Miyota 9015 Movement: All You Want to Know

The Miyota 9015 movement is part of Citizen Watch Company’s renowned Miyota Caliber 9000 series. Launched in 2009, the 9015 quickly gained popularity among watchmakers for its blend of precision, slim profile, and cost-effectiveness.

The movement was designed to offer a competitive alternative to Swiss-made automatic movements, providing high-quality performance at a more accessible price point. Its reputation for reliability and accuracy has made it a preferred choice for many independent and microbrand watchmakers.

• Type: Automatic
• Jewels: 24
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph) or 4 Hz
• Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours
• Diameter: 26.00 mm
• Height: 3.90 mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Accuracy: -10 to +30 seconds per day
• Hacking: Yes (seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out)
• Hand-winding: Yes
• Calendar: Date display

The Miyota 9015 and the Seiko NH35 are both popular automatic movements, but they cater to slightly different segments of the market. Here’s how they compare:

• Accuracy: The 9015 is more precise with an accuracy of -10 to +30 seconds per day, compared to the NH35’s -20 to +40 seconds per day.
• Frequency: The 9015 operates at a higher frequency of 28,800 vph, resulting in a smoother sweep of the seconds hand than the NH35’s 21,600 vph.
• Jewels: Both movements feature 24 jewels.
• Power Reserve: The 9015 offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, slightly longer than the NH35’s 41 hours.
• Height: The 9015 is significantly slimmer at 3.90 mm, compared to the NH35’s 5.32 mm, making it more suitable for thinner watch designs.
• Hacking: Both movements have a hacking feature.
• Hand-winding: Both movements allow for hand-winding.
• Date Function: Both movements include a date function.

The Miyota 9015 is used in a variety of watch models, especially those from independent and microbrand watchmakers. Some well-known models featuring the 9015 include:

• Baltic Aquascaphe
• Nodus Retrospect
• Zelos Swordfish
• Christopher Ward C60 Trident

Setting the time and date on a watch with the Miyota 9015 movement is not complicated:

1. Pull the crown out to the first position. This allows you to set the date.
2. Turn the crown to set the desired date. Rotate clockwise to change the date.
3. Pull the crown out to the second position. This stops the seconds hand, allowing for precise time setting (hacking function).
4. Turn the crown to set the desired time. Rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands.
5. Push the crown back in to start the movement. The seconds hand will resume moving, and your time is set.

The Miyota 9015 is equipped with several technical features that contribute to its high performance:

• Parashock Protection: Provides enhanced shock resistance.
• Bidirectional Winding: Efficiently winds the movement in both directions to maintain the power reserve.
• Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials to ensure long-term reliability.
• Slim Profile: Its thin height makes it suitable for a wide range of watch designs, including dress watches.
• Compatibility: The 9015 is often praised for its compatibility with various watch designs and ease of servicing.

The replacement price for a Miyota 9015 movement typically ranges from $80, depending on the supplier and region. This price reflects its higher performance and slim profile compared to other movements in its category.

While the Miyota 9015 is highly regarded, it does have a few shortcomings:

• Rotor Noise: Some users report that the rotor can be relatively noisy during movement, which might be noticeable in quiet environments.
• Date Setting: The quickset date function can sometimes be a bit stiff, requiring more effort to change the date.
• Availability: Due to its popularity, the 9015 can sometimes be in short supply, leading to higher prices and longer lead times for procurement.

The Miyota 9015 stands out as a top-tier movement in the world of watches, offering a blend of precision, reliability, and a slim design. As the demand for this versatile movement continues to grow, it solidifies its place as a cornerstone in the watchmaking industry.

Whether you are a collector or a casual wearer, a watch powered by the Miyota 9015 offers a balance of craftsmanship and performance that is hard to beat.