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1 | Thank_you for purchasing the Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch . |
2 | The Spring Drive is Seiko 's unique mechanism in which the mainspring is wound by the natural motions of the user and accuracy is controlled by a microelectronics quartz mechanism while using the unwinding power of the mainspring to move the hands . |
3 | The Spring Drive powered by natural motions of the user can be called a watch that strongly combines and connects the user with the latest advancements in technology . |
4 | A mechanical watch of taste and refinement with an accuracy equivalent to a quartz watch , this sophisticated and innovative watch ticks in step with the pace of a person 's life . |
5 | This is a watch that creates a lifestyle for modern individuals who seek affluence and convenience in their life . That is what the Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch is all about . |
6 | Grand Seiko 's history symbolizes the culmination of efforts and development aiming for better practical watches . |
7 | The Grand Seiko watch was born in 1960 , reached the very top in the mechanical watch field around the world at the end of the 1960's . |
8 | After a hiatus of dozen years or_so , in 1993 , the Grand Seiko 9F series equipped with world_-_class quartz movement was released . |
9 | In 1998 , the 9S series mechanical movement that combined traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology was developed to reintroduce the Grand Seiko mechanical caliber . |
10 | While using the unwinding power of the mainspring as its sole power source , the new mechanism Spring Drive realizes an average monthly rate of ± 15 seconds ( For Cal. 9R96 , 9R16 and 9R15 , ± 10 seconds ) , substantially exceeding the accuracy of conventional mechanical watches . The watch also embodies the concepts of Grand Seiko that continues the challenge of creating the best practical watch . |
11 | Let 's start from the drive method of a watch . |
12 | The method for driving a watch is divided into two types . They are mechanical type and quartz type . |
13 | In a mechanical watch , the mainspring is wound and its unwinding power moves the hands . |
14 | Amazing mechanism created by high quality workmanship , and admiration goes to skilled craftsmen with passion . |
15 | You can feel the appreciation and personal touch of the craftsmen in the ticking sound . |
16 | On the other hand , with quartz watches , the quartz is oscillated by a battery and the hands are turned by a motor . It is characterized by accuracy using state_-_of_-_the_-_art technology . |
17 | What is the Spring Drive like ? This is not a mechanical watch or a quartz watch . In one word , this is a “ mechanical watch having accuracy equivalent to a quartz watch . ” |
18 | The Spring Drive is a self_-_contained drive system that realizes accuracy equivalent to a quartz watch with only the power of the mainspring and has no battery , motor , or secondary battery . |
19 | Accuracy of monthly rate of ± 15 seconds ( daily rate of ± 1 second ) ※ equivalent to a quartz watch is achieved while using a mainspring . |
20 | The Spring Drive is Seiko 's proprietary mechanism which is made available only by SEIKO 's unique combination of skills in both mechanical and electronic micro_-_engineering . |
21 | Then , how could it be possible to achieve such a degree of accuracy ? That is explained on the next page . |
22 | The power of the mainspring is regulated by electronic control . That is the essence of the Spring Drive . |
23 | What controls the accuracy of a mechanical watch is the balance spring , a part of the speed_-_regulating unit , called the balance . This part influences the accuracy to some extent because it is made of metal which expands and contracts with changes in temperature . |
24 | The Spring Drive is completely different from a mechanical watch in this speed_-_regulating unit . |
25 | The Spring Drive is powered by a mainspring , but adopts an electronic speed_-_regulating unit comprising a generator , IC circuit , and crystal oscillator . |
26 | In a_little more detail , at the end of the train wheel that moves the hands , a series of speed increasing wheels with a rotor are provided . |
27 | The unwinding power of the mainspring rotates the rotor , generating electricity in the coil to drive the crystal oscillator and IC . |
28 | The IC controls the spinning speed of the rotor by applying and releasing the electromagnetic brake , while comparing the accuracy of the electric signals generated by the crystal oscillator and the spinning speed of the rotor . |
29 | In addition , by making the energy transfer of the train wheel efficient and adopting an IC that drives with low power consumption , power reserve of more than 72 hours far exceeding normal mechanical watches is realized . |
30 | An unprecedented drive system which offers quartz accuracy . This is the Spring Drive . |
31 | Here is the step_-_by_-_step description of the Spring Drive in an easy_-_to_-_understand manner . |
32 | This is how the Spring Drive works . |
33 | 1 Mainspring |
34 | The mainspring is wound by rotation of the rotor ( or by turning of the crown ) , and its unwinding power is the sole power source . |
35 | 2 Gear train <bull> hands |
36 | The unwinding power of the mainspring is transmitted via the gear train to move the hands . |
37 | No motor or battery is mounted . |
38 | 2 Tri_-_synchro regulator |
