Question about movements
Hello everyone who is reading this, I am thinking of sourcing some parts to put together my own watch. I am trying to pick a movement now, but I am having a little trouble deciding which to buy.
I get that the Seiko nh35 and those other lower end movements are decent, but I am looking for something that is cool to see through a sapphire case back. It would also be awesome if you could recommend a movement with maybe above 42 hours of power reserve, but it isn’t required in my opinion. I don’t mind if it is hand wound or automatic, I just want something that looks nice and isn’t THAT expensive (under $300 AUD).
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!
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Jonathan
I like watches, like most people on this app. 👍
Member since
Last active: 6 hrs ago
6.69” / 17.00 cm
The Sea-gull ST19 mechanical movement is pretty nice to look at. I don't know how much they cost though. Good luck with your search and choice 🤙🏽
The Sea-gull ST19 mechanical movement is pretty nice to look at. I don't know how much they cost though. Good luck with your search and choice 🤙🏽
That is a damn good looking movement. Thanks for the recommendation! I will check it out.
An St1901 or ST1902 is around $100, though I’m not sure what the availability of an aftermarket compatible case and dial is. Chronograph hand placing is another level, which I would not recommend for a beginner. ETA 775x cases and dials get pricey. ST36 movement are attractive, and have several compatible options
This is what an ST3600K looks like. Lastly, ill just say, while an NH35,NH34,NH36 doesn’t look fancy through the case back, they are great inexpensive movements with many options for cases, dials and hands.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/skydave/posts/skeleton-watch-build-6497-208696
I'd highly recommend the NH35. Cases, dials, and hands are going to be significantly more available than anything else. You'll find thousands of options on aliexpress. There's a fair amount for the miyota 8000 series movements (I use the 821A it fits anything labeled 8215). I think the 821A looks marginally better in a display caseback, but you're still talking about sub $50 movements so finishing is minimal.
There's an 821A in one of my mods
This is what an ST3600K looks like. Lastly, ill just say, while an NH35,NH34,NH36 doesn’t look fancy through the case back, they are great inexpensive movements with many options for cases, dials and hands.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/skydave/posts/skeleton-watch-build-6497-208696
Thanks for the great recommendations, it is indeed hard to find seagull cases and other parts. Honestly just because of the sheer volume of choice I have with an nh35 movement, I may just get one and change the rotor.
There's an 821A in one of my mods
That looks pretty good. I reckon I can get roughly the same sort of affect with an nh35 and a custom rotor, as there are a tonne to choose from.
Be aware that straying away from the classic Seiko NH series of movements may greatly limit your options when it comes to compatible dial sizes and hands with the correct diameter.
Be aware that straying away from the classic Seiko NH series of movements may greatly limit your options when it comes to compatible dial sizes and hands with the correct diameter.
Exactly that. Beyond the NH35 you will see either very limited options or the need to make components work for you. Unless you are using a kit, I would recommend an NH35 to start with.
Also, the NH35 grey spacer ring that aligns the movement in the case and holds the dial feet through friction is an easy mode.
NH70 (silver), 71 (gold), and 72 (gunmetal) look pretty good. As long as you don't want a day/date function.
You could also just opt for an NH movement with a custom rotor to add some color/style. And some places make custom bridges:
https://luciusatelier.com/search?type=products&q=bridge*
You could probably also order other custom parts like blue steel screws.
NH70 (silver), 71 (gold), and 72 (gunmetal) look pretty good. As long as you don't want a day/date function.
You could also just opt for an NH movement with a custom rotor to add some color/style. And some places make custom bridges:
https://luciusatelier.com/search?type=products&q=bridge*
You could probably also order other custom parts like blue steel screws.
Damn those actually look quite nice. Thanks for the ideas!