| Movement Family | Origin | Beat Rate (Hz) | Power Reserve | Primary Advantage |
| Seiko NH Series | Japan | 21,600 BPH (3Hz) | 41 Hours | Legendary Durability / Mod-Friendly |
| Miyota 9000 Series | Japan | 28,800 BPH (4Hz) | 42 Hours | Ultra-Thin Profile / High-Beat |
| Sellita SW200-1 | Swiss | 28,800 BPH (4Hz) | 38–41 Hours | Swiss Heritage / Universal Service |
| La Joux-Perret G100 | Swiss | 28,800 BPH (4Hz) | 68 Hours | "Weekend-Proof" / Slim Design |
| Tissot Powermatic 80 | Swiss | 21,600 BPH (3Hz) | 80 Hours | Mass-Market Luxury / Anti-Magnetic |
Watches are not only a way to keep track of time, but also a statement of style and personal taste. Microbrands, in particular, offer unique and innovative timepieces that stand out from the mainstream. One important aspect to consider when choosing a watch is the type of movement that powers it. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the popular automatic watch movements used in microbrands today.
Miyota 9015
The Miyota 9015 is a popular automatic movement manufactured by Citizen, a well-known Japanese watchmaker. This movement is known for its reliability, accuracy, and affordability, making it a popular choice among microbrands. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The Miyota 9015 is also a hacking movement, meaning the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out, making it easier to set the time.
Sellita SW200
The Sellita SW200 is a Swiss-made movement that is similar to the ETA 2824, a well-known and respected movement in the watchmaking industry. The Sellita SW200 is highly reliable and accurate, with a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. It is a popular choice among microbrands due to its quality and affordability compared to its Swiss counterpart.
Seiko NH35A
The Seiko NH35A is a Japanese-made movement that is highly regarded for its reliability and affordability. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The Seiko NH35A is a popular choice among microbrands because of its dependability and affordability, as well as its easy maintenance and servicing.
ETA 2824-2
The ETA 2824-2 is a Swiss-made movement that is known for its reliability and accuracy. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The ETA 2824-2 is a popular choice among microbrands due to its quality and reputation, although it is also more expensive than other movements in its class.
My Thoughts
There are many popular automatic watch movements used in microbrands today, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a watch, it's important to consider the type of movement and what it can offer in terms of reliability, accuracy, and affordability. Whether you opt for a Miyota 9015, Sellita SW200, Seiko NH35A, or ETA 2824-2, you can be sure that you're getting a quality timepiece that will keep ticking for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing the Right Movement in 2026
Q: Is a higher Beat Rate (BPH) always better?
A: A higher beat rate (like the 28,800 BPH in the Miyota 9-series) provides a smoother sweep of the second hand and theoretically better precision because the balance wheel is less affected by shocks. However, lower beat rates (like the 21,600 BPH in the Seiko NH35) generally experience less friction and wear over time, potentially extending the years between required services.
Q: What does "Weekend-Proof" mean in 2026?
A: This is a term for movements with a 60-to-80 hour power reserve (like the La Joux-Perret G100 or the Powermatic 80). It means you can take your watch off on Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without having to reset the time. In 2026, this has become the new benchmark for "premium" automatic watches.
Q: Why do some movements have more "Jewels" than others?
A: Jewels (synthetic rubies) act as low-friction bearings for the gear train. A standard three-hand automatic usually has between 17 and 26 jewels. Having more jewels doesn't necessarily make a watch "better," but it is often required for more complex watches with GMT or Chronograph complications to ensure longevity and accuracy.
Q: How does a "Micro-Rotor" movement differ from a standard automatic?
A: Most automatics have a large oscillating weight (rotor) that sits on top of the movement, adding thickness. A Micro-Rotor (like those increasingly seen in 2026 microbrand dress watches) integrates a smaller weight directly into the movement plate. This allows the watch to be much thinner and provides an unobstructed view of the mechanical bridges through a display caseback.
Q: Is it safe to hand-wind an automatic watch every day?
A: While most modern automatics can be hand-wound, it is generally better to let the rotor do the work. Movements like the Sellita SW200-1 have delicate brass reversing wheels that can experience premature wear if hand-wound aggressively every morning. If the watch is already running, just wear it—the natural motion of your wrist is the most efficient way to keep the mainspring charged.
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