The heart of any mechanical watch is the caliber, which measures time. For a as well-known as Seiko, the choice of caliber is crucial.Each caliber offers different features and benefits. In this article, we will then review the main calibers that Seiko offers in different collections. Finally, we'll try to determine whether there is such a thing as a "best" watchmaking caliber, and what it really means.
Our Seiko Arabic Dial carry the 7S26 and 4R36 calibers.
What is the caliber of a watch?
The calibre is the heart of the mechanical caliber that powers a traditional watch. It is located inside the watch case and is made up of a set of precision-assembled micro-pieces. The caliber performs a number of functions that are crucial to the watch's operation and precision.
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Firstly, it ensures that needles are methodically trained to correctly display hours, minutes and seconds. The caliber also transmits the energy stored in the winding to the entire caliber, thanks to a balance wheel that balances time. Thanks to the highly sensitive spiralit regularly calculates and stores the time.
Finally, the caliber can also feed horological complications such as a chronometer, calendar or alarm clock. The caliber is therefore synonymous with motorization, and is an important component enabling a watch to perform its main function: measuring time with precision.
Jewels in calibres
An essential component of mechanical watch movements is the use of rubyoften referred to as jewels" . It's important to note that these rubies are not natural gemstones, but rather synthetic rubies manufactured specifically for their mechanical properties.
Rubies are used as bearings for the wheel pivots and other moving parts of the movement. These rubies are used to reduce friction between moving metal parts, increasing the precision and life of the movement.
Here are some key points about rubies in watch movements:
- Strategic investment Rubies are placed at strategic points in the movement, such as gearwheel pivotsescapement pivots and balance levers, to maximize their efficiency.
- Reduced friction : THE rubies are extremely hard and smoothThis minimizes friction between moving parts. Less friction means less wear and better motion efficiency.
- Sustainability By using rubies as bearings, watchmakers increase the durability and durability of their products. longevity of the watch movement. Rubies do not warp or wear easily, unlike metal parts.
- Number of rubies The number of rubies in a movement can vary. Basic movements can have as few as 17 rubiesMore complex movements, especially those with additional complications such as the chronograph, may have 25, 30 or more. A greater number of jewels does not necessarily mean better quality, but it may indicate a more complex movement with more moving parts requiring bearings.
What's the best Seiko calibre?
The choice of Seiko's "best" caliber depends on the intended use and personal preferences, as Seiko offers a wide range of movements, each excelling in different fields.
The top 5 calibers of Seiko watches :
Caliber 9S85
- TypeMechanical, self-winding
- FeaturesHigh frequency (36,000 vibrations per hour), 37 jewels
- Power reserveApprox. 55 hours
- Precision+5 to -3 seconds per day
- UsageUsed in Grand Seiko watches, it is appreciated for its exceptional precision and durability.
Caliber 8L35
- TypeMechanical, self-winding
- Features28,800 vibrations per hour, 26 rubies
- Power reserveApprox. 50 hours
- Precision15 to -10 seconds per day
- Usage: Often used in Seiko Prospex diver's watches, renowned for its robustness and reliability under extreme conditions.
Caliber 4R36
- TypeMechanical, self-winding with manual winding function
- Features21,600 vibrations per hour, 24 jewels, hacking function (stops the second hand when setting the time)
- Power reserveApprox. 41 hours
- UsageUsed in Seiko 5 Sports watches and certain Prospex watches, renowned for its excellent value for money.
Caliber 6R35
- TypeMechanical, self-winding with manual winding function
- Features21,600 vibrations per hour, 24 jewels
- Power reserveApprox. 70 hours
- UsageUsed in Presage series watches and certain Prospex models, appreciated for its long power reserve and reliability.
Caliber 7S26
- TypeMechanical, self-winding
- Features21,600 vibrations per hour, 21 rubies
- Power reserveApprox. 41 hours
- Usage: Used in Seiko 5 watches, known for its simplicity and robustness, this caliber is popular for its low cost and reliability.
The "best" Seiko caliber therefore depends on your specific needs. For extreme precision and top-quality finishing, the calibers of Seiko's Grand Seikosuch as the 9S85 or 9R65 are excellent choices. For rugged, reliable everyday use, calibers like the 4R36 or 6R35 are very popular and offer excellent value for money. At Waaqt, we find the 4R36 caliber to be one of the most best calibres from Seiko.
How do you know which gauge to choose?
The Choosing the right caliber depends above all on how you intend to use your watch.We'll take into account your specific needs, as well as your requirements in terms of precision, functionality and maintenance.
For classic, everyday use, it is preferable to choose a calibre robust, precise and easy to maintain. If you need additional functions (chronometer, date, GMT...), opt directly for a caliber with complications. For budgetary reasons, standard industrial calibers are less expensive than high-end calibers.
Some quartz calibres offer a extremely high precisionMechanical calibres are renowned for their long-term reliability. Also consider the frequency of maintenance, depending on whether you choose an automatic or quartz caliber.
The different Seiko calibres:
Seiko is renowned for its quality and variety from the most affordable to the most refined :
- Our quartz calibres such as the 7N43 and V157.
- Our reliable automatic calibres are reserved for entry-level products such as the 7S26, 4R35 or 6R15.
- A high-performance mechanical chronograph such as 6138 or 7T92.
- The range of Spring Drive gauges combines quartz and mechanical regulation with breathtaking precision (5R66, 9R65...).
- Our high-end calibres from Grand Seiko are hand-finished and carefully fitted.
What are the advantages of quartz over mechanical calibres?
- Extremely high precision A standard quartz caliber shows an average deviation of less than 15 seconds per month, while a classic mechanical caliber shows a deviation of around 5 to 10 seconds per day.
- Greater robustness The electronic design of quartz calibers makes them generally more resistant to shock and vibration than precision mechanical calibers. For example, quartz watches are more suitable for sports use.
- Low maintenance Quartz calibres do not require manual winding or regular inspection by a watchmaker, simply replace the battery regularly.
- Low cost : The industrial production of quartz calibres generally makes them much less expensive to manufacture than hand-assembled mechanical calibres.
- Works in any position Unlike some automatic watches, a quartz caliber will continue to operate even if the watch is stopped.
- Easier complications : It's technically simpler to add functions such as a chronometer, calendar or alarm clock to a quartz caliber.
What's the best watch calibre?
There is no such thing as a perfect full gauge; the "best" calibre depends above all on its purpose. Thus, the robust 7S26 is an excellent choice for a universal automatic watch, the Spring Drive enchanting with its unequalled precision, the mechanical 8L55 sophistication, the 9F for its rock-solid reliability and the 9S Grand Seiko mechanics by its infallibility. Difficult manual finished.
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