seiko watch lcd panel with 7 year lifespan factory

The new Seiko Arnie is a star, thanks to its forerunner’s memorable association with one of the world’s biggest (literally) and most enduring names: Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s not unusual for watches to end up with an unofficial celebrity association that effectively comes to define the model. These genuine relationships between star and timepiece are often the most long-lived. It means so much more when a celebrity actually chooses to wear a product rather than insincerely strapping on whatever they’re being bribed to wear. It stands to reason that a watch chosen personally is far more likely to be a true reflection of them and their values, which is something that resonates with fans who wear watches for the same reasons. And so, when Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the most bankable stars of the 1980s, donned models from Seiko’s first Ana-Digi hybrid quartz family (the Seiko H558-500x range) or modifications thereof, for films such as Commando, Raw Deal, Running Man, and Predator, the association was immortalized.

Now, almost 30 years since the H558-5000 series and its offshoots were discontinued, a new model reference has been released to fill the gaping void left by Arnie’s favorite ticker (aside from the one he had surgically repaired in 1997 and again in 2018). The biggest functional update to mention, off the bat, is the fact that this re-edition (which has not been released to coincide with any notable anniversary of the piece, which is decidedly off-brand) is actually solar-powered. Had the technology been affordable at the time, it’s an update I’m sure would have appealed to Arnie, given the environments in which his characters frequently sported the watch. (It’s hard to get a battery flipped in the jungle, after all.)

The original H558-5000 on which this Seiko SNJ025 Solar watch is based was released in 1982. As you can probably tell from the case, it is part of the Tuna family. But despite it clearly presenting a huge amount of Tuna DNA, it is known for being much thinner than the top-heavy models that would follow. It is pleasing to see that, while this new edition has crept up in diameter a little bit to 47.9mm (from the original 45mm), the thickness, although increased from the original’s 11.3mm, is still relatively conservative and wears very comfortably indeed.

This new release is composed of three models. We were lucky enough to sit down with them in Baselworld and have a good look at the much-improved build quality and the pleasing choice of colorways on offer. The solar movement driving the new releases is the Seiko H851. This movement features analog and digital time displays (enabling a dual-time readout), a chronograph function, an alarm, and a calendar. Using and setting the functions is likely to be simple enough — if it’s based on the old model’s function map, then it definitely will be — but the pieces we had a chance to photograph weren’t fully functional samples.

In terms of legibility, the new Seiko Arnie watches score high, but it must be said that those tiny hands are a drawback and will absolutely infuriate some watch fans. I can only imagine the hands have been so markedly stunted so they do not obscure the digital display when traveling past 12, but with modern electronic movement capabilities, I would have much preferred to see full-length hands that could be momentarily shifted out of the way of the digital display by the press (or even holding down) of a button (as is the case in the Casio Mudmaster Models).

There are some subtle alterations to the dial text, which are, in my opinion, for the better. The text on the 1980s models was often yellow (and in other cases, a more orangey shade of red). Here, we have a much brighter red/orange being used on the dial beneath the newly installed “Solar” printing. It works with every colorway and, in my opinion, looks particularly striking on the otherwise monochrome iteration. The PADI-branded model (with the Pepsi bezel) is, while my favorite PADI watch from Seiko, my least favorite in this collection simply because it over-dresses a watch that flourishes thanks to its brutal functionality.

Another change can be seen on the chapter ring. The modern SNJ025 uses a 24-hour ring instead of a depth-meter, which is almost certainly of more use to more people than the previous allocation of space. A depth meter doesn’t actually tell a diver any “live” information about their dive, is merely a chart that tells the diver how many seconds they need to safely surface from a depth of up to 50 meters (if the rotating bezel is aligned with 12 o’clock). Pretty niche, and pretty academic — while it may look cool, a depth-meter is not much use to the majority of people to whom this watch will appeal.

This means that, ultimately, this is a very solid, much-appreciated re-release of a treasured entry from Seiko’s back catalog, and a cool new reference to inspire the next generation of Arnie fanatics. The Seiko Solar “Arnie” SNJ025 and SNJ027 watches will retail for right around $520. There is no word on any planned limitation, so these pieces should be freely available, and given the relatively high cost of buying a vintage example in good condition, it is likely these updated and box-fresh units will fly off the shelves. Learn more about the ‘Arnie’ watch and Seiko brand history at seikowatches.com.

