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Seiko (TMI) NH38 Automatic Movement - Open Heart

See It On A Watch

The open-heart showpiece.

Genuine Seiko NH38 automatic movement with an open-heart display, crown at 3 o'clock. A no-date, three-hand movement designed to pair with open-heart dials so the balance wheel is visible through a window in the dial. The escapement on show, from the front.

Two accuracy grades. One genuine Seiko caliber, QC-passed by TMI.
Pick Regulated for watchmaker-tuned precision, or Non-Regulated for Seiko factory spec. Every unit is a genuine Time Module Inc. movement, tested functional before it ships.

Watch it beat, from the front.
The NH38 is built so the oscillating balance wheel shows through an aperture in an open-heart dial, no display caseback needed. A live view of the escapement on the dial side.

Regulated or non-regulated.
Choose Regulated and a certified watchmaker tunes it to 0 to +8 seconds/day before it ships. Choose Non-Regulated for factory-default accuracy of -20 to +40 seconds/day per Seiko's spec. Same movement, your call on precision.

Hacking and hand-winding.
Both built in. The seconds hand stops when you pull the crown for precise time-setting, and you can manually wind it. The popular reason modders upgrade from older 7S26/7S36 calibers.

No date, clean three-hand.
A pure three-hand movement with no date complication, ideal for clean dials and open-heart faces. Ships with a full-length threaded stem and a dummy stem with plastic crown.

How the NH family compares

Caliber Complication Crown Position Version
NH34 GMT + Date 3 or 4 o'clock White
NH35 Date 3 or 4 o'clock Black White
NH35 Date · 6 o'clock dial 3 or 4 o'clock Black White
NH36 Day + Date 3 o'clock only Black White
NH36 Day + Date 4 o'clock only Black White
NH38 · THIS MOVEMENT Open Heart (no date) 3 or 4 o'clock View
NH70 / 71 / 72 Skeleton (no date) 3 or 4 o'clock NH72

Most NH movements fit either a 3 or 4 o'clock crown — the stem threads either way and the date disc isn't affected. The NH36 is the exception: its day wheel is pre-aligned for one crown position, so pick the standard (3 o'clock) or the 4 o'clock version to match your case. Every caliber shares the same 24-jewel automatic platform, 21,600 vph beat rate, and 41+ hour power reserve. Click any version to go straight to that product.

For experienced modders only

Movement swapping is recommended only for individuals with the right skills and experience. Every movement passes Time Module Inc. (TMI) quality control before shipping and is guaranteed fully functional on arrival. Given the DIY nature of modding and Seiko's trade practices, movements cannot be returned once shipped. We are not responsible for damage incurred during fitting.

    1. Manufacturer Time Module Inc. (TMI)
    2. Caliber NH38A
    3. Movement Type Automatic, Mechanical
    4. Hand Height Type M
    5. Movement Diameter 27.40mm
    6. Casing Diameter 29.36mm (with dial holding spacer)
    7. Movement Height 5.32mm
    8. Jewels 24 jewels
    9. Beats Per Hour 21,600 vph (6 vibrations per second)
    10. Additional Function None (3-hand, no date)
    11. Hacking Yes
    12. Manual Winding Yes
    13. Winding Direction Clockwise
    14. Power Reserve More than 41 hours
    15. Accuracy (Regulated) 0 to +8 seconds/day
    16. Accuracy (Non-Regulated) -20 to +40 seconds/day
    17. Hands Fitting Size H: 1.5mm, M: 0.88mm, S: 0.2mm
  • Where this movement fits

    1. Hand height Type M (standard) — confirm your case accepts Type M before fitting
    2. Our cases All Ultra Thin Edition cases (TYPE M)
    3. Dial 28.5mm Seiko Mod dials — no-date / open dials
    4. Hands NH-series compatible

    Pair the NH38 with an open-heart dial to use the cut-away view, or any no-date dial for a clean three-hander. Fits every Ultra Thin Edition case that takes a TYPE M movement.

    1. 1x NH38 movement
    2. 1x Full-length threaded stem
    3. 1x Dummy stem with plastic crown

    All photos showing movements fitted with dials, hands, or cases are for illustration only and are not included with the movement purchase.

    1. A Complete Guide On How To Mod Your SEIKO Watch Dial And Hands (Photos & Video)
    2. Fitting dials with four dial legs
    3. Seiko Modding: The Complete Build Guide (2026)

Questions, Answered

Everything worth knowing before you build.

What is the NH38 open heart, and which dial does it need?

