If you’re researching what MVMT watch to purchase, then you probably are wondering what is the movement behind MVMT watches.
According to the MVMT FAQ page, they went with a Japanese Miyota Precision Quartz Movement, which is one of the most well known in the industry. It’s used in MVMT timepieces. It’s used in Original Grain Watches. It’s used all over the world.
But to the average watch consumer, it begs the question —
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MIYOTA PRECISION QUARTZ?
Before we proceed any further we need to, first of all, understand what watch movements are. Movements are like the brains of the watch and can be likened to the functionality of the engine in a car as it has a similar purpose in driving all the intricate gears and general timekeeping co-ordination. And there is a trio of watch movements available with quartz and mechanical alterations proving the most common among watchmakers.
The Japanese Miyota Precision Quartz is, as evident from its name, a quartz movement mechanism refined and honed under the tutelage of Japanese watch movement manufacturer, Miyota. The company, which was founded just a year shy of 1960 and is under the umbrella of Citizen Watch, averages an astonishing 1.8 million movements per year.
BACKGROUND CHECK
The maiden Japanese precision quartz watch first saw the day of light in the latter part of the 1960’s becoming the first watch that could function without winding. The movement became a manufacturing favorite as the watches were deemed to be 100 times more accurate than the mechanical alternative.
The Japanese precision quartz movement truly came into its own during the decade-long quartz crisis that began in the 1970s. At the time Swiss mechanical movements dominated the market but the inception of the former ushered in a new age where the Swiss were left to feed off scraps due to their reluctance to switch to quartz movements.
Fast forward to 2017 and the Japanese precision quartz movement has experienced considerable success with a host of notable prototypes under the lineage such as the Miyota 8215, 8205 and 9015.
HOW THE JAPANESE MIYOTA PRECISION QUARTZ COMPARES TO SWISS MOVEMENTS
While the Japanese watchmaking industry doesn’t have as rich a history as their Swiss counterparts, it is safe to say that they can more than hold their own against the competition at the moment. The precision quartz movement prides itself in deadly accuracy hence the sobriquet “precision”.
The differences between the pair stem right from manufacturing with the Japanese imploring automated robotics whose accuracy is unrivalled even by Swiss standards. The latter, on the other hand, is more focused on aesthetically appealing designs which are sometimes achieved through hand assembly.
The different approaches to design results in the precision quartz being relatively cheaper compared to Swiss movement watches but make no mistake about it, this is not a sign of below par quality. Its low price tag is down to the little detailing that goes into the manufacturing that alleviates the use of decorations giving it that ‘raw mechanical look’ if you will.
Also, the Japanese Miyota Precision Quartz has limited variations of the same type as, unlike the Swiss movements where many alterations are drawn from a single caliber, their design upgrades mean that the whole mechanism must be reconfigured.
NOTABLE BRANDS THAT IMPLORE JAPANESE MIYOTA PRECISION QUARTZ MOVEMENT
Most watchmakers do not create their own movements but instead buy them separately much like how motor vehicle assembly plants obtain their parts elsewhere and just put them all together and apply the finishing touches. On that note, here are the major brands that incorporate this type of movement:
CASIO
Casio has cemented its position as of the best in durable and pocket-friendly watch varieties with the Baby G-shock and the G-shock itself epitomizing the company’s success. The giant watchmaker’s collection encompasses a brand of products known to hold their own even when put through the wringer and has even been worn by celebrities such as Dwayne The Rock’ Johnson and Tom Cruise.
SEIKO
Also another force to reckon with on the global watchmaking scene, Sieko manufactures products that run on Miyota’s quartz movement mechanism. To substantiate its remarkable success, Sieko watches are a popular choice for major sporting entities like FIFA and has even been implored for timekeeping duties on large events such as Olympics and World Cups.
CITIZEN
Citizen channels the latest in quartz movement technology while also championing the advancement of eco-friendly products. This has seen the company sore to the skies of the horology industry as the almost century-old manufacturer continues to dazzle with its ingenuity.
The Japanese Miyota Precision Quartz continues to be the supporting pillar of horological industry in the country as the movement gains popularity across the global scene with each waking day. This choice of movement is what makes MVMT watches unique. Peruse the different types of MVMT watches and choose one today!