[mattybumpkin]

Hi all,

I am curious about the quality of the Seiko NH35 movement, it's ETA equivalent if possible, and ultimately what watch quality level one could expect to see this movement. Would you expect/want to see it in a $500-$1,000 watch, Seiko or others?

Any input on the NH35 would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Matty

 

[bluloo]

IMO, it doesn't really compare to an ETA, because these movements aren't positioned in the same way.

They're Seiko's non-Seiko branded workhorse movement, with hacking. While they can be serviced, they're generally throw-aways because a new movement can normally be sourced for less than the cost of a service.

@ > $500, I'd expect to see a 6R15/NE15 or better.

 

[Pawl_Buster]

Hi all,

I am curious about the quality of the Seiko NH35 movement, it's ETA equivalent if possible, and ultimately what watch quality level one could expect to see this movement. Would you expect/want to see it in a $500-$1,000 watch, Seiko or others?

Any input on the NH35 would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Matty

The NH35/4R35 is being used in a lot of the new entry level Seiko 5 models. It is a reliable and robust movement based on the solid 7s26 calibre.

It is not in the same league as any of the mid range ETA modules but should compare nicely with the ETA movements found in Swatch products. If the NH35 lives up to it's 7s26 heritage; it will outlast the ETAs with a minimum to no servicing for a couple of decades.

The way Seiko is moving upscale/price; it's not inconceivable that this movement might one day be found in $500 watches but that may be a few years away. Right now, it is still being stuffed into the entry level sub $300 watches.

 

[Alpinist]

the NH35 is basically the resale version of the 4R35, its a fine movement and is equivalent to a Economie grade 2824-2 (some might even say a standard grade)

While the 6R15 is Closer to the quality of the 2824-2 Elaborate grade you find in most Swiss watches under a grand. the 4R35 is usually regulated under 15 seconds a day and is not to be dismissed so easily.

the price is around 85 euros per unit, it hacks, its handwinds, and while its speced to -35/+40 seconds most watches coming out of Seiko factories are more around -15/+15 meaning it can be finely regulated,

The only problem is that its low price makes it impractical from repair as any decent watchmaker would charge 100+ dollars to take apart, clean and regulate an automatic movement,

 

[Sean779]

the NH35 is basically the resale version of the 4R35, its a fine movement and is equivalent to a Economie grade 2824-2 (some might even say a standard grade)

Even the standard grade 2824 is adjusted in two positions. I believe entry-level (or Chinese-consigned) Seiko movements are unadjusted. That's not a terrible shortcoming, but it does lessen the chances you can have it regulated within reasonable +/-.

 

[Chicawolverina]

That's no good reason to throw them away, you could say the same thing for a Rolex after the cost of it a few times, as they must too!

IMO, it doesn't really compare to an ETA, because these movements aren't positioned in the same way.

They're Seiko's non-Seiko branded workhorse movement, with hacking.
While they can be serviced, they're generally throw-aways because a new movement can normally be sourced for less than the cost of a service.

@ > $500, I'd expect to see a 6R15/NE15 or better.

 

[Chicawolverina]

But, after one does COA it, it will run much better and be regulated to within 5/sec daily, as well as last longer than would initially. What is it with people and this trash and throwaway mentality? Did it not warm your soul, did it not provide the mechanical cache you desired, don't you want your watchmakers to know these and help you, offer labor at even lower rates to have your business?

the NH35 is basically the resale version of the 4R35, its a fine movement and is equivalent to a Economie grade 2824-2 (some might even say a standard grade)

While the 6R15 is Closer to the quality of the 2824-2 Elaborate grade you find in most Swiss watches under a grand. the 4R35 is usually regulated under 15 seconds a day and is not to be dismissed so easily.

the price is around 85 euros per unit, it hacks, its handwinds, and while its speced to -35/+40 seconds most watches coming out of Seiko factories are more around -15/+15 meaning it can be finely regulated,

The only problem is that its low price makes it impractical from repair as any decent watchmaker would charge 100+ dollars to take apart, clean and regulate an automatic movement,

 

[serge70]

I've got the Nh35a in an Armida & I've found it to be very accurate with a very good power reserve.

I'm kind of hopeful it will last as well as any other Seiko movement & therefore easily outlive me.

For my money,give me a Seiko unbranded,whatever or Miyota over Swiss all day & every day.

Jewels this,adjusted that,positions twice or thrice,however you may, I want a movement that is accurate & durable without a sack full of marketing hype & price tag to match.

Forget Swiss,their marketing bumph is 40 years out of date & the Japanese are knocking them into a cocked hat on every front.

 

[340pd]

I've got the Nh35a in an Armida & I've found it to be very accurate with a very good power reserve.

I'm kind of hopeful it will last as well as any other Seiko movement & therefore easily outlive me.

For my money,give me a Seiko unbranded,whatever or Miyota over Swiss all day & every day.

