Manufacturer | Hattori aka Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) |
Caliber Number | VK63, VK63A |
Movement Type | Quartz (mecaquartz), battery-powered |
Lignes | 13 1/2”’ |
Diameter | 30.80mm x 29.10mm |
Casing Diameter | 29.10mm |
Height | 5.10mm |
Jewels | 0 |
Frequency | 32,768 Hz |
Accuracy Rating | +/- 20 seconds/month |
Quartz Type | Tuning fork type quartz crystal |
Battery Cell Number | 394 / SR936SW |
Driver | 2 pole stepping motor |
Stem | 0351 177 (351177) / tap 10 or 351892 / tap 11 |
Hand Count | 6 |
Hand Sizes | 1.50mm (hours) / .90mm (minutes) / .38mm (chronograph seconds) / .37mm (chrono minutes) / .32mm (24 hours) |
Functions | Central hours; central minutes; central chronnograph seconds; small seconds at 6:00; 60 minute chronograph counter at 9:00; military time/24 hour indicator at 3:00; date at 4:30 |
Chronograph Layout | 3-6-9 (tri-compax) |
Hacking Seconds? | Yes |
Other Features | Quickset date, electronic circuit reset |
Country of Manufacture | Japan (assembled) |
Known Models | Dan Henry 1963 Racing Chronograph, Pagani Design 1782, Pagani Design Sport (Daytona knockoff), Roue TPS, Vostok-Europe Limousine (Add your watch to the comments below…) |
The SII (Seiko Instruments) caliber VK63 is part of the hybrid mechanical quartz (mechaquartz) movement line. It is a chronograph movement that uses quartz technology for the main functions of the watch and a mechanical module for operating the chronograph. You might find this caliber VK63 listed as being produced by SII aka Hattori aka TMI (Time Module Inc) aka Seiko Instruments Inc. Learn more about the different names here. Other calibers with the same base movement are VK67 and VK83.
Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:
Seiko 6T63 VS VK63:
The SII caliber VK63 is essentially the same as the Seiko 6T63. The main difference is that the VK63 is produced for non-Seiko watch brands under Seiko Instruments. The 6T63 is used in Seiko branded watches such as the SSB025.
VK63 / VK63A / VK63B / VK63C:
The general/base caliber number is VK63, from the VK family of movements, with VK63A being the first version. The subsequent letter variations indicate evolution in the movements development. As of this post, only the VK63A exists, but if there are any upgrades or changes to the movement in the future, the letter will change to VK63B, VK63C, and so on.
Accuracy:
Time Module/Seiko states that the expected accuracy of this movement is less than +/- 20 seconds per month at normal temps.
Expected Battery Life:
The battery life is about 3 years with normal operation. Using the chronograph will drain the battery faster. The 3 years estimate is based on using the chronograph for about 60 minutes per day. If you don’t use the chronograph, you may see a longer battery life. If you use the chrono frequently, you will need to change the battery sooner than 3 years.
Changing the Battery:
The VK63 takes a battery cell number 394 (SR936SW).
After installing a fresh battery cell, remember to reset the circuit by touching the AC terminal of the circuit block (look for an arrow labeled AC pointing to a hole) and the switch spring with your tweezers. After performing the reset, the small seconds hand will jump 2 seconds at a time for 10 seconds.
If you are uncomfortable with performing a circuit reset with the method above, there is another way:
- Pull out the crown two clicks to time setting mode.
- Press the bottom button for 2 seconds.
- Push the crown back in and the small seconds hand should jump in 2 second intervals for 10 seconds.
Replacement Prices:
At the time of this post, replacement prices for the VK63 were found online in the range of about $19.95 to $27.95 USD.
Dial Side Technical Drawing:
Video of VK63 Assembly and Disassembly:
Service Note:
Tech sheets state that the chronograph hand should not be reused once removed. If you remove the chronograph hand, you should replace it with a new one.
Additional Resources:
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