I took a chance on it anyway since it appeared to be in NOS (New Old Stock) condition. Of course, it arrived dead with the module (the electronic “movement”) having been damaged by battery corrosion, a common problem with these old LCDs. Fortunately the module is a single unit that is replaceable, if you can actually find one to replace it with. After some major digging, I was lucky enough to procure the last NOS module from a supply house and endeavored to swap it out myself, hoping that the LCD panel was still good. Armed with a technical manual downloaded from the Internet and a vodka tonic to steel my nerves, I went to work. After much finagling, I was able to perform the surgery without breaking anything. I popped in the battery and voila! It lived! Or rather, I should say it held on for a year before dying again. That was when I reached out to a buddy in the UK who works on Seiko LCDs for a more permanent fix, and he was able to resurrect it.

During a recent trip to Japan I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Morioka factory where mechanical Grand Seiko and Credor watches are produced. The factory also produces quartz movements for OEM sale and also precision tools.

I had visited the factory around a year earlier but this time I was able to view some different parts of the facility. A report of my first visit can be found HERE.

When I arrived at the factory I was greeted by Ms. Nanaki Saito from the General Administration Department who I had met on my previous visit. We headed inside and I met with Mr. Ryoji Takahashi the General Manager of the Shizukuishi Watch Studio. We were also joined by Mr. Kenichi Ishida who is the manager of the Mechanical Watch Engineering Section at Shizukuishi Watch Studio. Ishida-san and Saito-san conducted the tour during my previous visit and would be doing so again today.

We discussed the Seiko boutique that had opened in Sydney just after my previous visit I expressed my pleasure at having this store available in my local area. It was also explained that numerous workshops were going to be off limits for the tour today due to the sensitive nature of their current operations. This was likely due to production of items for Baselworld. They also explained that during the tour most areas would not allow photographs just like my previous visit.

Note: As I was unable to take many photos during my tour some of the images included are screenshots from the “This is Grand Seiko” promotional video from Seiko. The full video can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXceBmCmOJo

The first workshop that we visited was the tool manufacturing section. In this area they manufacture drills, cutting tools, taps, size gauges, carbide brooches and milling tools for internal use and also to sell to external companies. SII make all tools that they are unable to source from normal suppliers. As machinery tools for watch making are very specific they have had to make many items themselves. This ability to manufacture precision tools has allowed them to find a market in other industries for their precision products. One key market has been for the manufacture of stationery where the tight tolerances of the the tools are required for the production of ball point pen tips.

The next area we visited was the NC (numerical control) machines. The tools that I had just seen manufactured were used in this section for the creation of Grand Seiko parts. Long strips of material was fed into the NC machines for the production of the Grand Seiko bridges. There was twenty five individual tools that were utilized in the machine to produce the single bridge plate. The bridge plate is also engraved at the same time with the number of jewels, caliber number etc. The next machine was producing the GS dial date holder that sits in the middle of the dial at the same level as the date wheel. This is not a part that will ever be seen by a customer unless their watch is being serviced and they are there to see the disassembly.

On date dial plate the tool remains stationary while the plate itself is moved. Unlike the bridge plate machine this one did not use any oil as the amount of material being cut away is extremely small. By using the oil only when required helps to minimise the amount of oil used in the total production process that reduces the environmental footprint of the factory. The engraving of the GS date plate takes the same amount of time as the machining process of all other components combined. Each single plate take around 30 minutes to engrave and not more than 100 pieces are able to be produced in a 24 hour period. While this plate will never be seen by the end user, and could be stamped or laser engraved much faster, it would go against the design philosophy for Grand Seiko where every part must be manufactured to the highest standards to combine for the ultimate complete package. This single component embodies the spirit of the GS design.

Heading from this room we passed a group of manufacturing dies that are used for the injection moulding, punching and machining units. The design, manufacturing and maintenance of the dies are carried out in-house at the factory. This is apparently quite unusual with some manufacturers being able to produce dies in-house but it is much rarer to be able to also maintain these in-house. The production of a single die can cost 10 million yen (~US$90K) so proper maintenance is essential to maintain their lifespan.

Leaving this area we next headed to see the heat treatment process. It is very unusual for a watch manufacturer to have the capability in-house as most outsource this process to specialised third parties.

In addition to the Grand Seiko and Credor mechanical models, the factory also has a different area that is responsible for low cost OEM quartz movement production. The next workshop in the factory we visited was where the plating process for components of these quartz modules occurred. This was interesting but not related to the Grand Seiko and Credor models that the facility is famous for.

