Seiko 6R35 and how it compares with the 4R35 movement

[@johnnelson9252]

My 6R35 SPB155-J1 was losing 15 seconds per day out of the box. I sent it back to Seiko (USA) and got it back, only to find after a couple of weeks it was losing over 20 seconds a day. With specs like Seiko's (-15/+25), what do they think we wear watches for? I'm glad that James and all the other RUclipsrs are getting such fantastic accuracy, but those specs aren't ridiculously wide for nothing. They build the movements and drop it into the cases, knowing the vast majority will be inside the specs. Oh, well; it looks beautiful in my watch box.

[@WATCHingJames]

That is very disappointing to hear. Especially since it was sent off and then still not better.

[@wojciech5177]

that's why i wear casio solar quartz with atomic time keeping accurate to 1 second per 100 milion years. yea it's really nice

[@purvjanik1796]

6R35 плохой выбор, если Вам нужны точные часы.

[@WATCHingJames]

What is the difference between the 4Rand the 6R movements used by Seiko.
Today I just want to talk a little bit about these two movements.

[@rosomak8244]

Differences: main spring, and hairspring. That's it.

[@svfutbol20]

I would go shooting often with my 4R35 equipped presage, stayed extremely accurate. Shook a lot of coctails behind the bar with it too.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a very reliable movement. Great to hear it has withstood everything you have put it through.

[@hidri86]

Skip the first 4 mins as this guy will just talk talk but then he gets in points of this vid after 4mins

[@WATCHingJames]

That does sound like me 😄 thanks for WATCHing

[@carlosgj1308]

Thanks I skipped it 👍🏼

[@jazzman5598]

I like James thorough approach.

[@DeepsGnome]

I appreciated the extra info at the start, not just the "main points"

[@hrs.ai2018]

For unknown reason, in my personal experience 4R run better accuracy then the 6R

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve heard people have had the same experience.

[@jimmyyong4676]

I have been wearing a 6R15 Sumo (50 hours) for like 12 years now. Great movement and great watch.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Sumo one of may favourites

[@edteach3r]

Very helpful and most informative. Thank you, James.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Eddie. I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@tedblack2415]

Already had an idea about the differences but personally a 70hr+ pr is neither here no there I would rather a higher beat rate than extended pr , what's more important is the accuracy on wrist and tbh all my movements run at -3/+5 throughout the week on wrist ( 8 series , nh's , orients & seagulls ) so the numbers are achievable with any healthy movement without having to be cosc.

[@WATCHingJames]

That is great. It is nice to have a higher beat rate. The second hand look amazing.

[@chuknorth]

Really enjoy watching with you, James. Many thanks.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you for WATCHing

[@naomiredpath4351]

I enjoyed this comparison James. Thanks for sharing your thoughts & insight.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Naomi

[@pdmotors5027]

Can’t see this video being super popular, but I must admit, I enjoyed it, nice one.👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks mate. I just enjoy thinking about watches and then making videos.
If they are popular that’s great. If not then that’s ok too.

[@glenh4971]

The NH35A movement is the superior movement. Cheaper and easy to swap out if you ever have any problems with them. The NH35A is brilliant. No need to do any maintenance on them. Replace them. They are disposable watch movements.

[@WATCHingJames]

They also run well beyond what I would consider the servicing times.
So just keep them going until there is a problem. Then swap out for a new one.

[@brianmsahin]

It's a very good idea to go a little bit deeper into the movements like this. It's very interesting for watch fans.👍👍👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Brian. I can’t get to technical because it’s beyond me. But it’s interesting to know and talk about movements in a little bit of detail.

[@Pedro-ke6xp]

i have one nh35 watch that bought as a diy from aliexpress, i built and regulated it with a phone app, and got it to about 1.7 sec/day on my real daily use, so i'm very happy with it's accuracy!

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s fantastic. You can’t ask for much better than that.
Well done.

[@crypt0gh0stph38]

How is the watch performing a year from now?

[@ppadilla8990]

​​@@crypt0gh0stph38 my Seiko 5 after 4 years gets at +20 secs a week is a beast if he regulares himself he might get similar results

[@ganck1147]

Nh35 can be regulated to perform within cosc specs easily. Had a micro brand watch with nh35 that was running plus 1 sec per day. Amazing accuracy for such a cheap movt.

