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. Hence, all our current series of watches use Citizen Miyota or Seiko NH movements.
We used the Seiko NH38 on our Valour38 watches. It is almost identical to the movements found in well-known Seiko watches, such as the Seiko Samurai and Mini-Turtle (4R35).
For the Miyota movements, we use the 9039 for the new Resolute36, the 9015 for the Resolute, and the 9075 for our Fortitude GMT series. These movements are similar to those in the Citizen Promaster series.
What is a watch movement?
The movement of a watch is considered the most critical 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 are mechanical, automatic, or quartz movements manufactured in Japan. Though many watches are famous for having Swiss movements, Japanese movements continue to improve in quality. They are now on par with Swiss movements, and on many occasions have even surpassed them 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)]
What’s the difference between a Swiss movement and a Japanese movement?
Swiss and Japanese movements differ mainly in that Swiss movements emphasize craftsmanship and aesthetics, while Japanese movements focus 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.
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, emphasizing precision and cost-effectiveness over 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'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.
To sum up, RZE watches are powered by Japanese movements, offering comparable accuracy and precision to Swiss movements at a great price point.
