Seiko Flight Master Automatic Chronograph Review

cazalea · 2014-03-18T14:19:10Z

Detailed review of the Seiko Flight Master automatic column wheel chronograph with 6S37A movement. Explore its titanium case, ceramic bezel, and technical features.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

8 replies6498 views23 photos

Cazalea's 2014 'SEIKO PROFILE' post offers a detailed look at the Seiko Flight Master automatic chronograph, highlighting its technical features and design. This article provides a valuable reference for enthusiasts interested in Seiko's innovative chronograph movements and robust watch construction. Cazalea's personal insights and detailed photography make this a compelling read for both new and seasoned collectors.

This installment of our SEIKO PROFILE series will cover the Seiko Flight Master automatic chronograph with power reserve.

This watch features a number of other nice features of interest to watch enthusiasts, including:

ceramic bezel with compass degree markings
titanium case and bracelet
easily visible, luminous hands
column wheel operation of the chronograph portion of the movement
sapphire crystal front and rear
screwdown crown and locking chrono pushers
water resistance to 10 BAR

The bezel is retained by two brackets that are fastened by screws into the side of the case.

The front, domed crystal has anti-glare coating.

The chrono pushers operate normally with the threaded collars turned in (above) and lock when the collars are (unscrewed) to the outer position.

The movement is nicely finished with a combination of brushing, polishing and textures.

When I press on the start/stop pusher, the lever is lifted out of the castellations on the column wheel.

The watch I own has a 6S37A movement. As you can see by the table below, it is part of a large family of Seiko Chronographs.

Movement	Winding	Date	Power Rsrv	Jewels	Finish	Color
6S37	auto	yes	yes	40	brushed	rhodium
6S77	auto	yes	yes	40	brushed	gold
6S78	auto	yes	no	34	brushed	gold
6S28	auto	yes	no	34	brushed	rhodium
6S74	manual	no	yes	35	stripes	gold
6S99	manual	no	yes	35	skeleton	gold

Here's a Credor version of the same movement, without the power reserve (thus fewer jewels) and with gold plating.

And here's a look through the case back.

NOTE: This is the basis upon which TAG Heuer developed their 1887 movement. President Jean-Christophe Babin explains, “The intellectual property was from Seiko Instruments (SII), which is the engineering company under the Seiko umbrella. Their prime client in watches is Seiko and in 1997, they developed a patent for a new chronograph. When we decided to launch our own chronograph programme, we looked at all the chronographs on the market and the one from SII was the one that fit our needs the best, especially because it featured an oscillating pinion, an invention by Edouard Heuer in 1887. It was also a perfect match for our existing range of chronographs... Rather than [trying to get] around the patent, as other companies might have done, we contacted SII, said you have a great patent, which hasn’t been used very much, so we acquired the intellectual property and elaborated on it. We had the broad freedom to develop our own caliber. Caliber 1887 is our caliber, based on that intellectual property, we have industrialized it, which is the toughest part – being capable of producing the high quality standard at reasonable cost, which is really a tough challenge. We redesigned the movement, following the patent, leading to a movement with different dimensions; the plate is bigger, we have reduced the thickness, and we may add some modules for complications in the future."

That's history, so let's go back to the front of the watch. I love its complicated but business-like look. I'm not sure why; I have pondered this a number of times.

The watch came on a bracelet, but since I didn't have a bracelet tool at work when it arrived, I put on this strap "temporarily." Ten years later and the watch is still on the same strap (Thanks Timefactors). I dug out the bracelet for this post. Here's what the watch was intended to look like.

The links are nicely brushed, with an interesting pattern of shapes.

The buckle is nothing too special but it is brushed on the top surfaces and polished on the sides.

Someday I might put it on.

The supporting materials and packaging get the job done with no nonsense or luxury.

And here's an action shot to finish this profile.

Does anyone out there have one of this family of chronographs?

Cazalea

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-03-18 14:33:24

Key Points from the Discussion

The Seiko Flight Master features a high-quality 8L335 automatic movement, a compass bezel, and an exotic titanium case design, making it a robust and desirable watch.
The watch is highly accurate, with one owner noting it was only 1 second fast over several months, and the titanium case with a ceramic top contributes to its quality.
The 6S37A movement is part of a larger family of Seiko chronographs, and the movement itself is well-finished, showcasing Seiko's commitment to quality.
The Seiko Flight Master is a rare piece, with only a limited number, such as 10, reportedly coming to the USA, making it difficult to find on the market.
The 6S37 movement is notable as one of the few new automatic chronograph movement designs introduced since the 1970s, highlighting its significance in horological innovation.

The Discussion

Hulk

Mar 18, 2014

The movement looks well finished too. Great report including the previous, many thanks. Love this Seiko forum, I have just ordered a SNZH51K due to a recent report and I'm waiting for the right vintage King Seiko to come along. Cheers Steve

Spellbound

Mar 18, 2014

Hey cazalea, This has truly been a fascinating series of posts. Sorry I cannot contribute much as this is a totally new area for me. Fascinating that Tag Heuer turned to SII for a chronograph. Growing up, I heard a lot of "Japanese just copy this or that" I never took much attention a listened quietly to my new Sony Walkman . The Japanese innovated in a number of industries, and I am just learning about their innovation in watches. For this I thank you. Any recommendations for a first Seiko, one

cazalea

Mar 18, 2014

I love this watch. It has a high-quality 8L335 automatic movement that winds and hacks, compass bezel (that can be turned to line up straight, something I failed to do for this picture) very exotic case design, etc. I forget which strap it came on but I like this sting ray. Room on the back to engrave your vital details too, if you wish. Just in case you are found unconscious somewhere It's titanium too, but quite heavy in spite of that. There are a few exotic, low production versions of it. Jus

Spellbound

Mar 18, 2014

Not too keen on the Landmaster, a bit too Bear Grills for my nature, but that Astron Quartz of yours is gorgeous. The hunt is on. Much appreciated, Dean

cazalea

Mar 18, 2014

I just reset the Daylight Savings time on this (yes, yes, I know a bit late) and the watch was 1 second fast since last November. Titanium case with ceramic top Limited Edition. Apparently only 10 came to the USA and luckily I got one of them. Here's the whole kit - leather and rubber straps, regular and deployant buckles, box, etc My receipt reminded me that I bought the watch on my way to a PuristS GTG in LA, on February 29, 2012 Here's a link to the Seiko Technical Data Good luck on the searc

Spellbound

Mar 18, 2014

Unfortunately preliminary searches on the usual major websites show up no results currently on the market. They are proving rare indeed. I might just settle for the new Astron GPS (love the technology). Dean

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