[@Pedro-ke6xp]

@@crypt0gh0stph38 ddf¹p c

[@WesWatchRoom]

Great breakdown mate, really great to hear the similarities and differences too. I honestly wish Seiko would give us a refresh though and modernise them a bit as they're getting a bit old. But I know they won't.

[@WATCHingJames]

It took so long last time for an upgrade.
Might be a while before we get another one.
I can only imagine the price increase when they do. 😬

[@rosomak8244]

What is there to be modernized? It's a mechanical watch movement. There is not much to be done there.

[@a2b3c]

to be honest, Seiko Automatic Movements are not really top notch in my experience (amplitude pretty low compared to good movements - should be between 260 - 300, and not smth 230ish), but i have some ETA / Hamilton Watches here which are another level at the same price really - my Hamilton Khaki Field Chrono has a H-21 Movement for around 1700€ - the range where Seiko usually uses the 6r35 (8r are usually 3000€ plus watches) - this H-21 is based on the famous Valjoux 7750 with increased power reserve of 80h and runs like +1 sec a day
my Willard Reissue using the 6r35 is running lackluster.. like +30s a day (difficult to regulate if not at all) some are running well out of the box, and if not they probably never will run properly in my experience - which leads me to the conclusion that we are overpaying Seiko Watches - they have a steep price where others are often just simply better (not to mention that their quality control not even gets it done that the Bezel is properly aligned)

[@WATCHingJames]

It does feel like some of the higher priced Seikos with these movements are asking too much money.
Thanks for WATCHing

[@ctw2450]

I would be curious to know the timegrapher readings as they near the end of their power reserves. Are they linear or relatively consistent then "fall off a cliff"? Could see the advantages of the 6R35 as I'm not as active as before (paraplegic). Thank you.

[@WATCHingJames]

That would be great to see.
Also might make an interesting video to compare movements on the time grapher at different points of power.

[@lawrenceberry3244]

I'm a quadriplegic myself and so , thanks watchbox !

[@timeandnourishment1961]

That's a possibility. I have an Orient Star with a 50 - hour power reserve and the nifty little gauge. It gains about 5 seconds in the first day, but with less than 15 hours to go it starts to lose time. My other Orient - hand wind only with 40 hours and the same kind of gauge - gains about 8 seconds a day right up to when it stops. Both of them cost less than one 6R15 Seiko. All the best. Cheers 🍻!

[@j.p.9522]

Excellent breakdown of the movements! Subbed!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing and I appreciate your support

[@watchsixto]

Awesome work mate learned something new today thanks for making this video

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great. Thanks for WATCHing

[@josephpatenaude642]

Not very happy whit this mouvement, the 6R35 on my SPB185 just fail and stop to work…got the watch new in July 2021, bad experience so far

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s very disappointing to hear.

[@marcjcapetown]

I've been very happy with my 4r35, out the box it's losing about 35 seconds a month. I don't need better than that, and it's great to know it can stand up to abuse and last for years.

[@WATCHingJames]

That is amazing for this movement. I would certainly be happy too.

[@rosomak8244]

Please don't expect the accuracy to remain the same throughout the years.

[@Anonymous-sw9zd]

@@rosomak8244What's ur experience?

[@scouseronaskateboard]

Have the spb147, was running -10 seconds a day when I got it preowned but after a small adjustment it's +1 second a day, everyday.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s fantastic. It’s amazing how well these movements can perform.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Ha! I just got a green sumo with the movment and want to have a quick guide. It's a fantastic watch! I'm getting +4 sec a day and I'm very happy with it. The 70 hour power reserve is the best thing for me and it's why I got this over another watch I was looking at.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Sumo is, in my opinion, the best Seiko available. It is a wonderful watch.
Enjoy.

[@ccw5886]

I have this movement and mine was so inaccurate I sent it back to Seiko. It returned and has been ok since. Seiko need to raise their game on accuracy. Conversely, my NH ‘s have always been excellent

[@WATCHingJames]

Good to hear they took it back. But I do agree. Especially now that the prices have gone up so much.

[@tombox77toto94]

Hello. I bought the spb243j1 with the 6r35 movement. No problem of precision, however the oscillating weight emits a metallic noise during its rotation on certain wrist movements. As if a coin was wandering around in the watch. Is this normal for this type of movement? Thank you

[@WATCHingJames]

I have not experienced that exact noise. If it is loud enough to hear whilst you are wearing it I would probably have it looked at.
If it is just when you put it up to your ear then I would not be too concerned.

