NH36 Movement Specs: Dimensions, Lifespan, and Compatibility

Key Takeaways

• Seiko NH36 movement features 24 jewels, 21,600 bph, and 41+ hour power reserve with day-date function

• Physical dimensions measure 11.5 lines (25.6mm) diameter and 5.32mm height with included spacer ring

• Expected lifespan exceeds 20 years with proper maintenance and 5-7 year service intervals

• Fully compatible with NH35 cases, dials, and hands while adding date complication functionality

• Genuine units feature "JAPAN" marking on rotor and cost $40-60 retail from authorized dealers

What Is the Seiko NH36 Movement?

The Seiko NH36 movement represents one of the most popular automatic calibers in modern watchmaking. Built as an upgraded version of the 7S26, this Japanese-made movement combines reliability with practical complications at an accessible price point.

Seiko introduced the NH36 as part of their modern movement lineup designed for both manufacturers and hobbyists. The caliber appears in countless watches from budget brands to custom builds.

Overview and History of the NH36 Caliber

Seiko developed the NH36 as a successor to their legendary 7S26 series. The key improvement added hand-winding capability and hacking seconds, two features absent from earlier models.

The movement became available to third-party manufacturers in the early 2010s, creating an explosion of affordable mechanical watches. Today, it powers everything from entry-level automatics to custom watch projects.

NH36 vs 4R36: What's the Difference?

The Seiko NH36 movement and 4R36 are functionally identical. Seiko uses "4R36" for movements in their own watches, while "NH36" designates the same caliber sold to other manufacturers and modders.

Both versions feature identical specifications, jewel counts, and performance characteristics. The only difference lies in branding and distribution channels.

NH36 Movement Specifications and Technical Details

Understanding NH36 movement specs helps evaluate compatibility and performance expectations for watch projects.

Core Specs: Caliber, Type, and Complications

The NH36 operates as a self-winding automatic movement with manual winding capability. It includes both day and date complications displayed through dial windows.

The caliber uses a bidirectional winding rotor for efficient power generation during normal wear. Quick-set functions allow independent adjustment of both day and date displays.

NH36 Dimensions and Measurements

Physical NH36 dimensions measure:

• Diameter: 11.5 lines (25.6mm) without spacer, 29.36mm with spacer
• Height: 5.32mm total thickness
• Dial feet spacing: Standard Seiko configuration
• Stem height: Compatible with Seiko 7S series cases

The included plastic spacer ring increases diameter to fit 28.5-30mm movement seats commonly found in watch cases.

Power Reserve and Accuracy

The Seiko NH36 movement provides 41+ hours of power reserve when fully wound. This ensures watches continue running through weekends without daily wear.

Factory accuracy specifications rate -20 to +40 seconds per day. Real-world performance typically lands in the +10 to +20 second range after break-in periods.

Winding System and Hacking Function

Manual winding requires approximately 55 crown rotations for full wind. The hacking function stops the seconds hand when the crown pulls out, enabling precise time setting.

Both features significantly improve daily usability compared to older automatic-only movements. You can wind the watch before wearing and set time accurately down to the second.

Number of Jewels and Vibration Rate

The NH36 uses 24 synthetic ruby jewels to reduce friction at key pivot points. This jewel count exceeds entry-level movements and contributes to longevity.

Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second), the movement delivers smooth seconds hand motion while maintaining energy efficiency.

Learn more about how automatic watches work and their fundamental mechanisms.

Seiko NH36 Movement Price and Value

Typical NH36 Movement Price (Retail and Wholesale)

Genuine Seiko NH36 movement units typically cost $40-60 at retail through authorized dealers. Wholesale pricing for manufacturers falls between $25-35 depending on order volumes.

Aftermarket clones sell for $15-25 but lack Seiko's quality control and longevity guarantees. The small price difference makes genuine units the smarter investment.

Why the NH36 Offers Strong Value for Money

The NH36 combines proven reliability with modern conveniences at entry-level pricing. Comparable Swiss movements cost 3-5x more while delivering similar performance.

The movement's widespread availability ensures easy sourcing of replacement parts. Service costs remain minimal compared to proprietary calibers requiring specialized knowledge.

Where to Buy Genuine Seiko NH36 Movements

Purchase authentic units from established watch parts suppliers or directly through movement kit manufacturers. Verify seller reputation and request photos showing "JAPAN" rotor markings before buying.

For hands-on learning, the Seiko NH36 Movement Kit includes genuine calibers with assembly tools and comprehensive guides starting at $140.

NH36 Movement Lifespan and Durability

Average Lifespan of the NH36

Properly maintained Seiko NH36 movements regularly exceed 20 years of service. Some units continue operating reliably for 30+ years with periodic maintenance.

The robust design tolerates daily wear shocks and typical environmental conditions. Seiko's manufacturing quality ensures consistent performance across production runs.

