The Movements - The Heart of the Watch
The movement is literally what makes the watch tick. There are a vast number of high-quality movements on the market, and each of them has very different functionality. We have selected movements from both Japan and Switzerland that are reliable and will serve you for many years to come.
The Automatics:
Japan
The Japanese are renowned for their timepieces. Most of the world's famous brands hail from Japan and what drives them are their precision movements:
Seiko NH Series: The Seiko NH-series automatic movement is a proven, workhorse caliber trusted by watchmakers worldwide for its durability, accuracy, and long-term serviceability. Powered by the natural motion of the wrist—no battery required—it offers dependable mechanical timekeeping with features such as hand-winding, hacking seconds (model dependent), a ~41-hour power reserve, and a smooth 21,600 vph beat rate. Available in multiple variants including time/date, GMT, compact, and skeleton formats, the NH series is designed to withstand daily wear while remaining easy to regulate and service almost anywhere. It’s an honest, resilient movement built for watches meant to be worn every day, not stored away.
Miyota 8000 and 9000: Series Automatic Movements are widely respected for their reliability, precision, and refined mechanical performance, making them a popular choice in modern mechanical watchmaking. Powered by the motion of the wearer’s wrist, these automatic calibers require no battery and are engineered for consistent daily use with excellent long-term serviceability. The Miyota 8000 series is known for its rugged, no-nonsense construction and dependable accuracy. In comparison, the Miyota 9000 series elevates the experience with a higher beat rate, slimmer profile, improved accuracy, and features such as hacking seconds and hand-winding. Together, they offer a versatile range of mechanical movements built for watches designed to be worn confidently every day.
China
Modern Chinese automatic movements represent a new generation of mechanical watchmaking—one defined by technical competence, refined production, and a renewed respect for traditional horology. Inspired by the great Swiss movements, they stand on their own as examples of strong technological advancement with a nod to the traditional designs of their Swiss counterparts.
These are not generic mechanisms. Each movement below is selected for its mechanical integrity, consistency in regulation, and suitability for an individually commissioned timepiece. They offer authentic automatic performance while allowing greater freedom in design, proportion, and expression.
ST2130 — ETA-2824-Style Automatic
Balanced Precision & Traditional Architecture
A high-beat automatic movement in the classic ETA-2824 pattern. Smooth sweep, robust winding system, and widespread parts availability make this our go-to choice for everyday automatics with timeless proportions.
ST18 — ETA-2892-Style Thin Automatic
Refined & Slim with Room for Design
A thinner automatic profile inspired by the ETA 2892, perfect for dressier cases where refined thickness and sleek dial layouts matter.
Swiss
There are timepieces. Then there are Swiss timepieces. Swiss movements don't need to advertise. Quality always endures. So do Swiss movements. Precision and quality are the hallmarks of Swiss watches. The Swiss movements we select reflect that.
Sellita SW-series: The Sellita SW series of automatic movements is a Swiss-made mechanical caliber known for its precision, robustness, and exceptional serviceability, making it a benchmark in modern Swiss watchmaking. Powered by the natural motion of the wrist, they deliver smooth, reliable timekeeping with features such as hand-winding, hacking seconds, and substantial power reserves, depending on the specific model. Available in multiple configurations—including time-only, date, GMT, and chronograph variants—the SW series is valued for its tight tolerances, refined finishing, and widespread parts availability. These movements offer the confidence of Swiss engineering and are built for timepieces intended to perform consistently under everyday wear.
ETA 2800 Series: The ETA automatic movements are Swiss-made mechanical calibers with a long-standing reputation for accuracy, durability, and professional-grade serviceability. Powered by the wearer’s wrist motion, they provide dependable mechanical timekeeping with features such as hand-winding, hacking seconds, and stable power reserves across the range. Offered in multiple configurations—including time-only, date, and GMT variants—the 2800 series is prized for its proven architecture, smooth operation, and global parts and service support. These movements represent classic Swiss engineering and are built for watches designed to be worn daily with confidence and longevity in mind.
Quartz Movements:
Japan
Seiko VH Series: The Seiko quartz movements are high-quality quartz calibers engineered for exceptional accuracy, reliability, and low-maintenance performance. Battery powered for consistent timekeeping, the VH series delivers smooth, precise operation with excellent long-term stability and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear. Available in multiple configurations—including time-only, date, and chronograph variants—these movements are valued for their robust construction, slim profiles, and proven Seiko engineering.
China
Seagull ST1612 / ST1612S: A Proven Three-Hand Quartz Architecture. One of the most widely used high-quality Chinese quartz movements. The ST1612 is stable, accurate, and well suited for clean three-hand designs. The “S” variant adds improved finishing and reliability.
Seagull ST213 (Quartz Series): Robust, Utility-Focused Quartz. Designed for durability and consistent operation, this movement is often chosen when reliability under daily use is a priority. It supports straightforward layouts and dependable timekeeping.
Swiss
Ronda 500/700-series: The Ronda quartz movements are Swiss-made quartz calibers recognized for their accuracy, reliability, and efficient, low-maintenance operation. Designed for consistent battery-powered performance, the 500 series delivers dependable timekeeping with slim profiles and excellent long-term stability, making it ideal for everyday wear. Available in multiple configurations—including time-only, date, and chronograph variants—these movements are valued for their robust construction, serviceability, and precision associated with Swiss quartz engineering. The Ronda 500 series is built for watches that prioritize accuracy, durability, and ease of ownership.
Chronographs
Japan
Seiko VK-Series: The Seiko VK chronograph movements are hybrid meca-quartz calibers that combine the accuracy of quartz timekeeping with the tactile feel of a mechanical chronograph. Battery powered for precise, low-maintenance operation, the VK series features a mechanically actuated chronograph module that delivers crisp pusher response and a smooth, sweeping chronograph seconds hand. Available in multiple configurations and layouts, these movements are known for their durability, reliability, and consistent performance. The VK series offers the precision of quartz with the engaging experience of a mechanical chronograph, built for watches designed to be worn and used daily.
China:
Seagull ST1940 / ST1946: Automatic Chronograph Architecture. These movements build upon Seagull’s chronograph expertise, introducing automatic winding while retaining a traditional chronograph layout. Designed for daily wear, they balance mechanical complexity with modern convenience.
Peacock SL4613 / SL480: Technically Ambitious Chronographs. Peacock chronograph movements occupy a more specialized tier. Produced in lower volumes, they emphasize mechanical refinement and advanced construction, offering a quieter form of distinction for collectors seeking something beyond the expected.
Hangzhou 7750-Pattern Automatic Chronograph: Industrial Chronograph Reliability. Hangzhou’s 7750-pattern chronographs follow a well-established automatic chronograph architecture known for durability and torque capacity. These movements are selected when robustness and functional consistency are the priority.
Swiss
ETA G10 Series (e.g., G10.212): A widely used, versatile quartz chronograph movement featuring standard chronograph functions (1/10 sec, 30-min, 12-hr counters) with variations for date, power drive (PowerDrive), and high accuracy (PreciDrive).
ETA 251 Series (e.g., 251.471): A 6-hand chronograph movement often found in watches requiring multiple sub-dials for timing function
ETA 7700 Series: The ETA chronograph movements are Swiss-made automatic calibers renowned for their robust construction, mechanical complexity, and proven performance in professional-grade chronograph watches. They deliver the precise timekeeping ordinarily found in quartz movements, with fully mechanical chronograph operation, featuring hand-winding, hacking seconds, and strong power reserves depending on the specific variant. Known for their durability, smooth chronograph engagement, and widespread service support, the 7700 series represents classic Swiss chronograph.