Instructions for NH38 Movements

How to Set Up Your Seiko NH38 Movement Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Seiko NH38 movement is a robust and reliable automatic movement, well-regarded for its durability and precision. This movement is often found in watches without a date complication, making it simpler to operate than its NH35 counterpart. If you’ve recently acquired a watch with an NH38 movement, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you power it up and set the time correctly.

Powering Up the NH38 Movement

The Seiko NH38 is an automatic movement, which means it winds itself when worn on the wrist. However, you can also manually wind the watch to get it started, especially if it has been sitting idle for a while. Here’s how to power up your NH38 movement watch:

1. Unscrew the Crown (if applicable): Some watches with the NH38 movement have a screw-down crown for water resistance. If your watch has this feature, unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases and pops out to the winding position.
2. Manual Winding: With the crown in the first position (closest to the case), turn it clockwise (away from you) about 20 to 30 times. You will feel a slight resistance and hear a soft winding sound as the mainspring stores energy. The NH38 movement has a power reserve of around 41 hours, so a full wind will keep it running for about two days.
3. Wear the Watch Regularly: After winding, wearing the watch on your wrist will keep it powered as the rotor inside the movement winds the mainspring automatically with each motion of your wrist. Regular wearing is the best way to ensure your NH38 movement remains powered.

Setting the Time on Your NH38 Movement Watch

Since the NH38 movement does not have a date complication, setting the time is straightforward. Here’s how to set the time on your watch:

1. Pull the Crown to the Second Position: After unscrewing the crown (if necessary), pull it out gently to the second position. This is the time-setting position. You should feel a distinct click when the crown reaches this point.
2. Stop the Seconds Hand (Hacking): The NH38 movement features a hacking function, meaning the seconds hand will stop when the crown is in the time-setting position. This function allows you to set the time accurately down to the second.
3. Adjust the Time: Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hands to the desired time. Make sure to set the time to the correct AM or PM setting if your watch has a 12-hour dial. You can tell the AM/PM status by watching the position of the hour hand relative to the 12 o'clock mark.
4. Push the Crown Back In: Once you’ve set the correct time, gently push the crown back in to its original position. If your watch has a screw-down crown, remember to screw it back in by turning it clockwise to maintain water resistance.

Final Tips for Your NH38 Movement Watch

• Wind Regularly if Not Worn: If you don’t wear your watch daily, make it a habit to wind it manually every few days to keep it powered.
• Avoid Over-Winding: The NH38 movement is designed to prevent over-winding, but it’s still a good practice to wind gently and not force the crown.
• Regular Maintenance: Like all mechanical watches, your NH38-powered timepiece will benefit from regular servicing every 3-5 years to keep it running smoothly.

Conclusion

Setting up your Seiko NH38 movement watch is simple and straightforward. By following these steps, you'll ensure your watch is accurately set and ready for daily wear. With its reliable automatic movement, you can enjoy your timepiece without the hassle of frequent adjustments. Enjoy the elegance and craftsmanship of your NH38-powered watch!