Which company is credited with making the first quartz watch in 1969?

The company credited with making the first quartz watch in 1969 is Seiko. This innovation marked a significant turning point in the history of watchmaking, as it introduced a new technology that differed fundamentally from traditional mechanical watches. The quartz movement utilizes a battery to send an electrical current through a quartz crystal, which then oscillates at a precise frequency, allowing for highly accurate timekeeping.

Seiko’s pioneering model, the Astron, was not only the first quartz watch but also paved the way for the widespread adoption of quartz technology across the watch industry. This development was part of the "Quartz Revolution," which transformed the market by making watches more affordable and reliable, ultimately leading to a decline in the popularity of mechanical watches.

Recognizing Seiko's role in this innovation helps understand the shift in watch technology and consumer preferences during the late 20th century.