Seiko Movements List
Complete Table of most common Seiko Movements
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Total Movements | Movement | Type | Functionality | Power Reserve | Beats per Hour (BPH) | Jewels | Notable Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7S26 | Automatic (Entry-level) | Day & Date | 40 hours | 21,600 | 21 | Seiko 5 (Classic), Entry-level Seiko models |
2 | 7S36 | Automatic (Entry-level) | Day & Date | 40 hours | 21,600 | 23 | Seiko 5, Affordable Seiko models |
3 | 7S65 | Automatic (Entry-level) | Day & Date | 40 hours | 21,600 | 23 | Seiko 5, Low-cost Seiko models |
4 | 4R35 | Automatic (Mid-range) | Date | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 | Seiko 5 Sports, Seiko Presage |
5 | 4R36 | Automatic (Mid-range) | Day & Date | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 | Seiko 5 Sports, Seiko Presage |
6 | 4R37 | Automatic (Mid-range) | Day & Date | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 | Seiko Presage, Seiko 5 Sports |
7 | 4R38 | Automatic (Mid-range) | No Date | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 | Seiko Presage, Seiko 5 |
8 | 4R46 | Automatic (Mid-range) | Day & Date with Special Complication | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 | Seiko Presage, Limited editions |
9 | 6R15 | Automatic (High-end) | Date | 50 hours | 28,800 | 23 | Seiko SARB, Seiko Presage |
10 | 6R35 | Automatic (High-end) | Date | 70 hours | 28,800 | 24 | Seiko Presage, Seiko Alpinist |
11 | 9R15 | Spring Drive | Date & Power Reserve indicator | 72 hours | 28,800 | 30 | Grand Seiko, Seiko Spring Drive |
12 | 8L35 | Automatic (High-end) | Date | 50 hours | 28,800 | 26 | Seiko Marinemaster, Diving watches |
13 | 8R48 | Automatic (High-end) | Day & Date | 45 hours | 28,800 | 30 | Seiko Prospex (SBDC models) |
14 | 9S85 | Automatic (High-end) | Date & GMT | 55 hours | 36,000 | 29 | Grand Seiko (GMT models) |
15 | 9R65 | Spring Drive | Date & Power Reserve indicator | 72 hours | 28,800 | 30 | Grand Seiko |
16 | 7T32 | Quartz (Chronograph) | Chronograph | 50 hours | N/A | 7 | Seiko chronographs, Seiko Sports |
17 | V172 | Quartz (Chronograph) | Chronograph | 50 hours | N/A | 7 | Seiko chronographs |
18 | 8F35 | Quartz | Perpetual Calendar (with automatic timekeeping) | N/A | N/A | 11 | Seiko Premier, High-end Seiko models |
19 | 8F56 | Quartz | Perpetual Calendar | N/A | N/A | 11 | Seiko Premier, Advanced Seiko models |
20 | 9F62 | Quartz | Perpetual Calendar | N/A | N/A | 12 | Grand Seiko (Quartz models) |
21 | 4J32 | Quartz | Date & Time | N/A | N/A | 7 | Seiko Quartz |
22 | 6M62 | Quartz | Time (Advanced Digital Movement) | N/A | N/A | 8 | Seiko Digital watches |
23 | 9F85 | Quartz | Perpetual Calendar with Dual Time Zone | N/A | N/A | 12 | Grand Seiko |
24 | 9F87 | Quartz | Perpetual Calendar with Dual Time Zone | N/A | N/A | 12 | Grand Seiko |
25 | 6R20 | Automatic (High-end) | Date | 50 hours | 28,800 | 26 | Seiko Presage |
26 | 6S21 | Quartz | Date & Time | N/A | N/A | 7 | Seiko Quartz |
Explanation of Seiko Movement Types
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7S Series (7S26, 7S36, etc.):
- Type: Entry-level automatic movements, providing reliable day/date functionality but without hacking or manual winding.
- Notable Uses: Found in Seiko 5 and other budget Seiko models.
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4R Series (4R35, 4R36, 4R38, etc.):
- Type: Mid-range automatic movements that offer hacking and manual winding.
- Notable Uses: Found in Seiko 5 Sports, Seiko Presage, and Seiko Alpinist.
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6R Series (6R15, 6R35):
- Type: Higher-end automatic movements offering longer power reserves and better regulation.
- Notable Uses: Found in Seiko Presage, Seiko SARB, Seiko Alpinist.
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9R Series (9R15, 9R65):
- Type: Spring Drive movements that combine mechanical and quartz technology for superior accuracy and a smooth sweep of the second hand.
- Notable Uses: Found in Grand Seiko and high-end Seiko models.
