The NH35 is based entirely on the Seiko 4R35 movement, which Seiko uses in its own watch models. The NH35 movement does not bear Seiko markings and was launched only for use in watches from other watch brands. Compared to, for example, Seiko's 7S26 movement, the NH35 offers similar accuracy, but with the added feature of being able to wind it from the crown and when the crown is pulled to its hand-shift position, the seconds hand stops, making it easier to set the exact time.
(Steeldive diver's watch)
These two features make everyday use of the watch much easier, which is why this movement is especially popular with watch enthusiasts. The NH35 movement also has very good shock protection and can withstand rough use, which is why it is a popular movement, especially in diving and field watches. The NH35 is also a quiet movement compared to, for example, the competing Miyota 8215 movement, whose running weight makes a relatively loud noise.
NH35 FEATURES
| Diameter | 27.40 mm |
| Thickness | 5.32mm |
| Operating frequency | 21600 |
| Lift angle | 53 |
| Running reserve | 41h |
| 24 stones | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| 12" | date, hacking, manual wi |
In addition to being durable and having good features, the NH35 is also affordable. For this reason, many micro-brands and smaller watch brands have taken a liking to it, and the movement can be found in many watches under €1,000. Among others, San Martin, Invicta, Zelos, Spinnaker, Boldr and Orient use the movement in their watch models. The NH35 is ordered directly from the factory and has very little finishing. Some watch brands finish the movement themselves before assembling their watches, and for example, you often see the movement's winding rotor decorated.
Due to its reliability and durability, the NH35, released around 2011, is one of the most used automatic movements in the watch world.
As great as the NH35 is, it also has its downsides. The promised accuracy of the mechanism is between -20 and +40, so its operation is not incredibly accurate. In mechanisms that come straight from the factory, individual differences in operation can be really significant and there is a lot of dispersion. The cheapness of the mechanism also has its downside. Because the mechanism is so cheap, it doesn't make much sense financially to have it repaired or serviced. Instead of paying several hundred for maintenance, for example, many people just end up ordering a new mechanism directly and throwing the old one in the scrap.
Even in some watch brands' own maintenance shops, servicing the NH35 movement simply means replacing it with a new one, as it is much more affordable and efficient in terms of time use. Mechanical movements are often perceived as environmentally friendly precisely because of their maintainability. And it's true, a well-maintained mechanical movement will last from generation to generation, but in this price range, the disposable nature of movements completely ruins this image.
(Microbrand Boldr relies on NH35 movement)
The NH35 combines reliability, durability and practicality in a single, affordable package. It's not perfect, but it allows many small watch brands and consumers to enter the world of mechanical movements, and it's no coincidence that many new watch enthusiasts will find this movement inside their first watch. It's a brilliant of accomplishment for Seiko.