The Miyota movement has established itself as an essential reference in accessible watchmaking, powering nearly 30% of watches sold between £200 and £500. This popularity stems from an exceptional quality-to-price ratio that attracts both brands and watch enthusiasts alike.
The Most Iconic Miyota Movements: 9015, 8215, 8315, and 9122
Miyota movements stand out through four flagship calibers: the Miyota 9015 (precision -10/+30 sec/day, 42h reserve), the Miyota 8215 (legendary reliability, 42h autonomy), the Miyota 8315 (60h power reserve) and the Miyota 9122 (surgical precision with 40h reserve).
These Japanese calibers combine robustness, precision and financial accessibility, explaining their massive adoption by watch micro-brands worldwide.
Miyota 9015 Movement
Introduced in 2009, the Miyota 9015 caliber quickly became the preferred choice for numerous micro-brands. Its ease of use and reliability make it one of the most sought-after movements by modern watchmakers.
Technical specifications:
- Height: 3.90mm
- Accuracy: -10 to +30 seconds per day
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Beat rate: 28,800 vibrations per hour
- Features: Automatic movement with manual winding capability
Miyota 8215 Movement
A classic Miyota movement, the Miyota 8215 has equipped countless watches worldwide since its release and continues to attract thanks to its durability and elegant design.
Technical specifications:
- Accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day
- Power reserve: up to 42 hours
- Beat rate: 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Features: Automatic mechanism with manual winding capability
Miyota 8315 Movement
Recognized for its enhanced durability and extended power reserve, the Miyota 8315 movement belongs to the new generation of Miyota mechanisms.
Technical specifications:
- Accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Beat rate: 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Features: Mechanical movement with manual winding capability
Miyota 9122 Movement
The Miyota 9122 caliber is characterized by its complexity and surgical precision. With a height greater than its counterparts, it offers additional functions.
Technical specifications:
- Height: 5.52mm
- Accuracy: -10 to +30 seconds per day
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Beat rate: 28,800 vibrations per hour
- Features: Automatic mechanism with manual winding capability
Miyota Movement Price and Availability
The price of a Miyota movement varies according to the caliber and market demand. The Miyota 8315 costs approximately £90-100 from specialized suppliers, while the premium Miyota 8315 reaches higher prices. This financial accessibility explains why brands favor Miyota over more expensive Swiss alternatives.
Key pricing points:
- Miyota 8315: £90-100 from authorized distributors
- Premium Miyota 8315: higher pricing for superior finishes
- Miyota 9015: competitive pricing against ETA movements
- Supply delays sometimes lengthy due to high demand
- Limited availability on certain specialized calibers
Independent watchmakers and micro-brands find in Miyota a credible alternative to Swiss movements, without compromising on quality.
Miyota Movement Advantages and Disadvantages
In the evolution of modern mechanical watches, the Miyota movement has played an essential role. Unlike automatic movements, quartz watch models require a battery replacement every 1 to 3 years to ensure optimal functioning.
While it presents numerous advantages, this movement also has certain disadvantages worth considering.
Advantages
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Reliability: The durability and robustness of the Miyota movement are unmatched, guaranteeing longevity and consistent performance
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Precision: Miyota mechanisms are renowned for their accuracy and regularity, minimizing time deviations
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Ease of maintenance: The simplicity of their design makes them easier to service and maintain than other mechanisms
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Affordability: The relatively low production and purchase cost makes these movements accessible to a wide range of brands and users
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Flexibility: The range of available designs and models is diverse enough to suit many watchmaking styles and preferences
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Performance: With an impressive power reserve and high beat rate in certain models, the overall performance of these movements is exemplary
Disadvantages
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Limited availability: Miyota movements can sometimes be difficult to obtain due to their high demand and limited production, especially compared to certain competitors
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Spare parts: It can be challenging to find specific replacement parts, making repairs and replacements more complicated and potentially more costly
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Limited customization: While versatile, Miyota mechanisms don't offer the same level of customization and adjustment as more sophisticated movements
Miyota Movement vs Swiss and Japanese Competitors
Understanding how Miyota movements compare to their competitors helps appreciate their true value in the watchmaking industry. Let's examine the key differences between Miyota and major Swiss and Japanese movement manufacturers.
Miyota Movement vs Swiss ETA Movement
While Miyota movements are renowned for their precision, Swiss ETA movements, such as the 2824-2 and 2892, are often considered the benchmark in terms of accuracy and reliability. However, the best Miyota movements can rival their Swiss counterparts in terms of precision.
Miyota movements generally offer better value for money than ETA movements. Although ETA movements are highly respected, their price is often significantly higher.
Due to the high demand for ETA movements, Miyota movements have become a popular alternative for many watchmakers thanks to their availability and reliability.