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8R Series (8L35, 8R48):
- Type: High-end automatic movements often used in diving watches and Seiko Prospex models.
- Notable Uses: Found in Seiko Prospex, Seiko Marinemaster.
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Quartz Movements:
- V172 and 7T32 are chronograph quartz movements used in Seiko Sports models.
- 8F35 and 9F62 are perpetual calendar quartz movements used in Seiko Premier and Grand Seiko.
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Spring Drive Movements:
- 9R15, 9F85, and 9F87 are high-precision Spring Drive movements found in Grand Seiko and some premium Seiko models.
Conclusion
Seiko offers a wide range of automatic, quartz, and Spring Drive movements, providing options for every level of watch enthusiast and budget. From the reliable 7S series used in Seiko 5 to the high-precision Spring Drive in Grand Seiko, these movements are known for their durability, precision, and value. Whether you need an affordable automatic for everyday use or a luxury Spring Drive for a premium timepiece, Seiko has a movement for all occasions.
When to Choose 4R Movements Instead?
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Authenticity for Seiko Watches
- If you are restoring or modding an authentic Seiko watch (e.g., a Seiko SRPD or Alpinist), a 4R movement ensures:
- Brand consistency
- Retention of original value for resale or collecting.
- Using an NH movement in a Seiko-branded watch could be seen as "inauthentic" by collectors.
- If you are restoring or modding an authentic Seiko watch (e.g., a Seiko SRPD or Alpinist), a 4R movement ensures:
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Factory Original Parts
- Seiko watches with 4R movements are sold as original factory products. If you’re building or modding a watch that needs to maintain Seiko’s prestige, a 4R movement might be preferable.
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Perceived Brand Quality
- Some watch enthusiasts prefer the prestige of an in-house Seiko movement (even if it's nearly identical to an NH movement).
- The "4R" branding signifies originality, which may be important to purists.
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Higher Value for Finished Products
- Watches with 4R movements often have a higher resale value than those using third-party NH movements. This is critical for brands producing watches for collectors or enthusiasts.
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Consistency in Branding
- Using a 4R movement in a Seiko mod ensures the watch remains consistent with the brand's identity.
- Some Seiko purists and collectors may view NH movements in a Seiko watch as "non-original", even though both movements are made by Seiko Instruments.
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Exclusivity
- The 4R series is exclusively reserved for Seiko-branded watches, whereas NH movements are marketed as third-party movements for general use.
- This exclusivity gives Seiko’s 4R-powered watches a more premium, in-house appeal compared to NH-powered alternatives.
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Collector Preference
- Watch enthusiasts and collectors value authentic Seiko watches with all original components, including the movement.
- Using a 4R movement preserves the heritage of the Seiko brand and ensures the watch remains desirable for long-term ownership.
Key Differences Between NH/NE and 4R/6R/7S (and all original Seiko) movements
Feature | NH/NE | 4R/6R/7S (and all original Seiko movements) |
---|---|---|
Branding | Third-party (SII) | Seiko in-house |
Usage | Sold to microbrands/mods | Exclusive to Seiko |
Availability | Widely available | Only in Seiko watches |
Value | Lower resale value | Higher resale value |
Modding Compatibility | Excellent | Excellent |
Conclusion
- Choose NH Movements if you want a modding-friendly option. They’re ideal for aftermarket builds, custom projects, and watch mods.
- Choose 4R Movements if you're working on authentic Seiko watches, care about brand originality, or plan to resell the watch to Seiko enthusiasts.
In essence, NH movements are the go-to for most modders due to their identical performance and affordability, while 4R movements shine for authenticity and collector value.
Seiko NH Movements
The Seiko NH movements are automatic mechanical movements manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) and are part of their third-party movement lineup. These movements are designed for use by other watch brands, microbrands, and hobbyists for watch modding or custom watch builds.
Overview of NH Movements
The NH series is based on Seiko's reliable 7S26 platform, which powered many Seiko 5 and SKX models. The NH movements are improved versions with added functionality such as hacking (stopping the second hand when setting the time) and manual winding.
Key Features of NH Movements
- Automatic mechanical movements with rotor-driven winding.
- Hacking seconds: The second hand stops when adjusting the time.
- Manual winding: Ability to wind the watch manually via the crown.
- Durable and low-maintenance: Built for reliability with long service life.
- Affordable and accessible: Widely used by third-party brands and modders.
- Customizable: Compatible with a wide variety of aftermarket parts (dials, hands, date wheels, etc.).
