Thanks for this, just the type of thing I joined here to learn about. If you come across other similar content I'm always open to expanding the knowledge.
Next time I'd like to request less annoying narration though!
A short video, for those who appreciate the technical side of things.
I respect Seiko and had always wished that the Japanese giant would make use a full balance bridge, and more so a Free Sprung Balance on it's high end movements.
I always thought the 8L35 movement should have these features, like the venerable 3135.
I was even ridiculed at times, for commenting and not being a watchmaker, but I do know a thing or two about basic Mechanical Engineering.
Apart from upgrading to a full balance bridge and free sprung balance, now it seems that Seiko took a page out of Omega's (George Daniel's) book with their new 9SA5 movement. The new escapement (1:10 in the video) bears an uncanny resemblance to Omega's long established Co-axial escapement. Very interesting indeed to see such progress in what is essentially ancient technology.
Enjoy :) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUbJvRFHqoQ&t=451s
Last edited by buddy13; 8th April 2020 at 11:14.
Thanks for this, just the type of thing I joined here to learn about. If you come across other similar content I'm always open to expanding the knowledge.
Next time I'd like to request less annoying narration though!
Nearly 1mm thinner (0.8mm in fact), well done GS, slimmer autos are just what they need.
I'll be interested to see their pricing if these movements trickle down to their steel grand seikos.
Looks like a really good movement, but I'm guessing this level of finishing and specs is going to be a considerable jump in price.
To be honest, there isnt really anything wrong with the 9s8x series, if anything, they are a great starting point for the brands mechanicals and the new movement will be a great way to inject a little higher horology into their brand, rather than just pricing their current line up higher and higher.
Last edited by superthrust; 8th April 2020 at 18:53.
Thanks for sharing
That GS diver is immense.
Don't get me wrong, I still think the 116600 is better executed and more mature, unfortunately now that Seiko is catching up with the likes of the 4000 SD, they are also placing their new products in the same (or higher) price bracket!
- - - Updated - - -
I was certainly not referring to how it 'looks'.
Always interesting to watch these videos with newer technology comes improved technology. Never sure on the marketing though...
You can still copy an idea and put your own slant on it. It happens all the time
And co-axial technology is Swiss because they bought it from George Daniels. So it belongs to them.
EDIT: Just been informed that the patents for co-axial technology have expired so could explain why Seiko are having a go.
Last edited by Neil.C; 9th April 2020 at 13:48.
Always funny to see people 'protecting' a brand name/company.
I buy all my stuff with my hard earned, so for me no company is worth fighting for.
That is, unless they start throwing nice expensive stuff for free at me :)...now where's Rolex's Marketing Manager?
Fantastic. Many thanks.
Nice read here about the movement and some more escapement detail saying it has more in common with the 'Robin inspired AP escapement' than the co-axial.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...t-caliber-9sa5
Off down the escapement internet rabbit hole we go...
Very interesting article, thanks.
That sounds a lot like how I recall Roger Smith describing his incremental improvement to the Daniels escapement, but at the time it didn't mean a lot to me because I'm not super-familiar with escapement designs. I don't recall the specific video where he talks about this, it was in an interview on Youtube. I do remember that he didn't go into lots of detail in that interview, although there were a few brief shots of some CAD drawings that may or may not have shown the escapement.the co-axial escapement has two escape wheels mounted on a single axis (hence the name) while the new Hi-Beat escapement has only one
I don't know if his design is laid out in detail online anywhere. Might be interesting to compare the two if it is. Possibly one of the resident watchmakers could explain the differences. It's a shame the article mentions the Daniels escapement but not Roger Smith's variant. Perhaps they are unaware that he has modified the design.
Seiko escapement
Daniels/Smith escapement
I don't see any similarity :)