When diving into the world of automatic watch movements, you'll often hear whispers about the Seiko 7S36. It's a workhorse, a reliable friend to many watch enthusiasts, and a movement that has powered countless timepieces over the years. But is it actually a good movement? Let's break it down, guys, and see what makes the 7S36 tick (pun intended!).

A Deep Dive into the Seiko 7S36

The Basics: What is the Seiko 7S36?

The Seiko 7S36 is an automatic movement produced by Seiko, a Japanese watchmaking giant. It belongs to the 7S family of movements, which are known for their robustness and affordability. Think of it as the trusty engine in a reliable, everyday car. It might not be flashy, but it gets you where you need to go. This movement is a self-winding mechanical movement, which means it's powered by the motion of your wrist. As you move, an oscillating weight inside the watch spins, winding the mainspring that stores the energy to drive the watch hands. No batteries needed here!

Key Features of the 7S36

• Automatic Winding: This is the heart of any automatic movement. The 7S36 uses a rotor that spins with your wrist movements to wind the mainspring.
• Day-Date Complication: The 7S36 displays both the day of the week and the date. A handy feature for keeping track of things!
• 23 Jewels: Jewels are used as bearings to reduce friction and wear in the movement. The 7S36 has 23 of these little helpers.
• Frequency: It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), or 6 beats per second. This determines the smoothness of the seconds hand sweep.
• Non-Hacking: This means the seconds hand doesn't stop when you pull out the crown to set the time. Some people see this as a drawback, but it's not a deal-breaker for everyone.
• Non-Hand Winding: You can't manually wind the 7S36 using the crown. It relies solely on the automatic winding system.

The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Ugly

The Good

• Reliability: This is where the 7S36 truly shines. It's known for its durability and ability to withstand daily wear and tear. You can expect it to keep ticking for years with minimal maintenance.
• Affordability: The 7S36 is a budget-friendly movement. This makes it a popular choice for entry-level automatic watches and a great way to get into the world of mechanical timepieces without breaking the bank.
• Easy to Service: Watchmakers are familiar with the 7S36, and parts are readily available. This means that if something does go wrong, it's relatively easy and inexpensive to get it fixed.

The Not-So-Good

• Accuracy: Let's be honest, the 7S36 isn't the most accurate movement out there. It can gain or lose a few seconds per day, which is acceptable for a budget-friendly automatic, but it won't win any accuracy contests.
• Non-Hacking and Non-Hand Winding: As mentioned earlier, the lack of hacking and hand-winding can be a drawback for some. Hacking allows you to synchronize the seconds hand precisely, while hand-winding gives you the option to wind the watch manually when it hasn't been worn for a while.
• Basic Finishing: The 7S36 is a utilitarian movement, and its finishing reflects that. It's not going to win any beauty contests. It's functional, but not particularly attractive to look at.

The Ugly

• Honestly, there's not much that's truly "ugly" about the 7S36. It's a solid, reliable movement that does its job well. However, some people might find its lack of features and basic finishing to be undesirable.

Is the Seiko 7S36 a Good Movement? The Verdict

So, is the Seiko 7S36 a good movement? The answer is a resounding yes, especially when you consider its price point. It's a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-service movement that has stood the test of time. It may not be the most accurate or feature-rich movement out there, but it's a great choice for entry-level automatic watches and anyone looking for a dependable timepiece.

Who is the Seiko 7S36 For?

The Seiko 7S36 is an excellent choice for:

• First-time automatic watch owners: It's a great way to experience the world of mechanical watches without spending a fortune.
• People who value reliability and durability: If you need a watch that can take a beating and keep on ticking, the 7S36 is a solid choice.
• Those on a budget: The 7S36 offers excellent value for money.
• Watch enthusiasts who appreciate a classic, no-frills movement: Sometimes, simplicity is best.

Alternatives to the Seiko 7S36

If you're looking for something a bit more advanced, here are a few alternatives to the Seiko 7S36:

• Seiko 4R36: This is the successor to the 7S36 and offers hacking and hand-winding. It's a great upgrade if you want those features.
• Miyota 8215: Another popular Japanese automatic movement that's known for its affordability and reliability. However, it can be a bit noisy.
• ETA 2824-2: A Swiss-made movement that's known for its accuracy and robustness. It's more expensive than the 7S36, but it's a significant step up in terms of quality.

Final Thoughts

The Seiko 7S36 is a testament to Seiko's commitment to producing reliable and affordable movements. It's a workhorse that has powered countless watches and continues to be a popular choice among watch enthusiasts. While it may not be the most glamorous or feature-rich movement out there, its reliability, affordability, and ease of service make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable automatic watch.

So, next time you see a watch with a Seiko 7S36 movement, you'll know that you're getting a reliable and time-tested engine that will keep ticking for years to come. And that, guys, is what makes it a good movement.