Seiko NH35 vs Miyota 8215 vs ETA 2824-2: Movement Battle

Let's be honest, the majority of people choose their watches primarily based on their appearance and how the chosen watch aligns with their personal style. The second decisive factor is the budget, followed by functionality that covers special features and complications, water resistance, and movement, and then other, less significant factors.

Now, to be honest again, each and every one of us loves a good-looking watch. However, we also want them to work diligently and precisely, if possible. And here's where the good looks have no say at all. The trusty operation of any watch primarily lies on the shoulders of its movement. This time, we'll explore three movements that are used in a significant number of watches of different styles and price ranges.

One of the embodiments of a fruitful long-term cooperation of Sternglas Merion and NH35

NH35, Swiss ETA 2824-2, and Miyota 8215 are movements that dominate today's timepiece market, distinguished by their origin, construction, precision, power reserve, and features. Let's examine their differences to understand why each is favored in distinct watch segments.

Origins and manufacturing background

NH35

NH35 is a Japanese movement that has been manufactured by the Seiko subsidiary, Seiko Instruments Inc (SII) since early 2011. Being heavily based on SEIKO's 4R35, it can safely be said that NH35 is essentially 4R35 without a Seiko stamp, where the latter is used as an in-house mechanism, while the former is manufactured for use by other brands.

Invicta Pro Diver 1953, here paired with a 20mm Hexad III QR 316L Stainless Steel Watch Strap, and driven by NH35

ETA 2824-2

ETA 2824-2 is a Swiss-made movement produced by ETA SA, a division of the Swatch Group. It's the second-generation heir and an improved version of the infamous ETA 2824. It has been in production since 1982 at ETA SA's manufacturing headquarters in Grenchen, Switzerland.

ETA 2824 gives pulse to Longines HydroConquest

Miyota 8215

The Miyota 8215 is a Japanese movement produced by Miyota Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Citizen. Miyota Co. It's Miyota's original movement, which has been manufactured since 1977 in their major manufacturing facilities located in Nagano Prefecture.

Laco Pilot Watch is powered by Miyota 8215 Movement

Construction quality and build differences

All three movements take pride in their construction quality, and each for a list of very good reasons. Especially when their price range category is taken into consideration. NH35 and Miyota 8215 fall within the $50 to $65 price range, which naturally comes with certain limitations. For example, those two mechanisms come with some plastic parts in the date/calendar complication setting. On the other hand, ETA 2824-2 comes with higher-grade components and superior finishing, which is expected from a mechanism that costs over $400.

Hamilton Khaki Field Officer Automatic is powered by ETA 2824

Next, NH35 and ETA 2824-2 feature bidirectional winding and second-hand hacking, whereas Miyota 8215 features a unidirectional one, ; earlier versions were non‑hacking, but many current 8215 variants include a stop‑seconds device. The lack of bidirectional winding results in a noticeable whirring sound from the rotor, which some users complain about.

ETA 2824-2 excels among the trio in terms of construction quality, as it features higher-quality elements and materials than the NH35 or Miyota 8215. The latter duo uses standard materials and does not come in multiple grades, nor does it entail superior grade finishing. However, both NH35 and Miyota 8215 are surprisingly robust and reliable given their price. Additionally, they are easily replaceable and have an upper hand over ETA 2824-2 in terms of serviceability, as their spare parts are more widely available and affordable.

NH35 is a driving force behind Orient Mako II, here in combo with a 22mm Endmill 316L Stainless Steel V-Clasp Brushed Watch Strap 

Precision, accuracy capabilities, and power reserve specifications

The beat rate of ETA 2824-2 is 28,800 beats per hour (bph), or 8 beats per second, whereas NH35 and Miyota 8215 feature a 21,600 bph, or 6 beats per second, beat rate. This yields a smoother seconds sweep but not necessarily better accuracy on its own.

Oris Artelier Date Automatic 633 7544 4071 never misses a beat, thanks to ETA 2824

Regarding the daily rate, the standard factory data for NH35 and Miyota 8215 is listed as -20 to +40 seconds per day. However, the users report considerably better performance upon fine-tuning the mechanisms. On the other hand, the daily rate accuracy of the ETA 2824-2 depends on the grade of the movement: Standard comes with +/- 12 to 30 seconds, Elaborated with +/- 7 to 20 seconds, Top with +/- 4 to 15 seconds, and Chronometer (COSC) with +6/-4 seconds.

Now, the power reserve specifications reveal an interesting fact: the Miyota 8215 has a power reserve of around 42 hours, the NH35 follows with approximately 41 hours, and the ETA 2824-2 comes last with around 38 hours.

The driving force that beats under the hood of Japan Renautus Watch is Miyota 8215

Watch brands and micro brands that choose NH35, Miyota 8215, or ETA 2824-2 as their movements

Thanks to their proven reliability, precision, and durability, all three featured movements are widely used by numerous watch brands and microbrands worldwide. The list for all three individual movements is awe-inspiring.

The NH35 movement is used in Seiko's own Seiko 5 Sports line, as well as by other manufacturers, including Invicta, Pagani Design, Zelos, Vostok, and a selection of other microbrands.

 Zelos Watches Swordfish V2 Diver Black sand model  is powered by NH35

Miyota 8215 appears as a powerhouse behind watches from Citizen, Invicta, BULOVA, Fossil, Laco, Bernhardt, Boldr, Xeric, Renautus, and Timex, to name just a few.

Fossil Heritage Automatic at the moment when its Miyota 8215 Movement is being handwound to continue keeping its pace

ETA 2824-2 has been featured in watches produced by renowned brands such as Hamilton, Tissot, Longines, Certina, Oris, TAG Heuer, Victorinox, Sinn, and Breitling.

Sinn 656 Pilot Watch rhythm is paced by ETA 2824

How these movements fit into different market segments

It is clear from their price that NH35, Miyota 8215, and ETA 2824-2 target different markets. ETA 2842-2 is primarily directed towards the mid-to-high-end market, while the NH35 is designed mainly for entry-level and microbrands in mind, and the Miyota 8215 is meant for ultra-budget entry-level watches. Once again, regardless of their price range, all three movements boast reliable, durable, and precise operation within their class.

Another stunner that is powered by NH35: Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude 420380

In the end, choosing a watch that features one of these three trusty mechanisms is primarily a matter of personal preference and budget available. The selection of available watches driven by one of the featured mechanisms is so vast that it practically covers all individual tastes and financial capabilities. It is safe to say that everyone can find one that suits their needs and preferences.

Written by S.K., images by Toni and others as noted

NH35 vs 8215 vs 2824-2: Specs Comparison

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