[dotwatchworks]

I remember posting awhile back asking about Seiko quartz chrono mov'ts with the sweeping seconds hand and whether Seiko was using them in any of their current line-up. While I got a few answers, and ended up picking up a pretty nice 7T94 chrono...

...it wasn't quite what I was thinking about. Although it's nice, the seconds hand still buzzes slowly all the way around the dial back to 12 o'clock when re-set.

What I'd heard wind of was some flyback chronos, and I'd seen one sample of a flyback with big date at the China Watch Fair earlier this year. I mean like, action on the pushers like a 6139, with the veritable "SNAP" back of the chrono seconds hand. Checking up on the SII site, turned out they're the "VK" series of movements.

So, after a few chats with my buddy Daisuke at SII he hooked me up with these nice SII display watches, made for marketing purposes for employees to wear and for distribution as free samples.

The VK63 has date display, 60min chrono with sweep 1/5 secs hand, 24 hour display, and continuous seconds hand.. (no, the date is not crooked..it's just starting to change)

The VK67 has date display, 12 hour chrono sub-dial, 60min chrono sub dial and sweep 1/5 chrono secs hand, and continuous seconds hand.. (no, the date is not crooked..it's just starting to change)

Both have the very "mechanical watch" feel to them, right down to the pushers that need to be firmly pressed in to snap the chrono in and out of action. The only exception being the continuous seconds hands subdials which still step second by second.

These Japan-made quartz chrono movements are apparently not yet in any Seiko branded watches, but supposedly there are a couple of WIRED models which use them. Also got a sample of each of the movements to dink around with...

Jake B

 

[Sir Les]

Very interesting -- thanks for posting, Jake!

 

[TheTigerUK]

Nice and they are both good looking models imo apart from the sub dial hands that look like the ones you see on lashed up 6139s.

 

[time]

I think they are pretty good looking watches!


also, don't forget the 7L22 with the flyback hand.

 

[dotwatchworks]

I think they are pretty good looking watches!


also, don't forget the 7L22 with the flyback hand.

Ah yes, that's a Kinetic, eh? I really do hope Seiko does choose to slap these VK into some affordable chronos.

 

[dotwatchworks]

Nice and they are both good looking models imo apart from the sub dial hands that look like the ones you see on lashed up 6139s.

Thanks, guys.. Yeah, they're not totally my style, but Ming loves the white one so of course it's now hers. I'd love to see the mov't in a more classic type design (sans carbon fiber) and Seiko branded.

 

[SurfingSeiko]

Nice looking 7T94. Congrats on the duo score. :bravo_2: Enjoy.

Mark

 

[moonraker]

The VK 63 movements seem to be widely available now in Seiko SSB models. I have just picked up a SSB037P2 in the Uk. Nice chronograph but wondering, as the chrono element is mechanical, how accurate is it?
Also, are SII producing a reasonably priced full mechanical chronograph movement now?

 

[time]

The VK 63 movements seem to be widely available now in Seiko SSB models. I have just picked up a SSB037P2 in the Uk. Nice chronograph but wondering, as the chrono element is mechanical, how accurate is it?
Also, are SII producing a reasonably priced full mechanical chronograph movement now?

does the SSB0372P2 have a sweeping chrono hand?

 

[moonraker]

Yes it does and the snap back when re-set. Really strange having a chrono watch with a sweep hand facility , not had one since the mid 1970's 6139 yellow face model, but for under £80 GB it was worth a go. Quality wise it is about the same as a nice Lorus chrono i picked up last year

Jeff

 

[time]

I wonder if there is a solar version of this movement.
I know there are solar chrono's from Seiko that sweep, but not a snap to reset that I know of.

 

[DaveS]

Hi Jake
Sorry to be pedantic but these aren't "flyback" chronos as I understand the term. I know what you mean by your comparison of an instant reset of the chronograph hands compared to the type of quartz which "winds back" the hands to zero, but AFAIK "flyback" means something different. Perhaps I'm wrong? I understood that a "flyback" means that by pressing a single chronograph button during the chronograph operation, the chronograph returns to zero and continues operating without the need to stop, zero and restart the chronograph. This means you can time an event then start to time a second event immediately without having to stop/reset/start. Not sure if I've explained this very well?
Kind regards
Dave

 

[Sir Les]

Spot on, Dave. I couldn't have put it better myself -- which is why I didn't!

 

[moonraker]

I've not seen a solar version of this type of Chrono. Seiko appear to be using the VK63 in Seiko, Pulsar, Alba and wired watches but not in Lorus from what i can see. There are lots of variations under the seiko name different stiles etc particularly in the US.

 

[Kucimo]

I've not seen a solar version of this type of Chrono. Seiko appear to be using the VK63 in Seiko, Pulsar, Alba and wired watches but not in Lorus from what i can see. There are lots of variations under the seiko name different stiles etc particularly in the US.

The Seiko solar diver's chronograph uses the V175.


Kucimo

 

[moonraker]

There are some solar chronos in a catalog on the seiko Japan website that look like the VK63 style but can't see anything in the SII timemodule site that refers to a solar powered VK63 or VK67

 

[moonraker]

I've taken the plunge and bought a heavily reduced citizen chronograph ( not eco drive) Having worn seiko and pulsar for the past 20 odd years, I've got to say i like the citizen ! It is chunky with a nice bracelet and black face and bezel. feels well made also. So now a fully paid up member of this seiko & citizen forum !!

Jeff

 

[Fastest]

Interesting, Jake. Thanks. :great: :great: :great:

 

[axb]

Hi Jake,


Have you considered custom dials for this movement ignoring the second hand, giving a classic two register Chrono look (I realised the other day that many of the watches on my current want list belong to this family)? I'm thinking bullhead, speedmaster, Tudor heritage, and all the lovely 7730 chronos?


Just a thought!

 

[moonraker]

Hi,
Not sure what other members think but........Is the current seiko VK63 flyback chrono range, sold as Seiko SSB xxxx the "Heir Apparent" to the 6139 range? As far as i can see, this is the first mechanical chrono seiko has brought out in so many different colours/styles since the 6139's finished in the late 1970's ? Yes i know the current chrono's are quartz and not automatic like the 6139's but having owned both styles 36 years apart it did make me think !

Jeff