Overview of most popular NH Movements
NH Movement | Description | Functions | Seiko Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
NH23 | Basic automatic movement without hacking or manual winding. | Day and date | 7S26 |
NH25 | Basic automatic movement without hacking, with date only. | Date | 7S25 |
NH35 | Most widely used automatic movement with hacking and manual winding. | Date | 4R35 |
NH36 | Similar to NH35, but with both day and date functions. | Day and date | 4R36 |
NH34 | GMT movement with date and an independently adjustable GMT hand. | GMT, date | 4R34 |
NH38 | Simplified version without date, with hacking and manual winding. | No date | 4R38 |
NH39 | Similar to NH35 but includes a power reserve indicator. | Date, power reserve | No direct match |
NH70/NH71/NH72 | Skeletonized movements designed for openwork watch designs. | No date | No direct match |
Additional NH Movements
NH Movement | Description | Functions | Seiko Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
NH10 | Simple, automatic movement with date. | Date | 7S10 |
NH12 | Another automatic movement with date, slightly more compact than NH10. | Date | 7S12 |
NH35A | The same as the NH35, with slightly different internal parts for durability. | Date | 4R35 |
NH36A | The same as the NH36, offering day and date complication with increased reliability. | Day and date | 4R36 |
NH38A | No date version of the NH35A. | No date | 4R38 |
NH41 | A compact version of the NH36, typically used in smaller watches. | Day and date | 4R41 |
NH50 | A variation offering automatic winding with a slimmer profile. | Date | 4R50 |
NH60 | Compact GMT movement with day and date functionality. | GMT, day, date | 4R60 |
NE57 | 4R57 |
Key Features of NH Movements
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NH23 and NH25:
- Simple and classic movements aimed at traditional-looking watches.
- No hacking or manual winding, similar to the older 7S26 series.
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NH34 (GMT):
- A budget-friendly GMT movement often used by microbrands.
- Features an independently adjustable GMT hand, making it ideal for travel watches.
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NH38:
- A minimalistic version of the NH35 without a date window, perfect for watches with clean, uncluttered dials.
- Popular among microbrands and modders aiming for simplicity.
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NH39 (Power Reserve):
- Includes a power reserve indicator, a rare complication in the NH series.
- Suitable for more advanced or functional watch designs.
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NH70/NH71/NH72 (Skeleton):
- Specifically designed for skeletonized watches, showcasing the movement’s internal components.
- No date function, focusing on aesthetics and intricate design.
Key Features of Additional NH Movements
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NH10, NH12:
- Entry-level movements used in affordable watches.
- Day/date functionality, similar to the NH23, but generally in a smaller case or slimmer profile.
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NH35A, NH36A:
- An improved version of the NH35 and NH36, offering better reliability and durability.
- Often used by microbrands seeking a budget-friendly, reliable workhorse movement.
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NH38A:
- A variation of the NH35A, designed for minimalist watches that don’t need a date window.
- Commonly used in custom designs or projects.
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NH41:
- A smaller movement variant of the NH36, ideal for smaller cases or more compact watches.
- Common in ladies’ watches or smaller, vintage-inspired designs.
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NH50:
- A slimmer and more compact version of the NH35, designed for thinner watch designs.
- Sleek profile suited for elegant or dress watches.
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NH60:
- GMT movement with day/date function, similar to the NH34 but designed for more compact cases.
- Popular for travel and dual-time zone watches.
Why Choose the NH Series?
- Versatility: The NH series offers movements for almost any watch design, from minimalist dials to advanced GMT models or skeleton watches.
- Reliability: Like the Seiko 4R series, NH movements are renowned for their durability and low maintenance.
- Availability: NH movements are widely available, making them popular among microbrands and watch modders. However, at Watch Plaza you can get the original Seiko movements, so no need to choose for the NH movements.
Overview of most popular NE Movements
The NE series of movements by Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) is a line of mechanical movements that are typically sold to third-party brands or used in microbrand watches. These movements are similar or identical to Seiko’s in-house 6R series movements, but they are marketed and sold under a different name and branding. The NE movements are generally produced for watches that don't carry the Seiko brand.
