Sii Caliber Vh31 Drawing

SII Caliber VH31

Sii Caliber Vh31 Drawing

Manufacturer Seiko Instruments Inc. / SII / Hattori / TMI
Caliber Number VH31, VH31A
Type Quartz (mechaquartz)
Lignes
10.5”’
Diameter
23.70mm
Casing Diameter
23.3mm
Height 3.45mm thick
Battery Cell Number 371 (SR920SW)
Battery Life
~2 years
Jewels
2
Frequency 32,768 Hz
Quartz Type Tuning fork type quartz crystal
Stem 351177/tap 10 or 351892/tap 11
Hand Sizes 1.20mm / .70mm / .17mm
Hacking?
Yes
Functions Central hours; central minutes; central seconds
Country of Manufacture Japan
Known Models (Too many to list. Add your watch in the comments below…)

The Seiko Instruments (SII) caliber VH31 is part of the VH family of hybrid mechanical quartz (mechaquartz) movements that Seiko refers to as their Sweep Second Quartz Series. It is a true no-date 3-hander with 2 jewels, made in Japan.

When was the VH31A introduced?

Official technical documentation for the VH31A was found dated as far back as August 2016.

VH31 VS VH31A:

What is the difference between VH31 and VH31A? Nothing. VH31 is the base caliber designation and the trailing letter is an evolution or upgrade indicator, A being the first version produced. At the time of this post, there is not a VH31B and may never be one if Seiko does not feel the need to change anything.

Sweeping Seconds:

As a mecaquartz type of movement, the second hand on the VH31 has a rather smooth sweeping motion, unlike most quartz watches that impulse with a ticking motion. The seconds on a VH31 sweep at 4 beats per second (2Hz) which is slower than a typical automatic (for example the NH35A beats 6 times per second), but much smoother than a regular 1 beat per second quartz.

How TMI describes it:

“Centre second hand moves 4 times per second, resembles mechanical movements.”

Accuracy Rating:

Seiko/Time Module states that the expected accuracy of this calibre is +/- 15 seconds per month at normal operating temperatures of -5C to + 50C (23F – 122F). There is no way to regulate or adjust this movement.

Battery Replacement:

The VH31 battery life is about 2 years. The cell number for replacement is 371 (SR920SW).


To change the battery, use your tool to gently hold the retaining tab to the side, allowing the battery to pop up.

Sii Caliber Vh31 Battery Replacement

VH31 Replacement Prices:

At the time of this post, replacement prices for this movement were found online in the range of $7.95 to $14.95.

TMI/SII/Hattori:

You might find this caliber VH31 listed as being produced by SII aka TMI (Time Module Inc) aka Seiko Instruments Inc. Some are signed SII and others are signed TMI. Learn more about the different names here.

Video of the seconds hand:

Here is a short dial side video to show the smooth sweeping seconds on the VH31. At a quick glance you’d think it was an auto with a stuttering seconds hand!

VH31 Tech Sheets (pdf):

Additional Resources:


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What is a Meca-Quartz Movement? Caliber Corner
9 months ago

[…] seconds hand. Well, no need for that because Seiko already thought of that with their caliber VH31 – a 3-hander mecaquartz caliber with central sweeping seconds […]

Robert Davis
Robert Davis
8 months ago

The DUFA DF-9035-44 uses the VH-31A movement.

trackback
Novedad: Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver - SaFonaGastroCrono
6 months ago

[…] opciones de movimiento son el Miyota 9015 (con o sin fecha) o el meca-quartz VH31 de SEIKO, un cuarzo que ofrece barrido del segundero a 14.400 vph (2 Hz, equivalente cuatro saltos […]

Chris
Chris
4 months ago

Hey, correct me if I am wrong, but looking at the official technical documentation, as well as any other sources on this movement, I don’t think this is a Mecaquartz, but rather simply a regular Quartz Movement with a higher frequency tick, similar to Bulovas Precisionist line with the P102.

Rob Otto
Rob Otto
4 months ago
Reply to  Chris

I think because it’s based on the other mecha quartz chronograph movements. I’m pretty sure it just uses the mechanical part of the sweeping seconds but without the other stopwatch stuff.

Jeff
Jeff
1 month ago
Reply to  Chris

I agree with you. I don’t think people really understand the difference between a quartz watch’s stepper motor and the varying frequencies of ticks it can produce (higher than usual 1 sec = sweep appearance = more battery drain) vs mechaquartz and how the mechanical components provide mechanical chronograph actions (rather than being the key to a “sweeping” seconds hand). It is surprising to see in a page like this though which is so technical… Read more »

johnnyjohnny
johnnyjohnny
1 month ago

a must have for my collection…i’ve the Wolbrook skindiver version. BUT does anyone know if this can be adjusted like a seiko NH35 with the +/- lever if it’s running fast or slow? i’ve looked at a picture and diagram of the movement and don’t see any such lever or adjustment. any help is appreciated. after setting my new mechaquartz watch 3 days ago, it’s 2sec behind. great for a mechanical, but not so great… Read more »

maatt
maatt
1 month ago
Reply to  johnnyjohnny

It’s written in the article
ACCURACY RATING:Seiko/Time Module states that the expected accuracy of this calibre is +/- 15 seconds per month at normal operating temperatures of -5C to + 50C (23F – 122F). There is no way to regulate or adjust this movement.

johnnyjohnny
johnnyjohnny
1 month ago
Reply to  maatt

thanks, i did subsequently find that info about it. but on the other hand, it seems i was off in my observation…it turned about 3 sec slow over a much longer period, that being a few weeks. so it is pretty accurate. thanks for the info again.

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