Seiko NH35 Movement, the Reliable Workhorse of Precise Timekeeping

What makes a watch attractive? It’s a combination of several features: the aesthetics, the materials used, the extra features, and the originality of the design.

What makes a watch a trusty timekeeper? The force behind its precise operation – the watch mechanism, whose pulse is dictated by the watch movement.

A merge of all these features results in an ultimate watch, authentic, attractive, and reliable.

WMT Watches Royal Marine Fuji Version’s ultimate and timeless elegance with Q.R. Handmade Italian Leather watch strap

The center of our attention today is the Seiko NH35 movement, one of the most widely used watch mechanisms. You’ll get insight into its construction, a glimpse of which companies use it, learn why it’s popular among micro brands, and have a closer look at the Royal Marine Fuji Version by WMT Watches.

Seiko NH35 movement

This omnipresent movement from Seiko is one of the most frequently used movements in the present-day watchmaking industry. There are several reasons, the most prominent being its affordable price and high value/reliability ratio.

The main characteristics of NH35 are:

• 27.4mm diameter, 5.32mm height
• Automatic
• Hacking and hand winding
• 41-hour power reserve
• Accuracy of -20 to +40 seconds per day
• Clockwise winding direction
• 24 jewels
• Comes in two variations, manufactured in Japan and Malaysia, which is clearly visible from the engraving on the rotor

Royal Marine Fuji Version in all its sport style glory with Hexad III QR Stainless Steel watch strap

Now, why is it so popular? First, it’s affordable, usually priced at around $50. Secondly, its reliability and precision are exquisite at that price range. Finally, it has a size that is suitable for installation in a significant number of both standard and unusually shaped cases.

This great movement is equally loved by major labels in the watchmaking industry, such as Seiko, Orion, Invicta, and Vostok, and a rising number of micro brands that are becoming increasingly popular among watch lovers lately.

One of the star examples of micro brand watches, the Royal Marine Fuji Version by WMT Watches, is featured in all the photos that enrich this blog. And, for a good reason. Not only does it look attractive, the quality of features and materials used in its production, with the timekeeping reliability and precision secured by NH35, set a high bar for the competition at that price range and beyond.

Royal Marine’s masculine appearance strengthened by “Gunny” Handmade watch strap with Bund Pad

NH35 vs. 7S26

Until a watch aficionados get deeper into the matter, they frequently get confused by the different variants that exist among Seiko movements. For example, one of the most frequent dilemmas is whether NH35 and 7S26 are different or are they just two names for the same movement.

Visually, they may look very similar, even identical, to an untrained eye. However, these movements are significantly different, and NH35 has the upper hand. Its precision and reliability are far more supreme, plus it has hacking and hand winding.

NH35 vs. NH35a

Another potential confusion is the difference between these two movements. This time, there’s no dilemma. They both refer to the exact same movement.

Royal Marine Fuji Version classy appearance enhanced with Grezzo Leather watch strap

Micro brands and NH35, a strong and fruitful bond

Micro brands have been the talk of the day in the world of watchmaking for quite some time now, expanding their catalog and constantly gaining in popularity. Being original is always a sought-after feature in horology but also a highly challenging task given the number of watches available on the market.

Therefore, it’s no wonder the fully customizable and originally designed watches by micro brands appeal so strongly to watch lovers. However, micro brands do not focus solely on aesthetics.

These watchmakers also focus on the heart of the micro brand watches. The expensive brand will use a Swiss movement, while the budget one may use a Japanese movement. Each has its growing user group.

For example, Dan Henry, Deep Blue, Lüm-Tec, Spinnaker, MINUS-8, and WMT Watches are just some of the many prominent microbrands that have been taking the world of horology by storm. One of the things they all have in common is the use of the NH35 movement as a force behind their custom-made watches.

WMT Watches Royal Marine Fuji vintage looks with Orange Retro rubber watch strap

Royal Marine Fuji Version by WMT Watches

The photos you see just remotely do justice to this beautifully looking watch. But, on the other hand, although the looks are, by all means, an essential factor of every appealing watch, WMT watches Royal Marine Fuji version is more than just a great appearance. 

A stainless steel case, 39.5mm in diameter and 14.8mm thick, comes in a brush and shining finish, securing the reliable operation of NH35. The double-domed glass made of Acrylic crystal adds to the overall smoothness and sturdiness.

The bidirectional bezel with 60s markings and 10 ATM water resistance capacity completes the package. In addition, the yellow hour markings and hands, complemented by the striking pinnacle logo, give this Royal Marine Fuji version an extra touch.

Close-up view of Royal Marine Fuji’s vibrant dial design

Although primarily a sports-looking watch, thanks to the 20mm strap size and a significant number of available watch straps, this WMT watches model is by no means limited to strictly sporty style. For example, paired with various designs of leather watch straps, it becomes a great-looking addition to the business-style dress code.

Two faces of WMT Watches Royal Marine Fuji, left: sporty with Super-Jub II QR Stainless Steel Watch Strap, right: elegant with Artisan Brown 2 Italian Leather Watch Strap

In a nutshell

If you are looking for an originally designed watch that both looks well and is based on a reliable workhorse such as NH35 is, the Royal Marine Fuji version by WMT watches deserves to at the top of your list of potential purchases.

It will serve you well and long if you take care of it properly. On top of that, being a clothing style chameleon makes it suitable for all uses. So it could quickly become your number one choice for all occasions. With a mere change of watch strap, this remarkable watch is perfectly at home on the beach and in the critical meeting in the office.

Royal Marine dressed in old brown Artisan leather watch strap

External ref :

• Royal Marine – Fuji Version ( Aged ) / ANZIANO – Off Black Italian Leather Watch Strap
• NH35 vs 4R36 Specs Comparison

 Written by S.K., images by Toni