[@singaporehikers]

The first 6R, the 6R15 was first introduced in 2006, 4R is the lower end model similar to the 6R first introduced in 2011.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@vitalieBu]

I just got a Seiko Samurai with 4R35 movement for about $450. It's my first automatic watche ... I'm trying to see how it's keeping up with the stopwatch on my phone....and after roughly 7.5 hours .... its ahead with about 6 seconds. My question is... should I return it and pay extra $200-$250 for a Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 that supposedly has accuracy of a couple of seconds a day? How these two ( seiko vs tissot) are behaving after let's say 5 years?

[@WATCHingJames]

The samurai is an amazing watch. The Tissot is also lovely but owning an automatic means that they are not normally perfectly accurate. It’s just part of the experience.
I personally would keep the samurai. It is a awesome fort automatic.

[@amgame9489]

should the powermatic fail, it cant be adjusted, it has to be replaced. am i right on this? if so, id go with the seiko. maintenance may be cheaper.

[@CG-ql5rr]

I bought an alpinist brand new from an authorized uk seller and in the first few days was running at -10sec a day,after a week it started to run at -40/-50sec a day,that's rubbish

[@WATCHingJames]

That is disappointing

[@user-dz9nm4qn9h]

Where can I buy 6r35 movements other than from Seiko?

[@WATCHingJames]

The best place I have found them is on eBay.

[@MrHarrilasagna]

Thanks for the great info!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. It was an interesting video to make.

[@MrHarrilasagna]

@@WATCHingJames Then when Seiko can get a spring drive available under $1200 everything will change 😉

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s would be amazing

[@martinmaison6421]

Just listen to your explanation and subscribed immediately ❤

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Martin. I really enjoyed making this video.

[@mojaslovenija9903]

Tx for explaining the difference. I am looking for Seiko Alpinist, ...as I am alpinist ;) with 6R caliber. As a software engineer am with hi-tech but today literrary sick of the flood of smartwatch lasting only a couple of years. My very first watch was with caliber 9006 (year 1955) which I have got from my grandfather for my firt communion in 70-ies. As the watch was gold and I was a kid the watch was stored ina family valult for almost 20 years until I completed my obligatory military service of 1.5 years and than started to wear it daily, no matter where, the concert, theatre, travel, ... the watch was never in watch service and is still precise less than 60 seconds per month (!). The info about ~25 seconds daily error for a modern watch caliber is quite irritating.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s amazing that it runs so well. Itnis so nice having a watch with a family connection.
I really like the alpinists. Especially some of there new designs

[@mojaslovenija9903]

I have got Alpinist Sunbean one week ago and the accuracy is +45s / day... more than my oldie in a month...huh? I am a bit dissapointed and looking for Tissot with 80h power reserve, made in Europe and even cheaper than Alpinist.

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

My Sharktooth Alpinist with a 6R35 goes at +10s to +15s per day. I consider it rather fast, but within Seiko's published tolerance.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is within their stated tolerance. But might be worth trying to demagnetise it. Just in case.

[@ferdinandgarcia9586]

Unfortunately for my Seiko sumo spb101j1 is slowing by -20 a day sometimes -25. I went to the authorize service center here in Dubai UAE and they said to me it needs to be serviced and charging me by $150. And my watch is just 3 yrs old. Im thinking of selling it.

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

@@WATCHingJames That's a point. Nonethekess, I've already been vigilant about magnetism and even downloaded a magnetism app.

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

@@ferdinandgarcia9586 Hi Ferdinand. Sorry to hear about your Sumo. Seiko does state a rather large accuracy spectrum so we know what to expect. Nonetheless, it's the luck of the draw with post-2020 6R35's calibers. I and some friends bought 5 (of the much anticipated) Baby Alpinist between us. Two of which were duds up to 2-5mins late per day. These were sold in a charity auction. The rest were +1-5mins per day which were kept as GADA watches.

[@ferdinandgarcia9586]

@@tonyvera-cruz6422 i guess even if i send it for servicing it wont rectify the issue...

[@fungorilla]

What's James' watch model with the 6R that he's pointing to in the video?

[@WATCHingJames]

I think it is my Seiko sumo from memory

[@xxgg]

Question:
So with either of the movements,,, are the accuracy same regardless what state the reserve is at? Or does it run faster when near fully wind vs slower at near end of reserve?
or should automatic watch owners should adjust the time every morning?