Here is an overview of the NE movements you may encounter, including their equivalents in Seiko's internal movement lineup:
Overview of NE Movements and their 6R Series Equivalents
NE Movement | Seiko Equivalent | Description | Functions | Power Reserve | Beats Per Hour (BPH) | Jewels |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NE15 | 6R15 | Standard automatic movement with date function. | Date, hacking, manual winding | 50 hours | 28,800 | 23 |
NE20 | 6R20 | Similar to the 6R20, found in mid-range Seiko models. | Date, day, hacking, manual winding | 50 hours | 28,800 | 26 |
NE35 | 6R35 | Widely used automatic movement with date function. | Date, hacking, manual winding | 70 hours | 28,800 | 24 |
NE36 | 6R36 | Similar to 6R36, with both date and day functions. | Day & Date, hacking, manual winding | 70 hours | 28,800 | 24 |
NE34 | 6R34 | GMT version with date and adjustable GMT hand. | GMT, date, hacking, manual winding | 70 hours | 28,800 | 24 |
NE38 | 6R38 | Simplified version of the NH35 without date complication. | No date, hacking, manual winding | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 |
NE42 | 6R42 | Movement with date and day functions, primarily used in affordable watches. | Day & Date, hacking, manual winding | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 |
NE45 | 6R45 | A variant with similar features to 6R36, but used in different markets. | Day & Date, hacking, manual winding | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 |
NE70 | 6R35 Skeletonized | Skeletonized version of the 6R35 (showing inner workings). | No date, skeletonized | 41 hours | 21,600 | 24 |
NE54 | 6R54 | Date, Day, Power Reserve Indicator | 72 hours | 28,800 | 29 | |
Key Points:
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NE Movements and Their 6R Series Equivalents:
- The NE series movements are the unbranded versions of Seiko's 6R series movements, designed to be used by third-party brands and microbrands.
- For example, the NE35 is the unbranded version of the 6R35, and it shares the same functionality and components.
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Target Market:
- The 6R series is generally used in Seiko-branded watches like the Seiko Presage and Seiko Alpinist, whereas the NE series is sold to third-party brands and microbrands for use in affordable watches.
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Differences in Calibration:
- Seiko typically regulates the 6R series movements for better accuracy before using them in their own watches.
- The NE movements may not be regulated by Seiko, and it is often left to third-party brands to regulate and fine-tune the movement.
Conclusion:
The NE series movements are indeed identical to their 6R series equivalents, and the primary difference lies in the branding. The NE35 is essentially the same as the 6R35, offering the same functionality, power reserve, and reliability, but marketed for use by third-party brands and microbrands.
Overview of Seiko 7C Movements
The Seiko 7C series of movements are a line of quartz movements that were widely used in Seiko watches. These movements are known for their reliability and affordability. They are typically used in Seiko's entry-level and mid-range models. Below is an overview of the 7C series movements, including their key features and notable uses.
Complete Overview of Seiko 7C Series Movements
Movement | Description | Functions | Power Reserve | Beats Per Hour (BPH) | Jewels | Notable Use |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7C17 | Analog quartz movement with date function. | Time and Date | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz watches, Seiko 5 |
7C21 | Analog quartz movement with day and date. | Day, Date | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz watches, Seiko 5 |
7C43 | Analog quartz movement | Time and Date | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz, Seiko 5 |
7C46 | Analog quartz movement with day and date. | Day, Date | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz watches, Seiko 5 |
7C48 | Analog quartz movement with date and 24-hour format | Date, 24-hour format | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz watches, Seiko 5 |
7C49 | Analog quartz movement with date and 24-hour format | Date, 24-hour format, Hacking | Battery-operated | N/A | 3 | Seiko Quartz, Seiko 5 |
Explanation of the Movements:
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7C17:
- This movement is the basic analog quartz movement with time and date functionality. It's one of the most commonly used quartz movements in Seiko watches.
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7C21:
- Similar to the 7C17, but it adds a day complication along with the date, offering slightly more functionality while maintaining the same reliability.
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7C43:
- A basic analog quartz movement similar to 7C17 with time and date functions. It's a more straightforward movement, typically found in entry-level Seiko models.
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7C46:
- This movement offers day and date complications, similar to the 7C21, but with a different design in terms of internal components and finishing.
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7C48:
- This model is an analog quartz movement with a date complication and a 24-hour format. This offers more versatility, allowing the watch to display time using the 24-hour clock.
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7C49:
- Similar to the 7C48, but with an additional hacking feature, which means the second hand stops when setting the time, allowing for more precise time setting.
Key Features of the 7C Series Movements:
- Quartz Technology: The 7C series movements are powered by batteries, offering accuracy and low-maintenance timekeeping compared to mechanical movements.
- Time and Date Functionality: Most of the 7C series movements are equipped with time and date functions, with day and 24-hour format features available on some models.
- Hacking Function: Some models like the 7C49 have a hacking feature, allowing the user to stop the second hand when setting the time for precise synchronization.
- Affordability: The 7C series is a reliable and cost-effective solution for Seiko quartz watches, often found in their entry-level and mid-range offerings.
Conclusion:
The Seiko 7C series provides affordable, reliable quartz movements with a variety of functions, from basic time and date to more advanced day/date or 24-hour format complications. These movements are commonly used in Seiko 5 and Seiko Quartz watches, providing precision and durability with low-maintenance care.