Are There Fake NH Movements? Read This Before Starting a Seiko Mod

Without the movement, a watch is just a glorified paperweight. For watch enthusiasts, knowing your movements is key, whether it’s your first Seiko mod or your fiftieth. After all, a movement doesn’t just tell time – it impacts your watch’s accuracy, durability, and value. In some cases, it can also affect the style of your watch by getting stylized day/date wheels or changing to a fancier rotor.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of watch movements, dive into the popular NH series, and chat about why some movements are prone to counterfeiting while others aren’t.

 

What Affects Watch Movement Prices

 

Watch movements come in three main categories: mechanical, automatic, and quartz.

• Mechanical: These need to be wound by hand and represent old-school watchmaking. They’re charming but need regular attention.
• Automatic: These wind themselves as you wear them, so you get the beauty of a mechanical watch without the hassle of daily winding.
• Quartz: Powered by batteries, quartz movements are incredibly accurate and budget-friendly.

So, why do some movements cost more than others? It’s all about a few key factors:

• Complexity: Movements with more complications (like a chronograph or GMT) are harder to make and, therefore, more expensive.
• Brand: A movement from a top-tier manufacturer often costs more, thanks to the reputation and quality associated with the brand.
• Materials: High-end materials in a movement, like precious metals or specific alloys, can drive up the cost.
• Production Size: Movements made in large quantities tend to be cheaper, while limited-run or hand-finished movements demand a premium.

All these factors play a part in a movement’s price. For example, a hand-finished Swiss movement will be far more expensive than a mass-produced quartz one, even if both keep time just as well.

 

Rest Easy: There are No Fake NH Movements

In the Seiko modding, NH movements (like the NH35 and NH36) are like the Honda Civics - these automatics are reliable, easy to work with, and won’t break the bank.

Modders love the NH series for its versatility and compatibility with loads of different cases and dials. Plus, Seiko’s massive production scale means they can offer these movements at prices that are super hard to beat. This also means you don’t need to worry about buying a fake NH movement; there’s just no profit margin for counterfeiters when the real thing is so affordable.

 

 

There is sometimes some confusion with NH movements though, pertaining to their “SII” and “TMI” branding. Seiko is a conglomerate made up of several subsidiaries, and SII and TMI are part of the Seiko Group. SII, or Seiko Instruments Inc., is based in Chiba, Japan, and became a fully owned subsidiary of Seiko Holdings in 2009 after a business merger. TMI, originally a trademark of Time Module (H.K.) Ltd., was established in 1987 with funds from Seiko Corporation, SII, and Seiko Epson. Since 2015, it's been owned by Seiko Holdings, though the company has since been replaced by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.), keeping the TMI brand name.

In short, SII and TMI-engraved movements are the same thing. And no, neither of these movements come with a “certificate of authenticity.”

 

But Fake Movements Do Exist

Source: The Nomads Lens on YT

 

While NH movements don’t get copied, the same can’t be said for pricier movements from brands like ETA or Sellita. These premium movements are prime targets for counterfeiters, who can make an effort-worthy profit by passing off fakes as the real deal or by using them for “super clones.”

Spotting a fake high-end movement takes a sharp eye, and may take years of experience before one can tell the real and the fake apart at a glance. Look for telltale signs of authenticity: clean engravings, consistent finishing, and correct serial numbers. On the other hand, fakes often have sloppy details or inconsistent quality, especially when you really examine them up close.

Using a counterfeit movement in your mod isn’t just risky - it can affect your watch build. Fakes are known for poor reliability, shaky timekeeping, and a much shorter lifespan. Plus, they usually don’t have the same build quality, shock resistance, or durability as their legit counterparts. You might save a few bucks in the short term, but it may prove to be a costly repair/replacement down the line.

 

Choosing the Right Movement for Your Mod

 

The NH family of movements are by and large the most popular caliber for Seiko modding thanks to their availability, reliability and value. They also have the most available aftermarket parts, so if you’re just starting out with watch modding, you can’t go wrong with these.

Once you’ve gotten a hang of it, you can then branch out to other movements, like the more premium Miyota 90XX series which allow for slimmer mods, or a VK63/64 movement with chronograph functions.

When picking a movement for your mod, keep these things in mind:

• Compatibility: Make sure the movement will fit your case and dial.
• Features: Do you need a day-date function, or maybe a GMT? Plan ahead for what complications you want in your build.
• Budget: Balance the cost of the movement with your overall mod budget and the features you want.
• Serviceability: Think about how easy (or hard) it’ll be to get your movement serviced down the line.

Remember, the movement is the heart of your watch. While it’s fun to focus on how the outside of your mod looks, a good movement will make sure it runs smoothly for years to come.

 

Wrapping It Up

Understanding watch movements can help you build a solid watch that you can enjoy for a long while. Whether you’re shopping for movements or other mod parts, always check if your source is trustworthy. This ensures you’re not only getting a good quality product but also supporting the community that makes modding possible.

And if you’re looking for a good source for Seiko mod parts, you’re in the right place! With over 10,000 verified reviews from our satisfied customers, you can be sure that a watch built with namokiMODS is going to be a great one. From case bundles down to the gaskets and springbars, our one-stop shop has all you need for your next mod.

Happy modding!