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Movements

Seiko NH Movement Questions, Answered

Which NH suits your build, the GMT question, and the regulated option — what modders check before they buy.

What movement should I use — NH35, NH36, NH38, NH34, or NH70?

NH35 if you want a date. NH36 if you want a day-date. NH38 for a clean no-date or open-heart dial. NH34 for a GMT travel watch. NH70/71/72 are skeletal. All share the same Type M architecture and are interchangeable across the Lucius Atelier smaller-case lineup.

Does the NH34 give a true GMT, or just a 24-hour hand?

A true independent GMT. The NH34 drives a fourth, 24-hour hand you can set independently to track a second time zone. It's the only automatic GMT movement Seiko makes at this price, which is why it's the go-to for a modded travel watch.

What's the difference between Regulated and Non-Regulated?

Regulated movements are tuned by a certified watchmaker to 0 to +8 seconds per day before they ship. Non-Regulated movements run at Seiko's factory-default accuracy of -20 to +40 seconds per day. It's the same movement either way — Regulated just buys you tighter timekeeping out of the box.

Is this a Type M or Type L movement, and does it matter?

This is a Type M movement. Type M and Type L are Seiko's two factory hand-fitting heights; Type L sits about 0.4mm taller. Ultra Thin Edition cases have tight hand-to-sapphire clearance, so they take Type M only. Always confirm Type M before fitting.

Can I return a movement if my mod doesn't work out?

Movements can't be returned once shipped. Given the DIY nature of modding and Seiko's trade practices, all movement sales are final. Every unit passes TMI quality control and is guaranteed fully functional on arrival — but the fitting itself is at your own risk, so this movement is recommended for experienced modders only.