When buying a hardy timepiece that’s ready to rough it out with you, one of the most important features to consider is maximum accuracy and dependability, which comes down to the watch's movement. The movement is the beating heart of the watch, determining its long-term durability and stability.
Here at RZE, we always prioritize excellent craftsmanship and high-quality parts while remaining budget-friendly. That's why we have selected the Seiko NH35, NH38, and VK64—three well-known Japanese Seiko movements that are nearly identical to the movements used in famous Seiko watches like the Seiko Samurai and Mini-Turtle (4R35).
What is a watch movement?
The movement of a watch is considered the most important part of a watch. A watch movement is the mechanism that makes your watch tick. Without the movement, the watch cannot tell time. Just like how a car requires an engine to power up and get going.
What is a Japanese movement?
Watches with Japanese movements have mechanical movements, automatic movements, or quartz movements that are manufactured in Japan. Though many watches are famous for having Swiss movements, Japanese movements continue improving in quality, and are now on par with watches with Swiss movements, and on many occasions have even surpassed Swiss movements in terms of reliability.
|
Manufacturer |
Seiko |
|
Caliber Numbers |
NH35 and NH38 (or NH35A and NH38A) |
|
Movement Type |
Automatic |
|
Jewels |
24 |
|
Power Reserve |
More than 41 hours |
|
Accuracy |
20 ~ +40 seconds per day (23º± 2ºC) |
Source: NH35 and NH38 Spec Sheets from the Time Module [https://www.timemodule.com/en/ourProduct/2&Basic-Mechanical-Movement-(NH)]
Source: https://calibercorner.com/seiko-caliber-nh35a/
What’s the difference between a Swiss movement and a Japanese movement?
Swiss and Japanese movements mainly differ in that Swiss movements emphasize craftsmanship aesthetics, while Japanese movements are focused on precision and accuracy. Both types are used to power a variety of timepieces and are adopted by many watchmakers worldwide.
In terms of accuracy and precision, the mechanism is comparable to Swiss models. Additionally, Japanese automatic movements are typically more affordable without sacrificing functionality or performance.
It's worth noting that Seiko isn't the only Japanese company that makes automatic watches, as Seiko offers multiple movement models. Citizen's Miyota is another option. Both manufacturers are known for their reliability and should be considered when looking for a low-cost, high-quality movement.
Japanese movements are made slightly differently, mainly on an automated robotics line. This results in significantly less inaccuracy compared to movements crafted with sight alone. The Japanese approach focuses on efficiency and functionality. These watches are built with precision and effectiveness as top priorities, with aesthetics considered secondary.
While most Japanese movements lack highly intricate cosmetic details, the slightly more "raw" look of the pure mechanical pieces appeals to many people. Due to their design, Japanese movements are often more affordable than Swiss movements, but this does not mean they are of lower quality.
Which is better: Swiss or Japanese movement?
Japanese movements are considered highly practical, focusing more on precision and cost-effectiveness than appearance. These movements are produced on automated assembly lines, which help keep manufacturing costs low.
On the other hand, Swiss movements are the original automatic movements, setting the standard for both accuracy and craftsmanship. Swiss movements must follow strict laws that guarantee excellence and precision, and they are also usually hand-assembled — a detail that often affects the overall quality and price of the watch.
The choice of movement will mainly depend on your personal priorities and budget, but here at RZE, we believe we've found a balance between affordability and quality with Japanese movements.
Conclusion: Swiss vs. Japanese movement
At the end of the day, both work well and are widely used by watchmakers around the world. RZE designs watches with unique Japanese movements that are both high-quality and sturdy enough to take you through all your adventures. RZE has three collections that use Seiko movements – the Resolute, Endeavour and Valour.
The Resolute features a selection of field titanium watches using the Seiko Japan NH35, while the Endeavour is our titanium dive collection using the NH38 for the no-date model, and the NH35 for the date model.
On the other hand, the Valour features our first ever mecaquartz collection using the VK64.
To sum up, RZE watches are powered by Japanese movements for its comparable accuracy and precision with Swiss movements at a great price point.
