In the world of custom watches and Seiko mods, the movement inside your timepiece is just as important as the design. At Hoursphere, we focus on using high-quality, reliable movements that not only keep great time but complement our unique dials and builds.
Three popular movements we often use or reference are the NH35, NH34, and VK63. Each one offers a different experience depending on what you're looking for in a watch — whether it's mechanical tradition, time zone tracking, or a chronograph function.
Let’s break down how they differ.
🌀 NH35 – The Mechanical Staple
The NH35 is a trusted automatic movement, favored for its durability and ease of use. It’s a go-to choice for mechanical watch lovers and modding enthusiasts.
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Type: Automatic (self-winding, with manual winding and hacking)
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Power Reserve: Around 41 hours
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Accuracy: Typically -20 to +40 seconds per day
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Jewels: 24
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Extras: Date function, smooth sweeping seconds hand
This movement doesn't require a battery — it winds itself as you wear it — and offers a smooth, mechanical feel that many watch lovers prefer. It's also known for being mod-friendly and relatively easy to maintain.
🌐 NH34 – The GMT Version
If you like what the NH35 offers but need to track a second time zone, the NH34 is the next step up. It shares many core characteristics with the NH35 but adds a GMT hand for dual-time functionality.
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Type: Automatic (with manual winding and hacking)
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Power Reserve: Around 41 hours
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Accuracy: Similar to NH35
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Jewels: 24
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Extras: GMT hand (24-hour format), date, sweeping seconds
The NH34 is ideal for travelers, remote workers with international teams, or anyone who likes the look and utility of a four-hand watch. It’s a relatively new movement, but quickly becoming a favorite in the custom watch space.
⏱️ VK63 – Hybrid Chronograph (Mecha-Quartz)
The VK63 stands apart from the NH series. It’s a mecha-quartz movement, combining the precision of quartz with the tactile feeling of a mechanical chronograph.
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Type: Battery-powered (mecha-quartz hybrid)
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Chronograph: Yes – stopwatch functionality with sweeping chronograph seconds
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Battery Life: Around 3 years
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Accuracy: ±20 seconds per month
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Subdials: Typically includes 24-hour, 60-minute, and running seconds
While the timekeeping is quartz-based (tick-tick seconds), the chronograph hand sweeps like a mechanical watch. It’s a great choice for those who want the reliability of quartz with the dynamic feel of a chrono.
⚖️ Quick Comparison
| Feature | NH35 | NH34 | VK63 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic (GMT) | Mecha-Quartz |
| Power Source | Self-winding/manual | Self-winding/manual | Battery-powered |
| GMT Function | No | Yes | No |
| Chronograph | No | No | Yes |
| Seconds Hand | Sweeping | Sweeping | Quartz tick (chrono sweeps) |
| Accuracy | -20/+40 sec per day | -20/+40 sec per day | ±20 sec per month |
| Maintenance | Needs occasional service | Needs occasional service | Battery change only |
🧠 Which Movement Is Right for You?
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Choose NH35 if you want a reliable, traditional mechanical watch with a clean design.
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Go for NH34 if you need GMT functionality and love mechanical watches with a bit more versatility.
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Pick the VK63 if you love chronographs and want the convenience of quartz with mechanical action in the stopwatch.
At Hoursphere, we match each watch design with the movement that best complements its function and feel. Whether you're after a classic automatic, a world-time traveler, or a sporty chronograph, we’ve got a custom piece that fits your lifestyle.
Explore our collections to see which movement and style speaks to you most.
