June 29, 2010
May 14, 2009
WHAT IS A SEIKO KINETIC WATCH?
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 ch
arges 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.
November 18, 2008
Seiko Monster Black SKX799K Divers Watch Review.
Seiko Monster Black SKX779K Dive Watch Review.
It’s a cracker!
The Seiko Black Monster SKX 779K Divers Watch and the Seiko Orange Monster SKX781K have been around for quite a few years now and over this time has built a large following due to its superb engineering, fantastic good looks and exceptional value for money.
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.
November 6, 2008
Citizen Eco Drive Power Generating and Storage system.
The Citizen Eco Drive power system has been available since 1995 and has proven to be very successful for the Citizen Watch Co. In essence Eco Drive watches are Solar or Light powered timepieces.
Being highly technically advanced but at the same time very simple. A Solar conversion panel and energy cell are the power provider for these Quartz Watches. Light, both natural and artificial is converted into electrical energy by an extremely thin disc of Silicone located under the watch dial. The electrical energy is then stored in a Titanium Lithium-ion energy storage cell.
Depending on the model, once fully charged Eco Drive watches, if left in the dark will continue to tell accurate time from a matter of months to up to 5 years if it is the model with energy saving functions. Models with the energy saving modes will shut down if left in the dark, with the hands being still but the quartz movement continues to keep time. Once brought out into the light the watch wakes up and the hands return to telling the correct time.
Many differant watch styles and functions are now available with the Eco Drive system due to an increase in efficiency. Eco Drive Chronographs, Alarm, Divers, Moon Phase, Retrograde, Repeater and even small Ladies watches are available. The Eco Drive Divers watches have a clear following as Divers watches need to be pressure tested when a battery is changed. As the advanced Titanium Lithium-ion energy cell usually last beyond ten years and often for the life of the watch the expensive pressure tests can be avoided.
The Eco Drive system has been very successful for Citizen so much so they seem to be offering more models with the technology rather than normal quartz watches. The system certainly appears to be well regarded and reliable.
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