A Seiko Kinetic or Automatic quartz watch is a term describing their movement that combines a self-winding rotor mechanism (as used in automatic mechanical watches) to generate electricity with a piezoelectric quartz crystal as its timing element. Such movements aim to provide the advantages of quartz without the environmental impact of batteries.
A rotating pendulum inside the case is attached to a relatively large gear which meshes with a very small pinion. As the wearer moves, the pendulum turns and spins the pinion at a very high speed – up to 100,000 rpm. This is coupled to a miniature electrical generator which charges a storage device which is a capacitor(s) . A typical full charge will last between two weeks and six months.
Initially there were some problems with faulty capacitors in the ESU (Electronic Storage Unit). Since the year 2000 Seiko changed to a new Titanium Lithium Rechargeable Cell. This not only solved the problem of reliability it also had the advantage of being able to hold a charge for much longer, sometimes up to 6 months from a full charge.
Seiko Kinetic movements are very much part of Seiko’s future plans, after the introduction of Kinetic Chronograph, Kinetic Auto-Relay, Kinetic Dive and Kinetic Perpetual models the “Kinetic Direct Drive” is the new kid on the block.
In essence, Seiko Kinetic movements offer the clean mechanical aspects of traditional watches with the accurate technology of quartz watches.
MyWatchShop.co.uk is pleased to announce that they have joined forces with Timex Watch Co, one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world. As from May 2009 MyWatchShop.co.uk will become an official Authorised Dealer for Timex watches offering all the facilities of the High Street Jeweller but at more competative prices.
If you want a watch which is robust enough to tackle most outdoor persuits, swim and snorkel in and go out for the evening whilst wearing then this model must be of interest to you.
Military styling is the theme here with an easy read dial and Seiko’s infamous Lumibrite (luminous) hands and hour markers. There are no flash polished surfaces except for the secure screw down case back. The military theme continues with the quality medium thickness green strap.
The watch case is manufactured in matt stainless steel and has a diameter of 38mm excluding the crown and buttons. The sna027p1 has the well respected and relaible Japanese built 7t62 quartz alarm chronograph movement in place. This is a movement that has served Seiko extremely well being accurate and reliable under all situations. The chronograph stopwatch mode is indicated by the large arrow head hand which shows seconds whilst the sub dial at 12 o’clock position indicate the minutes elapsed. The sub dial located at 9 o’clock shows the seconds of ordinary time and the sub dial at 6 o’clock is used to set the alarm time. This dial can also be used as a second time zone indicator. The chronograph pushers (buttons) match the watch case and have an interesting detail of being capped rather than smooth to the end which adds to the feeling of quality and increases the look of being a military timepiece. The crown itself is semi-protected with the case shoulders.
The Seiko Pilot Aviator Chronograph Alarm sna027p1 is water resistant to 20 bar (200m) which makes it capable of being worn in most aquatic situations except for scuba (aqualung) diving. The crown is screw down type which needs to be kept screwed down tight but not over tight, to avoid water ingress. The case back is also the required screw down variety
The dial itself is of a subtle military green colour which appears to reduce unwanted reflections. The Lumibrite hands and hour markers are easily visible in the dark including the chronograph arrow head second hand. Seiko’s Lumibrite (luminous) paint has become one of the Industries leaders and is doesn’t look as though any other manufacturer has been able to match it as yet. There is a quick-set date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is covered by Seiko’s Hardlex scratch resistant crystal which again is industry leader and is lightly curved to follow the contours of the watch case.
The sna027p1 is finished off with a military green material strap. It appears to be very well made without being too obtrusive. All reports point to the strap being comfortable and reliable with the added security of a matching stainless steel buckle, strenghend pin holes and a single large strap keep.
Overall, the Seiko Pilot Aviator Chronograph Alarm sna027p1 is an attractive practical timepiece which offers many benefits having an alarm, chronograph stopwatch, being 200m water resitant and all coming together in a matt stainless steel case. The watch simply looks and feels right, being well balanced and attractive it offers superb value and is a quality watch which continues to be undervalued.
Here at MyWatchShop.co.uk we are more than happy to recommend the Seiko sna027p1.
This revue will not go into great detail as there are plenty of other reviews around which do and are easily available. Rather, a simple informative look at this wonderful timepiece for the person who recognises quality and value but doesn’t necessarily want or need to know every detail.
The Seiko Monster Black is a large chunky watch made from a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel. The watch case is 42mm diameter excluding the crown and 13mm thick. It is a full 200m /20 Bar Water Resistant and has a screw-down case back and a screw-down crown.
The Divers bezel is of the proper uni-directional type and is engineered to a very high standard. It’s one of the first things that you notice when handling the watch, the bezel turns smoothly on its ratcheted mechanism and is very definite with each click but continues to rotate in a friendly manner. The screw down crown is at the 4 o’clock position which is quite common for Seiko automatic watches and has two positions when unscrewed and pulled out. The first position is to change the Day and Date and the second to set the time
The 7S26 Calibre automatic 21 jewel movement has a reputation for robust build quality and longevity. . The automatic movement cannot be wound using the crown which, if you are wearing the watch every day does not matter. If the watch is not worn beyond the approx 42 hour power reserve then it will need to be shaken gently to produce some power to the mechanism or the use of an automatic watch winder would make things much easier. As all mechanical movements it will never be as accurate as a quartz watch but many people prefer wearing a watch that has the heart and soul of a living breathing timepiece. On the basis of observation and customer feedback accuracy is usually within +/- 20 seconds a day. So a good reliable automatic watch.
The dial is black and includes both a quick-set day and date window. The most common colours of the model are Black or Orange with limited editions of yellow or blue variants. The dial itself is sunk in the watch case giving an overall feeling of depth and solidness. One of the Monster Blacks many strong points is the large luminous hands and hour markers The lume takes a bit of charging but once lit up the light given off is outstanding.
The watch cover is Seiko’s Hardlex material being extra strong and scratch resistant. Not quite “Sapphire” standard but still good and much safer to use under water than Sapphire!
The SKX779k comes with either a stainless steel or rubber bracelet / strap. For this short review we will look at the bracelet option. Again, being all stainless steel it has solid links (not pressed) and gives a feel of quality and strength. Being heavy it makes the whole timepiece well balanced and really comfortable to wear. The clasp has a double safety mechanism which incorporates a Divers Expansion for use over wet suits etc. The expansion is hidden from view when not in use under the clasp and has proven to be easy to use.
Overall, the Seiko Monster Black with its competitive price tag and superb build quality and functionality is nothing less than fantastic. Not everyone’s choice either you’ll love it or loathe it. Certainly, there’s a huge following of the model in its various guises and a live collectors market for its rarer variants which can command really high prices.
MyWatchShop.co.uk believe that the Monster Black well deserves our recommendation.
A Seiko Kinetic or Automatic quartz watch is a term describing their movement that combines a self-winding rotor mechanism (as used in automatic mechanical watches) to generate electricity with a piezoelectric quartz crystal as its timing element. Such movements aim to provide the advantages of quartz without the environmental impact of batteries.
arges a storage device which is a capacitor(s) . A typical full charge will last between two weeks and six months.
