How to Set Up Your NH34 Movement Watch: A Comprehensive Guide

The NH34 movement is a versatile automatic movement known for its durability and additional functionality, specifically the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) complication. Watches powered by the NH34 movement offer both the convenience of an automatic movement and the ability to track a second time zone, making them popular among travelers and watch enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll cover how to power up your NH34 movement, set the date, and adjust both the local time and GMT hand to ensure your watch is ready for use.

Powering Up the NH34 Movement

The Seiko NH34 is an automatic movement, which means it winds itself through the motion of your wrist. However, if your watch has stopped or you want to ensure it is fully wound before wearing it, you can manually wind it. Here’s how to power up your NH34 movement watch:

Unscrew the Crown (if applicable): Some watches with the NH34 movement have a screw-down crown for water resistance. If your watch has this feature, unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it pops out to the first position.
Manual Winding: With the crown in the first position (closest to the case), turn it clockwise (away from you) around 20 to 30 times. You should feel a slight resistance and hear a faint winding sound as the mainspring stores energy. The NH34 movement has a power reserve of about 41 hours, so this winding will be sufficient to power the watch for approximately two days.
Wear the Watch Regularly: After winding, wearing the watch will keep it powered, as the rotor inside the movement will continue to wind the mainspring with each motion of your wrist. Regular wearing ensures the watch remains fully charged.

Setting the Date on Your NH34 Movement Watch

The NH34 movement includes a date complication, and setting it correctly is essential to avoid damaging the movement. Here’s how to set the date properly:

Pull the Crown to the First Click: After unscrewing the crown (if necessary), pull it out gently to the first position. This is the date and GMT hand setting position. You should feel a slight click when it reaches this point.
Adjust the Date: Turn the crown counterclockwise (towards you) to change the date. Continue turning until the correct date appears in the date window. The NH34 movement's date mechanism is designed to change between 9 PM and 3 AM, so avoid setting the date during this period to prevent damage to the movement. To ensure you're outside the date change period, set the time to 6:00 (AM or PM) before adjusting the date.
Check for AM/PM: If the date changes at noon instead of midnight, you’ll need to advance the time by 12 hours to set the correct AM or PM setting.

Setting the GMT Hand on Your NH34 Movement Watch

The GMT hand is a unique feature of the NH34 movement, allowing you to track a second time zone. Here’s how to set the GMT hand:

Pull the Crown to the First Click: While in the same position used to set the date (first click), turn the crown clockwise to adjust the GMT hand. This hand typically rotates once every 24 hours, and you can set it to track a second time zone of your choice.
Set the Desired Time Zone: Rotate the crown until the GMT hand points to the correct hour on the 24-hour scale for the second time zone you wish to track. The GMT hand moves independently from the main hour and minute hands, so you can keep track of two different time zones simultaneously.

Setting the Time on Your NH34 Movement Watch

After setting the date and GMT hand, you can adjust the local time. Follow these steps to set the time accurately

Pull the Crown to the Second Click: Gently pull the crown out to the second position. This is the time-setting position. You should feel a distinct second click when the crown reaches this point.
Stop the Seconds Hand (Hacking): The NH34 movement features a hacking function, meaning the seconds hand will stop when the crown is in the time-setting position. This allows you to set the time accurately.
Rotate to Set the Time: Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the correct local time. Be mindful of the AM/PM setting, especially if your watch has a 12-hour dial. If the date changes as you pass 12, you’re in the AM period; if not, you’re in the PM period.
Push the Crown Back In: Once you’ve set the time, gently push the crown back to its original position. If your watch has a screw-down crown, screw it back down by turning it clockwise to maintain water resistance.

Final Tips

Avoid Over-Winding: The NH34 movement has a mechanism to prevent over-winding, but it’s still good practice to wind gently.
Regular Wearing or Use of a Watch Winder: To keep your NH34 movement powered, wear it regularly or use a watch winder if you own multiple watches.
Avoid Date Adjustment During Certain Hours: Never adjust the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this can damage the movement's date-changing mechanism.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your Seiko NH34 movement watch is accurately set and ready to use, whether you’re tracking a second time zone or just keeping an eye on the local time. With its robust design and reliable functionality, your NH34-powered watch is built to accompany you on all your adventures.