[@WATCHingJames]

The accuracy does change depending on how wound up the watch is.
As the main spring becomes completely unwound it will change.
But not really by that much that should be noticeable.

[@rosomak8244]

The power provided by the main spring remains well constant until short before the end. However when worn automatic watches are fully wound almost all the time.

[@ccw5886]

I have just purchased the gorgeous 68 reissue SPB317j1. It has the 6r35 movement and I put it on for the first time today setting it to exact time at 12 noon. Its now 1800 hrs and the movement is already 6 seconds slow, if this continues it willbe well over twenty seconds slow by noon tomorrow. Mmmmmm! at least you know its a Seiko. Its off to my watchmaker to be properly regulated but what he heck this is an £860 watch . its gorgeous but you would think they would regulate the bloody thing!

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s Seiko for you. But we still love them.

[@leath25]

Ive got the seiko king turtle,with 4r36 mov.out the box i got -13 seconds a day wasn't happy so i adjusted it now its running -2 seconds a day to minus 1 for the last year.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great. I don’t think anyone could complain about those figures.

[@johnbrenthonprescasiosa8922]

Hi, how did you adjust it?

[@leath25]

@@johnbrenthonprescasiosa8922 hi I used a watch wrench to take back off then with a tooth pick adjusted very slightly the regulator+ and minus symbol on it.then I used a watch app on my android phone to measure if it was running fast or slow.

[@michaelkerwin4755]

I want to buy a watch with the NH 35 when i put it on do i have to hand wind it or can i just move around with it so it starts by the rotor moving?

[@WATCHingJames]

You have the option of either or both.

[@michaelkerwin4755]

Awesome thank u cause I didn't like the though of winding it I already have automatic an don't even no if I can wind it I just rotate it

[@oktc68]

A ponced up 4R35 which they ruined in the process. The fact they put them in £1,000 watches is why I don't wanna buy them. They should have left it alone. In my experience the 6R35 is much less consistent than a NH35A, personally a longer power reserve is irrelevant,.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a shame that it features in more expensive watches. I’m not convinced it is good enough for them.
But if you get one in a well priced watch then I’m very happy with it.
Thanks for WATCHing

[@pskanp]

A good watchable video. Wondering what are other differences apart from the power reserve and time difference window, like their weight, thickness, durability and easy serviceability worldwide. 👍🏻

[@WATCHingJames]

Servicing and durability should be the same worldwide. Seiko movements are well known by most watch makers.
Check out calibercorner.com/ for detailed specs.
It’s a great reference website or movements.

[@predragjo5977]

Isn't the only difference between 4R and 6R the mainspring which is different in 6R allowing it to have better power reserve and the hairspring allowing it to have a bit better accuracy? Other than that they are the same.

[@WATCHingJames]

I believe that the 6R does have parts in common with the 4R but it is also better prepared to have further complications added.

[@predragjo5977]

@@WATCHingJames Might be, I am talking about the base versions of 4R and 6R, they are built on the same plate with the only difference being main spring and the hair spring so I suppose that 6R is more suitable for upgrades due to those 2 parts, eapecially hair spring.

[@MLGxBXRxPRO]

Would that gold colored rotor fit on a 4r36a

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m not sure sorry.

[@saurus738]

From personal experience, don't go to 6R if you already have 4R watches. Save it for better than 6R movement.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@m44t59]

@saurus 4r36 mechanism Seiko srp 777 by turtle,,,is it worth buying 6r35 chench mechanism captain vilhard,,except ıs the steel quality the same

[@saurus738]

@@m44t59 if you love it, won't be a problem, 4R36 is good, you can regulate to make it more accurate, I did with mine.

[@USMCPFC1]

What are better option than 6r movement. Am a noob. I got a seiko Sport 5 and a King Samurai. Was planning on picking up the king sumo for my birthday. Which watches would you recommend instead? Wanna keep it under 2k.

[@m44t59]

4r36 mechanism l have a watch Seiko srp 777,,,is it watch buying take 6r35 mechanism chenc,captain vilhard

[@WATCHingJames]

I would stick to the original personally.

[@scatterbrain9490]

impressive

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@kl5696]

Would the hands for 6R35 fit on a 4R35 movement?

[@WATCHingJames]

Good question. I’m not sure sorry.

[@punavmirlekar]

Which one these movement have a plastic part inside?

