Downloaded this app. Why are there two lines? Is the beat error too much?
Bought the SKX007 NOS last year (so never been opened before). It has a 2018 serial. Took the results in up, down, 3-up, and 9-up positions.
Would these results mean screaming service is needed? Thanks!
I don’t disagree regarding amplitude, however, Seiko watches generally all operate at lower amplitudes from new, even among 8xxx and 9xxx series movements. The intended operational mainspring tension has a huge role in amplitude and you will never get Swiss level amplitudes post service as this was never intended, given the consequences of higher amplitude on train wear etc.
Yes they are usually low from new, but I'm not convinced it's a design feature - rather a result of systemic haphazard assembly. From what I've seen, properly serviced and lubricated newish 7S/4R/6R movements can attain an amplitude around high 200's-toward 300 and much improved positional variance. Older used ones around 275 after service. All 5 of my 6R movements have shown 220-240 from new along with poor positional variance. That's a small sample size but it also does have quite the reputation with this. If you've got specialised experience on this I'm interested to hear more on whether it's an intentional design.
For context, I’m into hobby watch repair with about 250 watches and maybe 100 services under my belt over the past 10 years, so nothing spectacular. I only own one 6R movement in an spb143 with an amplitude of around 250 from new (second owner), but I have not checked in a while. It keeps good time; most of my watches are vintage so inside 30s a day is good for my liking unless it is a spring drive or quartz, which would raise some red flags. I have an enrichment of 8l35 movements both with and without mems and they are usually around 280. Amplitude in my Swiss watches is usually well over 300.
In their attempts to push power reserve, which I think is both unnecessary and a marketing ploy as evidenced by this appearing on dials more recently, my understanding is that the amplitude and time-keeping was sacrificed. 21.6k bph movements can certainly be very accurate, but there is a magical intersect with amplitude, sensitivity to positional variance/shocks, and power reserve.
For me, the 8l35 is the pinnacle of Seiko’s modern movement line with the 52xx being the best vintage movement.
This kinda turned into a mess so probably doesn’t answer your questions but my point is that the midrange slow beat movements will never really reach higher amplitudes because of design sacrifices. Servicing the 4r and 6r movements yourself may well eek out more performance and amplitude, but you are unlikely to top 300.
Interesting, thanks 👍