We next moved to an area of the factory where in-house manufactured machines were creating components. The first machine was the NCPC5S that was producing the pinions for the 9S caliber movements. This was a cam based machine and next to it was a machine featuring a hybrid of cam and numerical control that uses servo motors and hydraulics to produce the part. These machines were producing cut gears. These parts were then shaped and finished to the tolerance of between three and seven microns. To ensure consistency random parts are pulled from the production line multiple times per day and tested to guarantee that they are within spec.

After leaving this parts production area we headed to the parts finishing section. On the way there there was a monitor showing the power usage of the plant and comparing it to the previous year. This is just one of the areas where Seiko constantly aims to improve the environmental footprint of the factory.

In the parts finishing area we saw the process for producing the LGS “line gradation stripes” that are on the Grand Seiko movements. The plates and rotors that are finished often have engraved text or logos on them. These areas are varnished first, then finished. When the part is then plated the plating does not adhere to the varnished finish leaving the text or logo to be easily read. The color of the varnish used depends on the model, gold is used for Grand Seiko automatics, blue for Grand Seiko manual wind and black for Credor models.

In addition to the patterned finishing the mirror finish chamfer on the sides of the plate is also conducted here. This mirror finish is carefully placed on the main plates, bridges and rotor of the Grand Seiko movements.

They showed various different oscillating weights that are produced. These are comprised of a couple of different parts, the heavy weight portion is made of tungsten material, and the inner section is brass. Due to the two wildly different hardnesses of the material it is not possible to finish both pieces in the same process. First the tungsten portion is finished and due to the hardness of the material, the tool that creates the pattern only last an average of about 50 pieces. As they manufacture their own tools SII has tested a wide range of designs and materials to produce the units that are the most efficient without compromising the finishing achieved. The part is then inspected under a microscope and any debris from the finishing is removed.

Once completed the tungsten component is then assembled with the brass portion and it is fixed 0.1mm lower than the brass material. This allows the brass material to be finished without engaging the tungsten section.

We then headed to the main assembly workshop and saw a display with the various components that make up the Grand Seiko watches. These included the hair springs, mainsprings, balance wheels, dials, cases and these were all able to be handled.

The main assembly workshop had the workers at their desks putting together the components into functioning movements. On one side of the workshop was Tsutomu Ito, Meister, who is in charge of Grand Seiko assembly and on the other side was Katsuo Saito, Silver Meister, who is in charge of Credor assembly. Both of these gentlemen oversee and help to pass down their skills to the other workers in this area. The large window on the side of the workshop overlooked a wooded area of the facility and the continuing snow.

Also on display are a various watches that are able to be purchased at the factory. The first group is the of normal Grand Seiko models you are likely familiar with but if you purchase from the factory they are fitted with a special rotor signed by the Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio.

It is also possible to have a custom built to order Shizuku-ishi watch. You can select from various calibers, dial designs and straps to match your personal taste.

This was the conclusion of my tour but before I left I was presented with a Grand Seiko date dial holder plate that I had seen being produced at the start of the tour. As these units take over 30 minutes just to engrave the GS logos into the plate I was honoured to have been given one as a momento of my visit.

This was a great experience and it was fantastic to see the dedication and passion of the staff that produce Seiko’s Grand Seiko and Credor mechanical watches and this can be felt in the final product.

It was the quartz crisis (or quartz revolution) that helped put Japanese watch brands like Seiko and Citizen on the map for their affordability and their reliability, but both brands were manufacturing watches long before they began chiseling a chunk out of the watch market. Beyond sharing the same country of origin, Citizen and Seiko have other similarities as well as differences worth appreciating. Here’s an in-depth comparison guide of both watch brands and how they bear up against one another.

Seiko’s history is a rather dramatic one. Founder Kintarō Hattori created clocks between 1881 and 1892 but thereafter began specializing in watchmaking. The watches Seiko created for the general public were unaffordable up until the ’70s when quartz technology became simpler and cheaper to produce, and as a result, the public turned to buying quartz watches en masse.

