THE MIYOTA 9 SERIES
Beginning in 2020, we transitioned to using the Miyota 9 series of movements. Just like the Seiko NH series used in previous generations, it rates highly in terms of performance for the price. There were a few factors that made us decide to update the movements: the first and main reason is its thinness. At only 3.9mm (Seiko's NH series is 5.32mm thick) it allows us to be more flexible in design, and make our models more true to their distinct personalities.
The second factor is feedback we had received from those wanting a sleeker look and more ease in wearing. But such requirements do come at a higher cost. The Miyota 9 is considerably more expensive to manufacture than the Seiko NH series (and its predecessor, the Miyota 8 series), because of its thinness and higher beat rate (28800 bph vs. 21600 bph), which gives the seconds hand a smoother sweep, and helps with timekeeping accuracy.
MIYOTA PREMIUM AUTOMATICS
9015
The most common variant, a three-handed automatic with a date complication.
90S5
The no-date variant of the 9015, it can also be used as an open-heart movement. Because of its high hands clearance, we use it on no-date models with thick applications of lume on their dials.
9019
The same movement as the 9015, but with lower hands clearance to maximize its thinness spec.
9039
No-date variant of the 9019.
9029
Two-hand variant of the 9039.
It compares well with its Swiss counterparts, the ETA 2824/SW200. A newer design (2009 vs. 1982), the Miyota 9 is both thinner (3.9mm vs. 4.6mm), and more reliable, with significantly lower failure rates. We would be willing to wager that if the 90S5 had a “Swiss” badge, all else being equal, it would easily cost twice or three times as much.
Some may fuss over its loud rotor, reminiscent of a Valjoux/ETA 7750. But others like that it reminds them that there is something mechanical on their wrist. In any case, the Miyota 9 is an excellent series of movements, making a high level of robustness and refinement accessible to most of us.