NH35 vs NH34 vs NH36: Which Seiko Movement Should You Buy?

If you've been shopping for automatic watches, you've seen NH35, NH34, and NH36 everywhere. They're Seiko movements — made in Japan, used by hundreds of microbrands — and they represent the best value in mechanical watchmaking today. But what's the actual difference?

NH35 — the standard automatic

The NH35 is the workhorse. 24 jewels, 21,600 vph, ±10 seconds per day accuracy, and a 41-hour power reserve. No day display, just date. It's in more watches under $500 than any other movement because it's reliable, serviceable, and affordable to source. If you want an automatic watch and don't need a second timezone, NH35 is your movement.

NH34 — the GMT

The NH34 adds a GMT complication — a fourth hand that tracks a second timezone simultaneously. Same power reserve and accuracy as NH35, but now you can track two cities at once. Watches with NH34 cost $50–100 more than NH35 equivalents. Worth it if you actually travel and use the function.

NH36 — date and day

The NH36 adds a day-of-week display to the NH35's date window. Popular in dive watches because knowing the day is genuinely useful. Same accuracy and power reserve.

Which should you buy?

NH35: you want an automatic, no GMT needed. Best value, most choice.
NH34: you travel, you track two time zones, you want a functional GMT complication.
NH36: you want both date and day displayed.

All three are serviceable at any watchmaker familiar with Seiko. Browse our NH35 and NH34 dive watches — all priced fairly, shipped free worldwide.