Citizen’s history is much less dramatic and shorter. The company was co-founded by Swiss and Japanese investors and has spent its 100-year lifespan specializing in developing and refining sustainable watches. The company has focused on solar-powered wristwatches but also created the first atomic watch in 1993 – a watch that receives a signal from one of the atomic clocks. As a result, these watches would lose less than one second every 100 000 years! Like Seiko, Citizen’s brand exposure was helped along by the quartz revolution, many of their wristwatches of which are equipped with a Swiss movement despite their watchmaking facilities remaining in Japan.

Style-wise, both Seiko and Citizen have a large catalog of watches that span from the technically-heavy, higher-priced watch range down to those that sit within the fashion watch price bracket. Whilst Seiko is recognized for creating classic styles, Citizen has been more experimental and adventurous in its approach to watch manufacture, creating innovative timepieces that dare to break the mold. It also specializes more in quartz models as opposed to automatic.

Two technically sophisticated watches from the Promaster collection include the Promaster Land watch and the Pro master Sky watch. The Promaster Land is equipped with an altimeter and an electric compass. Others feature atomic time synchronization. The Promaster Sky watch relies on solar energy and offers countless functions that enable pilots to calculate flight data. It’s also available as a radio watch and is distinguishable by its titanium case which creates a lightweight feel on the wrist.

Citizen has used its satellite technology since 2011. Many watches receive a GPS signal from space, synchronized with atomic timekeeping. Although there are other models made by the manufacturer that relies on satellite technology, Citizen’s Elegant collection which is home to over 200 models is the best place to start searching if you’re looking to buy a Citizen satellite watch, especially if you prefer the look of a standard three-handed dial design with a date feature. The Promaster Echo-Friendly watch ref: JW0126-58E even features a stopwatch with a 1/1000th of a second.

Citizen’s sports collection is the place to find a sturdy and robust wristwatch, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or if you’re an individual who takes part in a lot of sport. The models are equipped with 100 meters and are powered by quartz movements. Despite being classified as a sports watch, these timepieces look just as refined as some of the watches from the brand’s Elegant range like this model ref: AW1147-52L.

The Citizen Promaster Diver collection is home to around a dozen rugged diver’s watches for you to choose from. If you prefer your diving watch to offer additional features there are models like the BJ7111-51M which boast a colorful one-way rotating bezel and a GMT function, along with 200-meter water resistance. These Promaster Diver models are popular because of their robust qualities and their affordability, as well as their Eco-Friendly technology, powered by light.

Like collections from Citizen, the Seiko Prospex collection is renowned for its affordability. Its high-tech specifications are purpose-built for professionals. Models like the SLA017 is reminiscent of the first Japanese diving watch in 1965. Newer 40mm diver’s watches from Seiko’s Prospex range are equipped with 200-meter water resistance. They’re also propelled by mechanical calibers from the Grand Seiko range, particularly the Marinemaster Professional 300M. There’s also a range of quartz watches to choose from within the Prospex collection equipped with world timers, solar cells, radio reception, and stopwatch features.

The Seiko 5 is an affordable sports watch with prices that start from around 90 dollars. Sleek and sporty, these timepieces feature simple three-handed dials with day/date displays. The watches, being automatic, are so affordable because so many are made. The movements are considered low maintenance workhorses that guarantee precision without the pricier chronometer certification.

The Seiko Premier watch collection is where you will see traditional watchmaking elements brought through to modern designs. Roman numeral hour tracks are combined with bold 41mm and 43mm cases – some of which feature a two-toned aesthetic. Some models have kinetic movements, however, the majority are powered by quartz. There’s also a desire for these watches on the preowned market, where you can pick up a second-hand Seiko Premier watch for around 300 dollars.

Seiko uses all of its own components without the need from any external suppliers, making each timepiece incredibly good value for money. Watches from the lower-end scale at Seiko cost anything from around 100 dollars upwards but can stretch up to the thousands with watches from the Grand Seiko range. Because Citizen has created an equally large range of watches, the prices between their lower-end and higher-end watches are similar to Seiko (if we take out the Grand Seiko range for comparison reasons). Generally speaking, the more technical the Seiko or Citizen watch is, the higher the price tag.

On the whole Seiko and Citizen share similar recognition within the market. Both have focused on creating watches that are neither too flashy nor too expensive. Whereas Citizen has saturated the market with its solar-powered technology, Seiko relies more on its past to create classic, traditional-looking watches that tie in nicely with their history. If you’re looking for quartz or solar-powered watches as opposed to mechanical – Citizen is your best choice. But when it comes to style, both brands have created a huge range of watches that span from the dynamic and sporty, to the ultra-technical, to the clean and elegant.

