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Supercharged Seiko NH35

CaptCalvin
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CaptCalvin WRT Addict

CaptCalvin

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Posted (edited)

Today I show off what is probably the most accurate Seiko NH35 in existence.

Let's see what this brand spankin' new Invicta does on the timegrapher:

Beforelr.thumb.png.30f6a9af03a2bdd225b0fee732e24338.png

Oof. Ya hate ta see it. I know these numbers aren't anything to cry over for an 80 dollar automatic, but considering how these days microbrands stick this movement in watches costing hundreds more, and Seiko themselves with the equivalent 4R in watches costing even more, it's just not great. The rate itself to me is a trivial matter as nudging on the regulator is a trivial task. But what speaks to the quality of a movement in my eyes is the consistency of that rate in different positions. With 12 seconds per day difference across positions, middling amplitude, and fluctuating rate while static, albeit slight, is all just a bit "meh" to me. 

Let's crack it open and see what we can do.

nonconcentric.thumb.jpg.d011b3844b9387fd8b05c849f733a738.jpg.

Hairspring seems to be pulling towards stud.

1885561957_hairspringbefore.thumb.jpg.ded3ea885ec0a8cabc5b16286395f261.jpg

Hairspring removed from balance and mounted on cock and we can see the full extent of the malformity. That collet is a good ways off from the jewel.

Few hours of sweat later:

588613879_hairspringafter.thumb.jpg.09ee0e59129597cbd0e6ce3c7ecf123d.jpg

Much better! Regulator now runs the full length of the terminal curve without disturbance and collet is centered on jewel.

Let's check out what else I saw:

Overoillr.thumb.png.e8a7314658c95d6137dbe290599550e7.png

Some places are absolutely flooded.

underoil.thumb.jpg.df5e20dd1a89b7ee378843ef7ebb2849.jpg

While others just barely got any. A good thing I intervened. This thing needed to be redone top to bottom.

1127423312_toredown.thumb.jpg.bb27e9c7fd062a20af4b6e2e532927c1.jpg

Stripped apart, ready to get rid of the crappy factory lube job, and get a real, proper lube job.

All put together, lubed, and few rounds of dynamic poising later:

Afterlr.thumb.png.96a745bb26ec2052d4ab85cdc1ee198b.png

Massive boost in amplitude,  runs on rails and a measly 1 second difference across all positions. Wasn't lying when I said "probably the most accurate Seiko NH35 in existence." See for yourself.

Isn't it at the moment a bit of a waste that this souped up NH35 is being trapped inside its Invicta skin? What do you think? ;)

Edited by CaptCalvin
  • Like 3
Jon Super WRT Addict

Jon

Posted
Posted

Nicely done!

Chalk and cheese when it comes to the timegrapher readings as well.

Getting towards COSC territory in the timing. 

  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
Tunokies Member

Tunokies

Posted
Posted

That's incredible.  I'm very pleasantly surprised by the difference. It shows what could be achieved by these movements.

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