[@WATCHingJames]

To my knowledge neither.
There is lots more info about these movements on calibre corner online

[@TheJamie1965]

Can't comment on the 6R, but I've got 4 watches with either the 4R or the NH Seiko movements. I've probably just been lucky but the NH movements in my Spinnaker Hunley and Draken Tugela are within 3 seconds a day. My Samurai is +10 and I have a 5 Sports field watch that is about - 30 seconds a day. I'd really like a Sumo but can't justify the extra money if the movements not any more accurate. Btw I've got a Deep Blue with a SW200 movement in it and to be honest its not any better at +10s a day. When hand winding and changing time date it feels rough like a Chinese movement.

[@WATCHingJames]

Every 4R/NH35 I’ve had have performed well.
They are a bit of a safe bet.
I can certainly recommend the Sumo. Not for the movement but because it is amazing.

[@Anonymous-sw9zd]

Do your 4rs keep worse time overtime?

[@TheJamie1965]

@@WATCHingJames I finally got a Sumo Hulk a few months ago for a good price used. You're right they are amazing

[@TheJamie1965]

They seem to stay the same@@Anonymous-sw9zd

[@williamrizzo1285]

I was under the impression that the 6R15 only had 50 hrs power reserve?

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes. 50 hours. The 6R35 has 70 hours.

[@ashishchoudhary269]

hi
quite an informative video , i bought a seiko presage a month ago with 4R35 movement ,initially it was loosing time like 3 min a day, i sent it back to service center under warranty , where by they fixed ,the adjustment screw so as to be at 0 level , earlier was at -ve level ,
now it is again loosing like 3 min per week , is this normal ??
would appreciate experts view

[@WATCHingJames]

That is within the tolerances of the movement but does feel like a lot.
Have you had it demagnetised?
Sometimes it is as easy as that.

[@JeeGee114]

I will never buy anything with the 6R35 in it. My 4R35's are overperforming, much cheaper and more reliable. On would expect the 6R to perform better at today's Seiko prices. The power reserve might be nice but it comes at a cost.

[@WATCHingJames]

I have to agree. I do like the additional power reserve but the added cost just does not feel right.

[@richarddobson4marrickville]

Could you do a video modding a Samurai to replace the 4r35 with a 6r35 movement? I've heard that its possible... But I'm still doubtful lol!

[@WATCHingJames]

That would be fantastic. I will keep it in mind when I’m ready to try a mod.

[@m44t59]

4r36::40 hours,,6r35 70 hours,,expept ıs the stell quality the same please help

[@WATCHingJames]

The 6R movement has better tolerances and is thought of as a better quality movement.
However the 4R is really well know to be an affordable work horse.

[@justinlangley9522]

The 6r35 movement is SHIT . Complete lottery for a good one as it turns out . Absolutely NO POINT having a long ass power reserve if it's losing THIRTY seconds a day. $1500 AUD for a fashion accessory not a watch .

[@feardabeard7635]

I was told its the same but the 35 has about 24 more hours more power.

[@WATCHingJames]

The 4R has a power reserve of about 40 hours. The 6R has about 70 hours.

[@m44t59]

@@WATCHingJames except ıs the stell quality the same?is it worth, l have a vatch lm by Seiko srp 777 turtle

[@elijahinky]

Don't get rid of the Flighty!!!!! 😢

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@arthuroneil5372]

Both shite

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@ovidiuovidiu6889]

6R35 vs 4R35 both are very bad jokes.

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@ovidiuovidiu6889]

@@WATCHingJames I had this Seiko model SPB169J1 and that 6R35A with which it is equipped in terms of accuracy was somewhere between 8 and 13 seconds a day much, very much given that I have a Tissot with a 2824-2 C.O.S.C. which does not exceed 1.5-2 seconds per week and this Oris model 73377324157-0782105PEB with his Sellita SW-200 (ETA 2824-2 clone) which does not exceed 10-12 seconds per week...I know, in the case of Tissot I don't compare apples to apples, but in the case of Oris?!So I thought it would be best to sell it and never buy a Seiko again, with the exception of Grand Seiko!And 4R35 has my brother on a Seiko 5 and ... "very happy" so these two movements are a very bad joke.

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s a shame you have had some bad experiences with Seiko.
I love the brand but am very aware of their short comings.

[@ovidiuovidiu6889]

Yes, sad ...

[@WATCHingJames]

👍