Factors That Affect Longevity

Key longevity factors include:

• Regular wearing keeps lubricants distributed and prevents settling
• Avoiding magnetic fields prevents balance wheel interference
• Protecting from extreme shocks preserves jewel integrity
• Storage in moderate temperatures prevents oil degradation

Maintenance and Recommended Service Intervals

Plan for complete service every 5-7 years under normal wearing conditions. Service includes cleaning, lubrication, and regulation to restore factory performance.

Between services, the NH36 requires minimal intervention. Occasional manual winding when not worn regularly helps maintain mainspring tension and prevents lubricant settling.

Explore mechanical watch basics for proper winding and setting techniques.

NH36 Compatibility Guide for Watch Modding

NH36 vs NH35: Case and Dial Compatibility

The NH36 shares identical physical dimensions with the NH35, making them fully interchangeable in cases and with dials. The only difference involves the additional day wheel on the NH36.

When upgrading from NH35 to NH36, verify dial windows accommodate both day and date displays. Some date-only dials work with NH36 but waste the day complication.

Compare specifications in our NH35 vs NH36 guide for detailed compatibility information.

Upgrading from the 7S26 to the NH36

The NH36 serves as a direct upgrade for vintage 7S26-powered watches. Case fitment remains identical, though dial feet positions may require adjustment.

The upgrade adds hand-winding and hacking functions while maintaining the same reliable architecture. Most cases accepting 7S26 movements accommodate NH36 units without modification.

Dial, Hands, and Case Fitment Tips

Standard Seiko dial feet spacing ensures broad compatibility with aftermarket dials. Hand sizes follow NH36 specifications with hour hand tubes fitting 1.50mm posts.

Cases designed for 28.5-30mm movements accept NH36 units with included spacer rings. Remove spacers for watches using exact 25.6mm movement seats.

Find compatible components in our NH36 movement compatible watch cases article.

Common Watches Using the NH36 Movement

The Seiko NH36 movement powers hundreds of watch models including:

• Seiko 5 Sports series (SRPD models)
• Orient Mako and Ray dive watches
• Islander automatic watches
• Numerous microbrand timepieces
• Custom watch builds worldwide

Pros and Cons of the Seiko NH36 Movement

Advantages of the NH36

The movement excels through proven reliability, affordable pricing, and widespread availability. Hand-winding capability and hacking seconds improve daily usability significantly.

Parts availability ensures easy repairs and modifications. The large modding community provides extensive knowledge resources and compatible components.

Potential Limitations or Drawbacks

Accuracy specifications allow for notable daily deviation. Units may run fast or slow within factory tolerances, requiring regulation for precision timekeeping.

The plastic spacer ring represents cost-cutting compared to metal alternatives. Beat rate of 21,600 bph appears less smooth than higher-frequency movements.

How to Identify a Genuine Seiko NH36 Movement

Spotting Fake or Aftermarket NH36 Units

Genuine units display "JAPAN" on the oscillating weight. Counterfeits often omit this marking or show poor engraving quality with uneven depth.

Visual Cues and Branding Details

Authentic movements feature consistent finishing with uniform perlage decoration. Check for Seiko's distinctive rotor shape and clean jewel settings.

Movement screws should show consistent bluing and proper slot depth. Clones typically exhibit cruder machining and inconsistent component finishing.

Final Thoughts. Is the NH36 the Best Affordable Automatic Movement?

The Seiko NH36 movement stands as an exceptional choice for watch enthusiasts seeking reliable automatic movements at reasonable prices. Its combination of day-date complications, hand-winding capability, and proven durability makes it ideal for both manufacturers and modders.

While not perfect, the NH36 delivers performance that satisfies most users while maintaining accessibility. The extensive ecosystem of compatible parts and knowledge resources ensures long-term support.

For those wanting hands-on experience, building watches with NH36 movements provides invaluable mechanical understanding while creating personalized timepieces.

Also, check out our collection of watch kits and movement kits to explore a variety of components for your next creation.

FAQs

Q1. What are the exact dimensions of the NH36 movement?

The NH36 dimensions measure 11.5 lines (25.6mm) diameter without spacer or 29.36mm with spacer, and 5.32mm in height.

Q2. How accurate is the Seiko NH36 movement?

Factory specifications rate the Seiko NH36 movement at -20 to +40 seconds per day, with typical real-world performance around +10 to +20 seconds daily.

Q3. What is the power reserve of the NH36?

The NH36 movement provides 41+ hours of power reserve when fully wound, sufficient for weekend storage without stopping.

Q4. Can you hand-wind the NH36 movement?

Yes, the Seiko NH36 movement features both automatic winding and manual winding capability, requiring approximately 55 crown rotations for full wind.

Q5. Is the NH36 compatible with NH35 watch cases?

The NH36 movement shares identical physical dimensions with the NH35, making them fully interchangeable in cases, dials, and hands.

Q6. How long does an NH36 movement last?

Properly maintained NH36 movements regularly exceed 20 years of reliable service with recommended complete servicing every 5-7 years.