The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Watch Movements for OEM: Miyota vs. SII (Seiko)
When launching an original watch brand (OEM), selecting the right movement is just as critical as the design itself. The movement is the “heart” of the watch, dictating its accuracy, lifespan, and final price point.
Japanese movements, in particular, are favored by watch brands globally for their low failure rates, high precision, and excellent cost-performance ratio.
In this guide, we compare the flagship lineups of Japan’s two leading manufacturers: MIYOTA and SII (Seiko Instruments Inc. / TMI) to help you choose the best engine for your custom timepiece.
MIYOTA (Citizen Group)
A manufacturing powerhouse owned by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Miyota holds a massive market share, supplying movements for everything from fashion watches to high-end mechanical pieces. They are particularly renowned for their slim designs and high precision.
SII / TMI (Seiko Group)
The movement manufacturing arm of the Seiko Group (often distributed as TMI for third parties). Their movements are characterized by their robustness and strong torque (power to move heavy hands), making them the top choice for diver’s watches and tool watches.
With the rise of microbrands and Kickstarter projects, mechanical watches are booming. Here are the two most popular choices for OEM
The Premium Choice: MIYOTA 9015 (90 Series)
If you want to create a high-end watch to compete with Swiss brands, this is your best option. Developed as a direct competitor to Swiss movements (like the ETA 2824), this is a “High-Beat” premium model.
The Global Workhorse: SII NH35A (NH35)
It is no exaggeration to call this the “most widely used mechanical movement in the world” for microbrands. It is incredibly reliable and easy to service.
- Key Features:
- High-Beat (28,800 vph): The second hand sweeps very smoothly, offering higher precision.
- Ultra-Thin Design: At only 3.9mm thick, it allows for elegant, slim dress watch designs.
- Hacking & Hand-Winding: Standard features for modern luxury watches.
- Best For:
- Dress watches, Flagship models, “Swiss-alternative” luxury lines.
- Key Features:
- Extreme Durability: Known as a “tank,” it rarely breaks and requires little maintenance.
- Magic Lever System: Efficient winding mechanism.
- Cost-Effective: Offers the best balance of quality and price for entry-to-mid-level mechanical watches.
- Best For:
- Diver’s watches (due to high torque), Everyday field watches, Microbrand startup models.
The Absolute Standard: MIYOTA 2035
The Miyota 2035 is likely the most ubiquitous quartz movement on the planet.
- Key Features:
- Unbeatable Value: Extremely affordable without sacrificing Japanese reliability.
- Battery Life: Approximately 3 years.
- Proven Track Record: Used in millions of watches worldwide.
- Best For:
- Promotional items, Fashion watches, Ladies’ watches, Minimalist 3-handers.
The Hybrid Hero: SII VK63 / VK64 (Mecha-Quartz)
This “Mecha-Quartz” movement has exploded in popularity recently, especially for chronograph models.
- What is Mecha-Quartz?
The timekeeping is powered by a battery (quartz accuracy), but the chronograph stopwatch function uses mechanical parts. - Key Features:
- Crisp Pusher Feel: Provides the satisfying “click” of a mechanical chronograph.
- Snap-Back Reset: The hands instantly snap back to zero upon reset, unlike the slow sweep of standard quartz.
- Best For:
- Vintage-style chronographs, Racing or Aviation inspired watches.
Summary: Choosing the Right “Heart” for Your Target
- “I want premium specs to rival Swiss brands.”
→→MIYOTA 9015 - “I need a tough, affordable automatic diver.”
→→SII NH35 - “I want a chronograph that enthusiasts will love.”
→→SII VK Series - “I need to mass-produce at the lowest cost.”
→→MIYOTA 2035
Movement selection directly impacts your brand’s pricing and target audience. Even if you only have a rough idea—like “I want this kind of function” or “My budget is X”—we can help.
Get Professional Advice for Your Watch Brand
“I have a design in mind, but I don’t know which movement fits my budget.”
“Which movement suits my brand concept better: Miyota or SII?”
If you are facing these questions, please contact us. With years of OEM manufacturing experience, we understand the unique characteristics and sourcing costs of every major movement.
From the planning stage, we will propose the optimal “heart” that balances beautiful design with cost-performance.