We have a lot more guides to navigate your research for the perfect watch. Seiko is one of the most popular brand across its sport and elegan lines. If you are an hard-core Seiko fan you can read our Seiko SKX007 guide- one of the most popular entry diver of all times.

Yesterday I bought an old Bell-Matic at a thrift store. I am trying to date it. The Model # on back is 4006-7019 and on the face is 4006-70207 AD. The serial number on the back is 7000031. Thanks for your help.

The serial number that you gave me is 7 digits long, instead of six. Can you confirm whether your Bell-Matic has “waterproof” or. “water resistant” markings on the caseback?

Just bought a used 9020-7010, SNo. 560117. As I learned from your detection rules, the watch was made in June, 1995 (or 1985?). The current product no. is 177, right? Is there a source that can tell how many pieces of that watch were produced? (It has 14 kt gold back. No steel!)

Therefore it’s quite probable that yours was from June 1985. Although your serial number has the number 177, it is actually piece #178, because the first watch made in any month has the ending 4 digit numbers starting with “0000” and not “0001”.

The reason that I asked for the serial number verification is because a 7-digit serial number applies to vintage Seiko watches made between 1966 and 1967. Most Bell-Matics I’ve seen in pictures (I own two myself) are from the early 1970s. It’s quite rare to see one that’s made in the late 60s. So there you have it – October 1967. You have one of the earliest Bell-Matic models, which is a rare occurrence. The “Water Proof” marking also confirms that your watch has to be from 1967 and not 1977, because it if were from 1977 (about the time the Bell-Matics were discontinued) it would have “Water Resistant” marked instead.

John Nelson (John N) is a contact of mine and he used to run a site dedicated towards Seiko Bell-Matics; he would know about the subject more intimately. I bought a 4006-6040 from him two years ago as he was liquidating his collection.

Hi, I have a Seiko lady’s watch that is very confusing to me. The serial # is 880186. It also has the # 55105 on the face and inside it is 17J and 11A witch i am unable to find any information on it. I would appreciate any information you can give me. Thanks, Tammy

Not much is known about the hand winding Cal 11A as to when it first appeared and when it was discontinued. However, it’s believed that this caliber was introduced in 1970.

My best guess is that your watch was made on August 1978, based on your serial numbers on the back of the watch. The numbers on the dial refer to the dial code and is not used for dating the watch.

I recently received a SNK315K from the US, 1D1107, and I notice that the caliber is 7S26c, whereas my SNKE53K1dated June 2011 is a 7S26b. Does this mean Seiko has upgraded the 7S26 caliber recently?

I haven’t been poking my nose in watch stores for a long time, but word has it from the Seiko collector communities is that the 7s26C version did appear sometime in 2011. Some believe that the 7s26C has a more pronounced, elevated pinion in the movement for better height clearance for the main time hands. If this is true, then it should solve cases of sticking second hand that tend to rest exactly where the minute hand lies when the main spring is nearly unwound. So far I noticed that one of my watches (7s26B caliber) has this problem.

Thanks for reporting your watch production dates. Since you have observed your SNK315K is from December 2011 and your SNKE53K from June 2011, this narrows down 7s26C’s debut between the months between June and December 2011. More feedback from owners having the newer 7s26C movement are needed to pinpoint the exact month Seiko introduced the 7s26C.

The new Seiko solar powered watches should be at least equal to Citizen’s Eco Drives. Actually Seiko has had solar powered watches dating to the late 90s or early 2000s, but they weren’t as popular as Citizen Eco Drive watches. For Seiko, they were busy pushing their Kinetic technology while Citizen had no choice but move forward with what they’re already good at – light powered watches. Once upon a time, Citizen made a few models based on its Eco Drive Duo technology (solar and kinetic movement charged), but they were quite expensive. Those watches were probably more efficient at charging using sources of light than the wrist movement, therefore it made the “kinetic” charging method redundant.

I might buy one of those nice Seiko Solar chronographs this year. I saw quite a few models when I visited Singapore last October and was tempted to buy one, but I’ll wait for newer solar powered chronographs to appear.

The reason I asked about Seiko solar was I saw a SNE031 advertised recently and considered buying it. I was waiting for the SNK315 to arrive and discovered that the two watches are virtually identical (37mm across and 10-11mm thick with very similar plain white/cream faces). In the end they were too similar, despite the different mechanisms, so I’ve changed tack (see your chronograph blog).