The NH38 is a no-date, three-hand movement positioned so the balance wheel shows through an aperture in an open-heart dial — the escapement on view from the dial side, no display caseback needed. It needs an open-heart dial (or any no-date dial for a clean three-hander). The NH70, NH71 and NH72 also fit open-heart dials.

Will the NH38 fit a 3 or 4 o'clock crown case?

Yes, either. The NH38 has no date or day complication, so the crown stem threads at 3 or 4 o'clock freely. (Only the day+date NH36 is fixed to a specific crown position.)

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.

NH34 vs NH35 vs NH36 vs NH38 vs NH70 — what is the actual difference?

They are the same movement — only the complication differs. Every one: 24 jewels, −20 to +40 sec/day, 21,600 vph, 41h power reserve, casing Ø29.36mm with the spacer.

| Movement | Shows |
|---|---|
| **NH34** | Date + GMT |
| **NH35** | Date |
| **NH36** | Day date |
| **NH38** | Open Heart |
| **NH70/71/72** | Skeleton |

All of them hack (the seconds hand stops while you set). On the NH38 and the NH70 family the crown has one click and it sets the time, so a no-date dial belongs on an NH38 — there is no empty date position to pull past.

Only the height differs: 7.59mm installed, 7.99mm for the NH34. That extra 0.4mm of hand stack is why a GMT needs a case built for it. Otherwise the family is interchangeable — you are choosing a dial and a crown behaviour, not a different-sized engine.

Customers praised this automatic movement for exceptional accuracy, with many reporting +2 seconds/day performance. "Regulated and accurate as claimed" with "beat error 0.0," shoppers appreciated not needing to regulate it themselves. Quality is "OEM" level, works well for no-date builds. One customer noted price could be lower elsewhere.

  • Beat error 0.0, +2 seconds a day. First time I did not have to regulate it myself.
  • Genuinely impressed with the quality of this build.
  • Regulated and accurate as claimed. Fast shipping and a pleasure to do business with.
Shipping (positive)Accuracy (positive)Service (positive)Quality (positive)Movement (positive)
  • 5 stars: 21 (95%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (5%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
S
Sean B. (Sweet Home, US)
Using this mod part for: SKX013 aftermarket field watch case.
Great movement keeps great time

Order this for my latest build. The dial has not date hand and I hate ghost dates, so this works perfectly. The movement arrived quickly and keeps great time. The movement is quiet and works great and most angles. Love it.

C
Cecilia M. (Melbourne, AU)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket
Awesome mod!

I bought this watch as a birthday present to me and I’m super happy with it! I chose the NH38 movement which works well give the dial has no date. The dauphine GS hands complement the watch greatly and the watch case is of very good quality also. The clasp of the bracelet I do not like however and struggle to open. In future this should hopefully be taken into account. The customer service was 10 out of 10 and I would happily buy from this seller again! Overall I am 100% happy with the purchase!

S
Stephen S.
Using this mod part for: LA 36mm Explorer V2 case
Initial doubts conquered by daily wear

When I first recieved the assembled watch, I immediately fully wound it, let it run 20 minutes, and then popped it on my timegrapher. I was excited to have the painstaking work already done. Initially results were not promising, as in the dial up position it was running +17 (tool was set up per Seiko spec). In the other positions it measured between -1 to +10. However, after wearing the watch for almost a week, it has only gained 8 seconds. So in practical use it's a +1 second/day movement, and that is amazing! I am happy enough, I am getting a regulated NH36 movement for another watch.

S
Sean K. (Sidney, CA)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket cases
Great movement

Again as always great customer service and quality products. Movement came very well timed. Cheers!

W
Wilfried D. (Melun, FR)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case 36mm
Nh38

Nice movement and fast delivery 👍

M
Mark H. (Sheffield, GB)
Using this mod part for: I’m building a custom bronze divers with no day or date complications.
Great Service

Very good personal service. This is my first purchase but it certainly won’t be my last!

T
Tom D. (Ronse, BE)
Using this mod part for: Skx005
Great movement

This is a verry nice movement

A
Andrew

Great to be able to buy a properly-regulated movement! Lucius are always great to deal with also.

B
Bryce S. (La Jolla, US)
Using this mod part for: Explorer Case 39mm
Accurate movement!

Got the regulated NH38 with the explorer case and 1016 dial. As the owner of a 50th anniversary Seamaster and Explorer 2 16570, I am genuinely impressed with the quality of this build. Already looking for the next purchase.

