High-Frequency Watch Movements Overview
Complications

High-Frequency Watch Movements Overview

By KMII · Oct 26, 2017 · 42 replies
KMII
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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f ๐• in ๐Ÿ’ฌ โœ‰ ๐Ÿ”—

KMII initiates a comprehensive overview of high-frequency watches and calibers, inviting the community to contribute to a definitive resource. This thread is invaluable for understanding the historical and technical landscape of movements beating faster than 28,800 vibrations per hour, a critical aspect of horological precision and innovation. KMII's detailed initial list provides a strong foundation for this collaborative exploration.

For some reason I have gotten bitten by the frenetic sound and the romantic promise of high frequency watches - i.e. those beating faster than 28.800 vph. 

I started my journey in the topic with my Eterna Sevenday Fastbeat, which got joined by the Grand Seiko SBGH035 soon after and the Elprimero powered P15 more recently. One more joined in the meantime - on which more shortly. 




I was wondering if there was a good overview of which manufacturers used or use hi frequency movements (book or thread form)? If not I would find it quite exciting compiling something of the sort here wink

So, the ones I know of so far:
- A. Dunhill (5Hz, EP)
- AP (6Hz, Cal. 2908)
- AS (5Hz, Cal. 1852, 1854, 1855, 1920)
- Bettlach (5Hz, Cal. 8040)
- Blancpain (5Hz, F385)
- Breguet (10Hz, 589F, 574DR)
- Buren (5Hz, Cal. 82)
- Carl F. Bucherer (5Hz, ETA2824)
- Citizen (5Hz, Cal. 7230, 6Hz, Cal. 5800)
- Chopard (8Hz, Cal. 01.09-L)
- Cyma (5Hz, AS1852, ETA2732)
- Czapek (5Hz, Vaucher SXH3)
- Daniel Roth (5Hz, EP)
- De Bethune (5Hz, DB28MC CHR)
- Doxa (5Hz, Cal. 72, AS1855, ETA2732)
- Ebel (5Hz, 215, AS1920, Cal 134, Cal 136 (EP Cal. 3019PHC, Cal.  40.0, Cal 400))
- Eberhard (5Hz, Cal. 257)
- Ernest Borel (5Hz)
- Eterna (5Hz, Cal. 2732)
- Excelsior Park (5Hz)
- Favre-Leuba (5Hz, FL1164)
- Felca (5Hz, Cal. 4177)
- GP (5Hz, Gyromatic Cal. 30, 32, 42.1, 42.4 440, 444, 444-427)
- Hamilton (5Hz, AS1920)
- Longines (5Hz, Ultrachron Cal. 430, 431, 432, 433, 6952, 6972)
- Lucien Piccard (5Hz, AS1920)
- Mido (5Hz, Cal. 1157, ETA2837)
- Minerva (50Hz, Cal. 42)
- Montblanc (50Hz but only for chronograph, not the movement, MB M66-25 & MB M66.26)
- Movado (5Hz, Cal. 405, 408, 3019PHC)
- Orient (5Hz, 12,5 Ligne)
- Panerai (5Hz, EP)
- Parmigiani Fleurier (5Hz, Cal. 400Z, 14Hz, Senfine - prototype)
- Piaget (5Hz, 4P, 6N, 6P1)
- Seiko (5Hz (5740C, 614x, 615x, 618x, 452x, 458x, 8800, 9S85, 9S86) & 6Hz in Credor GBBX998, and up to 16Hz on chronometric trial Cal. 52, 8Hz in the King Seiko 49999 (not serially produced) & 50Hz in Cal. 8941 (10 minute stopwatch))
- Synchron (5Hz, AS1855)
- TAG Heuer (5Hz, Cal. 36 (EP), 6Hz (Grand Carrera Pendulum - prototype only) and 50Hz for chronograph, Cal. 360)
- Technos (5Hz, ETA2734)
- Titoni (5Hz, ETA2832)
- UN (5Hz, NB11QU, based on ETA2826)
- Zenith (5Hz, El Primero, 15Hz, Defy Lab, 18 Hz for Cal. 9100 and 50Hz for chronograph)
- XiangYiang (5Hz, SD2)
- Zodiac (5Hz, Cal. 88, 86)

Here is a list of ETA Hi-Beat movements in addition (some seen above, for others still looking for watches that used them):
- 1510, 1536, 2732, 2734, 2738, 2806, 2807, 2812, 2813, 2817, 2819, 2823, 2826 (not to be confused with 2826-2, which is not Hi-Beat), 2827, 2832, 2837, 2838, 2839, 2850, 2878. 

There are others that made use of the ElPrimero movement, too. 

But what else am I missing? Any ideas on sources or additional brands / watches highly welcome!

Thanks in advance smile

About the Horological Meandering Ref. SBGH035

The Grand Seiko SBGH035 is a limited edition model that features a distinctive dial and a high-beat movement. This reference is part of Grand Seiko's mechanical collection, known for its precision and robust construction. It represents a specific aesthetic within the brand's offerings, appealing to collectors who appreciate subtle design variations and technical performance. The watch maintains the core principles of Grand Seiko's design language while offering a unique visual identity through its dial. It is a notable example of the brand's approach to limited production runs.

The SBGH035 is housed in a stainless steel case, characteristic of many Grand Seiko models, and features a sapphire crystal. It is powered by a high-beat mechanical movement, which operates at a higher frequency than standard movements, contributing to its accuracy. The case dimensions are consistent with other watches in its series, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. The movement offers a substantial power reserve, ensuring reliable operation over an extended period. The construction emphasizes durability and precision engineering.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Grand Seiko with a unique dial and the technical advantages of a high-beat caliber. Its limited edition status adds to its desirability among enthusiasts. The SBGH035 fits into the broader Grand Seiko lineup as a special variant that showcases both the brand's manufacturing capabilities and its attention to detail in design. It is a piece that highlights the brand's commitment to mechanical watchmaking.

Specifications

Caliber
9S85
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
CA
cazalea
Oct 26, 2017

I guess we should define high-beat ourselves, or should we use the Mfr's terminology? You are calling watches that are faster than 28,800 High Beat, yet Seiko used the term Hi-Beat quite loosely in some instances, when they moved from 21,600 to 28,800. I have one of those around somewhere... Sounds like a fun research project. Shall we collaborate, and write the definitive tome? Cazalea

AL
Alkiro1
Oct 26, 2017

The AP is the Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP escapement. I found the Buren Calibre 82 (5 Hz) Best wishes Alkiro

KM
KMII
Oct 26, 2017

Rolex did use an El Primero but in a de-tuned, 28,800 vph version. And yes, I am talking about faster than 28,800 Seiko was not the only one to use the term in this way, JLC for instance did, too

KM
KMII
Oct 26, 2017

Do you know of any others, too? You seem to shoot such things from the hip

RO
Ron_W
Oct 26, 2017

One of the first was the 1935 introduction by Minerva of a 360,000 A/h movement, Calibre number 42. This allowed the sweep second hand to complete one sweep each second with 1/100 second precision. (from watch-wiki.net ) This will make an impressive list i think. Good hunting !

KM
KMII
Oct 26, 2017

But it's still in prototype stage, like the new Zenith Defy Lab, IIRC. Thanks a lot! Added the Longines in the meantime and the Minerva will follow ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

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