Jewels this,adjusted that,positions twice or thrice,however you may, I want a movement that is accurate & durable without a sack full of marketing hype & price tag to match.

Forget Swiss,their marketing bumph is 40 years out of date & the Japanese are knocking them into a cocked hat on every front.

AMEN BROTHER…..AMEN

 

[Deepdive]

How is it possible that Invicta offers watch with this mov for 90 USD? Is it really so cheap ?

f.e. this model:
Invicta Mens New 8926C PRO DIVER NH35A AUTOMATIC or try to find on ebay "invicta nh35"

 

[Sean779]

how is it possible that invicta offer watch with this mov for 90 USD?
Is it really so cheap ?

f.e. this model:
Invicta Mens New 8926C PRO DIVER NH35A AUTOMATIC

or try to find on ebay "invicta nh35"

no doubt Invicta buys Seiko movements in huge quantity.

 

[CharlieBandroid]

A few thouhts:

First is - I don't think there's a huge price difference with the 7s26 vs the 4R15. I know you can get a 7s26 for $50US, and maybe less. I wouldn't expect the 4R15 to be ten or fifteen percent more. Those are to the public prices, and wholesale will be less of course.

On the other hand, if very well could be that some very small makers are tweaking/adjusting movements as they're assembled into cases. So you might end up with something really nice and accurate with the unsigned movement - depending on the company thats assembling the watch.

Early reports of the 4R15 from users/wearers is that the movement is coming off the line very well regulated for such a entry level item. This could be because the assembly line is newer, has latest engineering. Or, that the line is newer, and everything is running as if it was just set up - tight and accurate, as opposed to the 7s26 line which is quite old.

I'd not mind having a 4R15 based watch, and keep in mind that the case is the dollar grabber in watch design - the movement is nearly secondary to fashion in most watches. You pay for fashion! I am old enough to remember when "dungarees" were the cheapest pair of pants a parent could put on kid. Then .... they turned into blue jeans, daily wear, and got fashionable, and ultra-fashionable. Pricing no longer follows common sense, and "fashion" pricing is set by good old fashioned supply vs demand.

 

[41Mets]

It's good to read that the movt is spec'd at about +40/-35. I have the maranez bangla, a brass watch that I picked up preowned for $250 including shipping. Whereas my sinn and hamilton both run within 5-10 a day, the bangla is closer to the mark listed above. I personally don't care too much. If I need to adjust a watch every few days I'm okay with that.

 

[fishfingers]

The nh35 in my Armida A8 seems to be very accurate, it keeps within 2sec per day in normal use.

Price-wise, I was looking at cousinsuk for 7s26s, and they actually charge less for the NH35.

 

[Parsedout]

I've got the NH35 in my modded 8926 running +6 seconds per day, that was with a few rounds of regulating. It came out of the box at -15 seconds, probably should have just left it alone but glad I tinkered with it.

 

[yankeexpress]

Got a few dozen NH35 running in at least 6 different watch brands and they all run great, with no issues. Very robust and reliable.

Seiko
Armida
Borealis
Invicta
Lew & Huey
Makara

That said, still prefer the Miyota 9015 because of the higher, smoother beat rate.

 

[notech47]

Invicta must be buying an enormous quantity of these movements and is likely getting a big price break. I am generally happy with the nh35a in the watches I have with this movement.

 

[Alpinist]

For those who havent got it yet,

The NH35A is the SII version of the 4R35,

Its a hacking and handwinding version of the 4R36, Spron 110 balance wheel. 40h power reserve -25/+35 accuracy,

You have the 4R15 which exactly the opposide and has no SII version has a Spron 510 balance wheel like the 6R15 but hacking and handwinding removed.

NH15/6 = 7S25/26
NH25 = 6R15
NH35/6 = 4R35/6

 

[Jimmy C]

I am a huge Swiss fan and just bought and Armida A1 42mm bronze with date ( used ) and have had the watch three days....she is +1 over those three days which is incredible to me....none of my 2824s in the past have been that accurate.....needless to say, I am very pleased and the watch was in mint condition when I received....will be wearing her a lot...

 

[xzqt]

For those who havent got it yet,

The NH35A is the SII version of the 4R35,

Its a hacking and handwinding version of the 4R36, Spron 110 balance wheel. 40h power reserve -25/+35 accuracy,

You have the 4R15 which exactly the opposide and has no SII version has a Spron 510 balance wheel like the 6R15 but hacking and handwinding removed.

NH15/6 = 7S25/26
NH25 = 6R15
NH35/6 = 4R35/6

Agreed !
The 4R15 is basically a 7s with improved Spron spring thats use in the 6R.
The 4R35 is 7S with hacking and handwinding capabilities.
NH35 is = to the 4R35, just like Seiko = Sii or Citizen to Miyota.

In summary, they are all work horse.