M
Mehmet D. (Sydney, AU)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case
Perfect

First time buyer, smooth transaction and fast shipping.
Not fitted into my latest build yet as I’m still gathering some more parts. But overall great service will be buying again. Thank you!

K
Karl P. (Ann Arbor, US)
Trustworthy

OK price, you can save a few bucks elsewhere, but I went with this to guarantee fitment with the ultra thin LA cases.

E
Erik S. (Schiedam, NL)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case
Doe it need regulation?

Happy to have this from Lucius Atelier

Beat error 0.0
+2 seconds a day

First time I did not have to regulate it myself.

Very pleased with this one.

J
Jens H. (Hamburg, DE)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket Explorer 1 Case
Regulated NH38A

Absolutely no problem here. Paid via PP and i had the movement at home within days. Any time again with that service :)

A
Adrien G. (Lyon, FR)
Perfect

Great movement, it runs at +2s/day.

M
Matsuzaki H. (Setagaya-ku, JP)
Using this mod part for: Aftermarket cases
Good watch

I like this watch very much.
I ordered a stainless steel case.

C
Cameron (Melbourne, AU)
Beautiful

Regulated and accurate as claimed. Fast shipping and a pleasure to to business with, arrived with a personally written card - thank you again Adriel!

W
William R. (Fredericksburg, US)
Installed in built watch, running great!

Ordered this regulated movement with the 36mm Explorer style case, dial and hands. As of writing this review the movement is running great! Over 6 positions avg +3 sec/day with a total deviation (range) of 15 secs. avg Beat error of .3ms with total deviation of .6ms; as recorded via time grapher.

D
Deyron I. (Houston, US)
Using this mod part for: Seiko
Fantastic

I fell in love with other this watch, to be honest the pictures on the site look stunning but nothing compares in person. This is my favorite watch now.. and shout out to adriel , my bro has the best service.

P
Pat H. (Mechelen, BE)
Excellent!

Super fast delivery to Belgium! Couldn’t be happier!

R
Ramzi A. (Lubbock, US)
Using this mod part for: Unimatic U1
Seiko NH38

Prompt shipping. Nicely regulated movement. Superb customer service and communication. It was a delight to do business with Lucius Atelier.

K
K S. (Edmonton, CA)
Using this mod part for: Full build
NH38

OEM quality(because it’s a genuine Epson/Seiko movement). I’m glad that Adriel offers these, as they can be tough to source for no-date builds.

B
Brett A. (Apopka, US)
Using this mod part for: Skx007
Great product. Works great and looks beautiful.

Purchased NH 38 movement and open heart dial. Everything looks and works great.

U
Unknown

Is the regulated version coming back in stock?

Adriel from LuciusAtelier.com

Hi Thanh,

Thanks for expressing interest in our mod parts!

The regulated NH38 version won’t be restocked at the moment. I’m expecting it to return in about 4–6 months, but there’s no confirmed date yet.

If you’d like, I can let you know once it’s back.

Best regards,
Adriel
Lucius Atelier | SEIKO Mod Parts

U
Unknown

Are there plans to restock the regulated version of this?

Adriel from LuciusAtelier.com

Hi,

Thanks for your interest in our NH38 Open Heart movements!

At the moment, there are no plans to restock the regulated version.

If this changes, I’ll be sure to update the product page accordingly.

Thanks again for reaching out, and feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,
Adriel
Lucius Atelier | SEIKO Mod Parts

S
Space

Can this movement be used on a 3.8 o’clock or 4 o’clock case?

Adriel from LuciusAtelier.com

Hi Pearleen,

Thank you for expressing interest in our mod parts!

Yes, the NH38 movement can be used in a 3.8 o’clock or 4 o’clock case. However, please note that since this is an open-heart movement, the position of the open-heart window will be tilted according to the angle shift of the movement within the case.

Let me know if you have any other questions—I’d be happy to assist!

Best regards,
Adriel
Lucius Atelier | SEIKO Mod Parts

A
Alexander D.

I'm new to watch modding and looking to make an open-heart watch — what does Non-Regulated vs Regulated mean when considering to buy this NH38 movement?

Adriel from LuciusAtelier.com

Hello OptimusDiaz!

Thanks for expressing interest in our mod parts!

>> what does Non-Regulated vs Regulated mean when considering to buy this NH38 movement?
• REGULATED - Accuracy from 0 to +8 seconds per day
• NON-REGULATED - Accuracy are in accordance to SEIKO's specification of -20 to +40 seconds per day.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Cheers,
Adriel