The SNE-series solar watches are one of Seiko’s latest revivals into the solar powered watch scene and this time they’re putting more effort into promoting them. I expect them to be vastly improved versions of their earlier efforts. Its solar panels are located behind the translucent dial like the surface of a white ping pong ball. Your Promaster AV0031-59A’s solar panels on the other hand, are located at the subdial apertures. It’s best that you view the SNE031 yourself before buying it, in case you prefer solid, opaque dials.

My SKA is the black 198P. There is considerable similarity to my recently bought SMY115 – which you gave the suffix P, which I assume means that both watches were assembled in Singapore. Does the suffix K indicate Hong Kong assembly?

I shan’t be buying the SNE031. I was looking at it amongst a group of watches but in the end I plumped for a Citizen CA0021-53A, which had features that encapsulated the whole group.

Yes, the “K” suffix designates a Seiko watch that is cased in Hong Kong (China). Do note that some models that are exclusive to the U.S. market do not have any letter suffix at all. Some examples include the SKXA35 and SNM035 automatic diver’s models. They are not referred to as the “SKXA35K” or “SNM035K”. U.S. market models also have the country of manufacture printed on the dial to comply with the American Federal Trade Commission labeling laws. For watches that are made in China, they are clearly marked “Mov’t Singapore” or “Mov’t Malaysia” and “Cased in China” in fine print on the dial.

The Citizen CA0021-53A is a great looking watch, but personally I avoid watches with no contrast between the dial and the hands/markers. They’re hard to read the time in dim lighting. BTW, have you ever considered Orient automatic watches before? I have an Orient CEY04002B and it’s a very fine dress/sports automatic, with a power reserve indicator and perpetual world time. For its asking price, Seiko offers nothing like it. A unique feature of the Orient CEY04002B is its sapphire glass display back, which is quite unusual as most watches with see-thru casebacks use the cheaper mineral glass.

I looked at the SNK315K I received allegedly from the US this week but the curiosity is it does have the suffix K and no origin printing on the face, even with a maginfying glass. Perhaps a US entrepreneur imports for export but not for the US market?

In that regard, I used the hotlink re the Orient CEY04002B and came up with an LA supplier who clearly indicated “USA only”. I subsequently looked at a Singapore supplier just out of interest as my budget and brain are exhausted for the time being. I will probably end up with a simpler Orient power save indicator automatic some time in the future.

I take your point about the CA’s white on white but we all wear watches by circumstances and mood. I go to meetings regularly and generally wear black faced watches like my Citizen BM8430 or my SKA (thanks again for identifying it) or SMY Seiko kinetics which allow me to glance at the time. I have drawn up for fun and some self-indulgent justification a list of my 18 “active” watches and how I intend to use each of them.

In the early 2000s, Asian market Seikos were available exclusively from Southeast Asian and Hong Kong based sellers. Things have changed since then, with a few enterprising Far East based watch sellers setting up offices in the U.S. to cater for the North American market. Such watches, including your SNK315K Seiko 5 are considered parallel imports from Seiko USA’s point of view.

The Orient CEY04002B is a watch that’s worth saving for, because it’s a lot of watch for the asking price. There is also a Japan market, limited edition model that uses the identical movement but sells for USD2,000. I’ve seen the watch in person and have taken photos of it at my regular watch store. After a year sitting on the shelf, the watch was returned to the distributor as nobody wanted to spend that much on a “mere Orient” watch.

I have ordered a FEU07008DX as a starter, just over $100 delivered and very interesting looking. As to the CEY04002B, what about the slightly more expensive CFA05001B? I prefer the look of the latter and the specs seem very similar.

My only problem with having a surfeit of automatics is keeping them all going. I know you say it’s not really necessary but an Orient site suggests they should be wound at least once a week to keep the lubrication constant.

It’s also suggested that it is best practice to keep an automatic on your wrist for eight to 12hours a day. Obviously with a reasonable number of watches, including potentially five automatics, that won’t happen.

I got the FEU and to my surprise and mild disappointment it turned out to be a FEU07005BX instead of the 8D; the former is thicker, heavier and mineral rather than sapphire.

Thank you for all your expertise, advice and interest. After $2000 or so I’ve done my dash and reached a respectable 20 watches so it really is time to stop!

Congratulations on buying both (wow!) Orient watches.