39 | The unwinding power of the mainspring also rotates the glide wheel . This generates small electricity in the coil to drive the IC and crystal oscillator . |
40 | At the same time , an electric magnetic field is generated on the glide wheel . The IC detects the spinning speed of the glide wheel based on the accuracy of the electric signals of the crystal oscillator , and adjusts the spinning speed of the glide wheel while applying and releasing the electromagnetic brake . |
41 | Differences between the Spring Drive and mechanical watch |
42 | For the Spring Drive , the mainspring is wound and the unwinding power of the mainspring moves the hands in the same manner as the mechanical watch . It differs from the mechanical watch only in the speed - regulating unit ( mechanism for controlling accuracy ) . |
43 | ◎ Temperature change |
44 | Accuracy of mechanical watches depends on a balance spring attached to a part called the balance . This part has properties for expanding and contracting with temperature changes , and influences the accuracy of a watch . |
45 | Accuracy of the Spring Drive is never largely influenced by temperature changes like that of mechanical watches since the crystal oscillator controls it . |
46 | ◎ Difference in position |
47 | For mechanical watches , the accuracy is influenced even by a difference in position or direction of a watch . This is also caused by the balance that controls the accuracy of mechanical watches . Due to the difference in position , the area where the shaft of the balance contacts with other parts differs , and such differences in resistance influence the accuracy . |
48 | As the Spring Drive adopts a crystal oscillator not a balance , the accuracy is not influenced by a difference in position . |
49 | ◎ Impact |
50 | Mechanical watches are susceptible to impacts . |
51 | If a mechanical watch was subject to impact , amplitude of vibration of the balance ( angle for which the balance rotates right and left ) is changed , and even the form of the balance spring is changed . |
52 | In this regard , the Spring Drive is superior to mechanical watches in impact resistance because it adopts a crystal oscillator not a balance . |
53 | ◎ Overhaul |
54 | Parts that become worn or severely damaged are the balance , pallet fork , and escape wheel <amp> pinion which are collectively called the speed - regulating unit or escapement . These parts “ come into contact or collide ” mutually and control unwinding of the mainspring . |
55 | For the Spring Drive , wear and damage occur less than mechanical watches since the spinning speed of the rotor is adjusted by a “ contact_-_free ” electromagnetic brake . |
56 | However , as the structure of gear train is the same as mechanical watches , abrasion powder may be generated by contact of the wheels <amp> pinions . |
57 | An overhaul is recommended every three to four years . |
58 | How to wind the main spring |
59 | ○ This watch is an automatic winding type ( with manual winding function ) . |
60 | ○ The mainspring can be sufficiently wound automatically by natural movement of the arm while it is worn on the wrist . |
61 | In addition , the mainspring can be wound by turning the crown . |
62 | Please see the power reserve indicator to check the level of the remaining power . |
63 | ○ When starting to use a stopped watch , it is recommended that you turn the crown to wind the mainspring . To wind the mainspring , turn the crown at the normal position clockwise ( 12 o'clock direction ) slowly . If you turn the crown counterclockwise ( 6 o'clock direction ) , it will turn free . Five full rotations of the crown will provide the power to run the watch for approximately ten hours . |
64 | ○ If you wear the watch for twelve hours per day consecutively for three to five days , the watch will be fully wound . |
65 | Inspection and adjustment by disassembly and cleaning ( overhaul ) |
66 | ○ Periodic inspection and adjustment by disassembly and cleaning ( overhaul ) is recommended approximately once every 3 to 4 years in order to maintain optimal performance of the watch for a long time . |
67 | ○ The movement of this watch has a structure that consistent pressure is applied on its power_-_transmitting wheels . |
68 | To ensure these parts work together properly , periodic inspection including cleaning of parts and movement , oiling , adjustment of accuracy , functional check and replacement of worn parts is needed . |
69 | Inspection and adjustment by disassembly and cleaning ( overhaul ) within 3 to 4 years from the date of purchase is highly recommended for long_-_time use of your watch . |
70 | According_to use conditions , the oil retaining condition of your watch mechanical parts may deteriorate , abrasion of the parts may occur due to contamination of oil , which may ultimately lead the watch to stop . |
71 | As the parts such_as the gasket may deteriorate , water_-_resistant performance may be impaired due to intrusion of perspiration and moisture . |
72 | Please contact the retailer from whom the watch was purchased for inspection and adjustment by disassembly and cleaning ( overhaul ) . |
73 | For replacement of parts , please specify “ GRAND SEIKO GENUINE PARTS ” . |
74 | When asking for inspection and adjustment by disassembly and cleaning ( overhaul ) , make sure that the gasket and push pin are also replaced with new ones . |
75 | ○ When your watch is inspected and adjusted by disassembly and cleaning ( overhauled ) , the movement of your watch may be replaced . |