Boutique New York, which ran from October 1 through November 2, 2026. Visitors could explore a curated selection of historic and contemporary Credor timepieces, including the original Locomotive and pieces from the Goldfeather and Eichi II collections, showcasing the evolution of Japanese watchmaking and design. The exhibition was open during regular boutique hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Ultimately, "The Gift of Time" offered guests something increasingly rare: the opportunity to make space for time itself and to leave with a renewed appreciation for all that can unfold within it. The exhibition was a continuation of Seiko's global exploration of Japanese luxury and the philosophies that shape its expression, and it demonstrated Seiko's commitment to sharing the value of time through its unique Japanese lens.
Seiko Group Corporation, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, is one of the world's leading watchmakers and a company built on a single enduring pursuit: the mastery of time. The company has delivered landmark firsts, including Japan's first wristwatch, the world's first quartz wristwatch, and the world's first GPS solar watch, while staying rooted in a distinctly Japanese approach to measuring time in all its forms. The Group is also home to Grand Seiko, which has earned global recognition for its uniquely Japanese sense of beauty and its pursuit of the ultimate wristwatch inspired by "the Nature of Time," as well as Credor, a luxury dress watch brand which embodies sophisticated Japanese craftsmanship and refined elegance.