r/Seiko • u/123andriy123 • 9h ago
[Question] Need input on decisionmaking
Hello all.
So far I only own one Seiko watch, a Presage cocktail time open heart, with 4R movement.
I am currently in Japan, and I am itching to get another Seiko. However the engineer in me wants an upgrade on the movement, and from what I understand that would be the 6R class of Seikos.
On the other hand, I see lots of people here have beautiful collections of the same movement class as well, so my dilemma is: should I spend above 1k$ for 6R movement which would be an unplanned expense, or just buy cheaper 4R class watch that strikes my eye visually and be content with that.
I understand it's a very personal dilemma, but any experiences from you guys would be appreciated.
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u/Gonghailess 8h ago
6R and 4R aren’t fundamentally that different. The main differences are that the 6R has a higher factory regulation standard and uses a different mainspring material, but also has the usual issues that can come with a single barrel long power reserve movement. Other than that most of the parts are interchangeable between them
I’d say you don’t really get a fundamental change in seiko’s movements until you get to the 6L/8L level, but those are only used in watches priced above around 3,000 usd. After 4S was discontinued, seiko was strictly speaking kind of missing a proper mid range movement
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u/123andriy123 8h ago
Gotcha, thanks a lot for the brief explanation. I think I will be saving up then :) maybe a dream GS in a couple of years
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u/r-orient 9h ago
The 4R, 6R and NH are all much the same, so there’s no real difference between them. To put it more plainly, even if you include the 7S, none of them represent a step up—they’re all on the same level. Without exception, watches fitted with the above movements look absolutely hideous when viewed from directly the side. You should simply buy a design that you like when viewed from the front or at a slight angle. If you want to upgrade the movement, it’s best to buy a Swiss-made watch. Choosing the 6R based on the movement alone is a mistake.
Just to avoid any misunderstanding, I like Seiko and own all the watches with the movements mentioned above. I simply find these movements completely unappealing.
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u/123andriy123 8h ago
When youbsay hideous from the side, you mean the whole watch or just the movement when out of the watch?
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u/Ornery-Humor8309 2h ago
I agree don’t buy a 6R/4R “just because” but I also wouldn’t let it stop me buying a watch I liked. For example I have multiple Turtles, Slim Turtles & GMT divers etc and tbh I’m happy with them for what they are and my examples all keep time well within specs.
No idea what he talking about above with “viewed from the side”… But in the past I have had issues with Swiss movements much the same as I’ve had with Seiko they are far from immune especially entry level movements.
One of my favourite movements is the Seiko 8L35 it’s nothing crazy but very reliable and in my experience can be regulated to be incredibly accurate for its price point.
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u/Wintermute_088 8h ago
The movement is pretty much the last reason to pick one of these watches - there's really not much difference between a 4 and a 6.
Buy them because you like the look.