Seiko

cazalea
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Kinetic Chronograph in MORE THAN 25 WORDS

Fred has crammed an awful lot into a single sentence (or string of word-fragments). And he is right, I was trying to get a few people to help spread a little extra Seiko input beyond snap-shots on the forum there. 

To make this chronograph work, here's what Seiko had to do:

SELF-GENERATED POWER & STORAGE 

• Develop a way to utilize electricity that is generated on a unreliable schedule, storing what comes in bursts (of movement of the owner's wrist) and releasing it gradually as needed. 
• A rotor, 1:100 gearing train, and magnetically-suspended frictionless armature that turns from 10,000-100,000 RPM 
• Power was first stored in a capactitor but later utilized a lithium ion power cell (not exactly a watch or hearing aid battery - instead a rechargeable cell)
• The chronograph generator produces 3 times the energy of a regular Kinetic watch

NOTE -  Kinetic-generator watches sold best in countries with high environmental consciousness (no need for battery every 1-2 years), outdoor activity-oriented (Japanese too sedentary) and low ambient temperatures and limited sunlight. ie Northern Europe (long sleeves). In more temperate climates where people wear short sleeves and have lots of sunlight, solar is an attractive alternative power source.

LIMITED POWER CONSUMPTION

• Seiko created a quartz timekeeping circuit needing less than 1/10 the power of a normal quartz watch
• They developed several pulse motors that would take much less power than normal. 
• The mechanical chronograph module allows resetting the chrono hands with springs and cams, rather than powering them back into place as Seiko's battery quartz watches do.
• In addition, Seiko developed the "sleep" mode as mentioned by Fred so that less energy would be used if the watch sensed it was not being worn (no incoming power).

DISTINCTIVE DISPLAY & WATER RESISTANT CASES

• The most kinetic chronographs used a 5-crystal case front, with 5 tiny glass crystals, all sealed up to 10 BAR water resistance. 
• Achieving water resistance with the unusual shape of the case, with its separate curves in three dimensions was a challenge Seiko first overcame thanks to designer Jorg Hysek (he penned some Seiko Kinetic watches). This was essential given the user was expected to be an outdoorsy, active type.
• The Kinetic powerplant also helped with water-tightness, as the watch was not expected to be opened for perhaps 10 years or more (no battery changes).

SOPHISTICATED MOVEMENT

• Seiko built an attractive movement module that looks like a fully mechanical watch through the transparent caseback. Geneva strips, machine-turned circles, gold-filled lettering, 38 jewels, etc. etc.
• The investment in a precision, high-bearing-count movement also ensured a long life.

FOR A REVIEW OF WATCHES WITH THIS MOVEMENT, LOOK HERE

Cazalea

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