Miyota Movement vs Seiko Movement
Both originating from Japan, Seiko and Miyota have a rich history in watchmaking movement manufacturing. Seiko is often associated with finished watches, while Miyota is better known as a movement supplier for other brands.
Seiko movements, such as the 7S26 or NH35, are appreciated for their robustness. Miyota, on the other hand, is known for its precision and ease of maintenance.
Both watch brands offer excellent value for money, although this can vary depending on the model. The Miyota 9015 and Miyota 8215 compete directly with Seiko's offerings in the mid-range market segment.
Miyota Movement vs Sellita (Switzerland)
Sellita is often compared to ETA because it produces movements that are direct clones of ETA designs (for example, the SW200-1 is similar to the ETA 2824-2). Miyota, on the other hand, has its own proprietary designs.
As with ETA, Miyota generally has a cost advantage over Sellita movements, making it more accessible for independent brands and watchmakers.
While Sellita has established itself as a reliable alternative to ETA movements, Miyota enjoys a longstanding reputation for reliability and durability in the watchmaking community.
Miyota Movement vs Valjoux 7750
Integrated into ETA, a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, Valjoux is a renowned Swiss chronograph movement, symbolizing high precision and robustness.
Valjoux movements, particularly the famous Valjoux 7750, are known for their chronograph capabilities and are often associated with high-precision watches. In comparison, while Miyota also offers chronograph movements, its offering is diversified and covers a wide range of watchmaking needs.
The robustness and reliability of the Valjoux 7750 make it a reference in mechanical chronographs. Miyota, for its part, is known for the consistency and reliability of its various calibers, particularly the Miyota 9015 and Miyota 8315.
Miyota Movement Review: Expert Opinion
In Europe, where the watchmaking industry is dominated by Swiss giants such as Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe, the Miyota movement has made its mark in the mid-range watch category.
Brands such as Casio, Citizen, Timex and Bulova prefer using Japanese Miyota movements, which attests to the credibility, reliability and seriousness of this manufacturer. Whether Miyota quartz movements or automatic movements, they demonstrate excellence in precision and reliability that makes this movement an essential choice in watchmaking.
Although it presents multiple advantages, both in terms of precision and cost, the Miyota movement is often compared to Swiss ETA movements, particularly the ETA 2824-2 and ETA 2892 models.
However, despite constant comparison with Swiss movements, the Miyota movement maintains a competitive position by being significantly more affordable while retaining high quality and precision. The Miyota 9015, in particular, has become the go-to choice for micro-brands seeking Swiss-level quality at Japanese prices.
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Miyota Movement: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Miyota movement a good choice?
The Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement and the Japanese Miyota Cal 821A (21 jewels, 82XX family) are two of the most popular watch movements, and both are excellent choices. The Miyota movement offers exceptional reliability and precision at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for watch enthusiasts seeking quality without the premium Swiss price tag.
What is the Miyota Japanese movement?
Miyota is a specially designed movement using a battery that consumes less energy, resists shocks better and increases the functionality of a watch. Miyota has customized movements for basic watch models and complex technologies, offering both quartz and automatic mechanical movements.
Are Miyota movements better than Seiko?
First, both movements are popular worldwide because they are affordable and reliable. However, it is generally recognized that the Seiko NH35 movement has some advanced features and operates more quietly than certain Miyota movements. That said, the Miyota 9015 is often preferred by micro-brands for its thinness and precision.
Are Japanese movements better than Swiss movements?
The main difference between Swiss and Japanese movements is that Swiss movements tend to be more aesthetically refined, while Japanese movements like the Miyota caliber are manufactured with a focus on precision and accuracy. Both types of movements are used to power different types of watches and are employed by many watchmakers worldwide. The choice often comes down to budget and specific requirements.
How long does a Miyota quartz movement last?
The Miyota quartz movement is one of the most standard movements, with the longest battery life (up to 4 years). When the time comes to change the battery, consult a professional watchmaker or refer to battery replacement guides to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How do I wind a Miyota movement?
You can wind your automatic watch manually by placing the crown in position "A". Wind it clockwise 15 to 20 times until the second hand begins to move naturally. Return the crown to position "C" and set the normal time. Then check whether it's morning or afternoon and adjust accordingly.
Miyota Movement: Final Verdict
The Miyota movement is a popular choice for watchmakers due to its competitive pricing and reliability. However, using this type of movement has some drawbacks, including slightly lower precision compared to high-end Swiss movements.
Overall, the Miyota movement is an excellent option for those seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution. The Miyota 9015, Miyota 8215, and Miyota 8315 represent the best balance between Japanese precision, durability, and affordability in the watchmaking industry.
Whether you're a micro-brand looking for reliable movements or a watch enthusiast seeking quality timepieces, Miyota movements deliver consistent performance without breaking the bank.
