Instructions for NH35 Movements

How to Set Up Your Seiko NH35 Movement Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Seiko NH35 movement is one of the most popular and reliable automatic movements available today. Known for its durability, accuracy, and ease of use, the NH35 movement powers a wide variety of watches from both Seiko and other microbrand manufacturers. If you've recently purchased a watch with an NH35 movement, you're likely eager to get it set up and running. This guide will walk you through the steps to power up the movement, set the date, and adjust the time correctly.

1. Powering Up the NH35 Movement

The Seiko NH35 is an automatic movement, which means it relies on the motion of your wrist to stay powered. However, if your watch has stopped, or you want to ensure it's fully wound before wearing it, you can manually wind it. Here's how to power up the movement:

Unscrew the Crown (if applicable): Some watches with the NH35 movement have a screw-down crown. To wind the watch, gently unscrew the crown by rotating it counterclockwise until it pops out to its first position.
Manual Winding: With the crown in the first position, turn it clockwise (away from you) about 20 to 30 times. You should feel a slight resistance and hear a faint winding sound. This action winds the mainspring and stores energy in the watch. The NH35 movement has a power reserve of around 40 hours, so this winding will be sufficient to power the watch for about two days.
Shake and Wear: After manual winding, you can also gently shake the watch to get the rotor moving. Wearing the watch regularly will keep it powered up as it winds automatically with your wrist's motion.

2. Setting the Date on Your NH35 Movement Watch

Setting the date is crucial, especially if your watch has been inactive or if you've traveled across different time zones. Here's how to set the date on your NH35 movement watch:

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-setting position. You should feel a slight click when it reaches this point.
Adjust the Date: Rotate the crown clockwise (towards you) to change the date. Continue turning until the correct date appears in the date window. The NH35 movement's date mechanism is designed to change between 9 PM and 3 AM, so avoid setting the date during these hours to prevent damage to the movement. A good practice is to set the time to 6:00 (either AM or PM) before adjusting the date to ensure you are outside the date change period.
Check for AM/PM: If the date changes at noon, rather than midnight, you'll need to advance the time by 12 hours. Setting the correct AM or PM is important to ensure the watch shows the right date change cycle.

3. Setting the Time on Your NH35 Movement Watch

Once the date is set, you can proceed to adjust the time. Here’s how to do it:

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 position.
Stop the Seconds Hand (Hacking): The NH35 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 more accurately.
Rotate to Set the Time: Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the correct time. Make sure you are aware of the AM/PM setting by checking the date change. If it changes when passing 12, you’re in the AM period; otherwise, you’re in the PM period.
Push the Crown Back In: Once you’ve set the time, gently push the crown back in to its original position. If your watch has a screw-down crown, remember to screw it back down to ensure water resistance.

Final Tips

Regular Wearing: To keep your NH35 movement watch powered, wear it regularly or use a watch winder if you have multiple watches in rotation.
Avoid Over-Winding: Although the NH35 has a safety mechanism to prevent over-winding, it's good practice to wind the watch gently.
Date Adjustment Caution: Always avoid setting the date during the date change period (usually between 9 PM and 3 AM).

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your Seiko NH35 movement watch is accurately set and powered up, ready to keep you on time for all your adventures. Enjoy the beauty and reliability of your timepiece!