The Magic Lever was introduced by Seiko in 1959 with the purpose of improving the efficiency of the winding system. In other words, it shortens the winding period and allows for a longer power reserve. In comparison to a Swiss style winding system, the Magic Lever is minimalist and requires far fewer parts to accomplish the same task.
The video below shows the Seiko Magic Lever in action.
In Seiko’s own words:
“One key point of the Magic Lever is that its shaft is on an eccentric pin that is outside of the central shaft of the rotor. Therefore, the Magic Lever itself always moves up or down regardless of whether the rotor turns clockwise or anticlockwise.” –source
Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:
Pawl Lever
You may also see the Magic Lever system referred to as the Pawl Lever. For example, the official Seiko tech sheets for the caliber NH3 series lists this as part 0831 183.
Simulation Video
This video also does an excellent job in explaining how the system works:
“This is the autowinding system of seiko watches. It is known as the “magic lever system” since it was built according to the structure of the train wheel system. With this configuration, it allows the ratchet wheel to rotate in a desired direction no matter which direction the oscillating weight is turned. Such design greatly enhances the efficiency of energy saving that is done by converting the kinetic energy from human’s moving to the potential energy storing in the mainspring inside the watch.”
Magic Lever = Non Manual Winding?
No. Although most of the Seiko watches equipped with the Magic Lever have non-manual winding and non-hacking calibers, this is may simply be a coincidence.
The short answer is that many collectors presume that all magic lever watches cannot hand wind. That’s mostly true with exception to 6R15 and other 6R calibers. Either way, the magic lever is so efficient that hand winding is not really necessary, and that’s exactly what Seiko was going for.
Orient Watches
Orient watches also use Seiko’s Magic Lever winding system. The video below does a great job in explaining the differences between this system and a Swiss style winding mechanism:
Seiko movements that DO NOT use Magic Lever:
More Seiko movements use the Magic Lever system than do not, so here is a quick list of Seiko calibers that use a reverser gear train system instead:
- Seiko caliber 4L25
- Seiko caliber 4L75
- Seiko caliber 6L35
- Grand Seiko 9S65 (9S55 used Magic Lever)
- Add more to the comments below…
Trending Comments
ALTO Caliber A01
One of the coolest looking movements I've seen in a long time!
ALTO Caliber A01
What's with these prices. It's 20k and has the same regulating system in my $500…
Sunon Caliber PE11
Sunon is a part of GUANGZHOU Pearl Time Group, PE11 is the only repairable movement…
ETA Caliber 2824-2
Hi Craig, that would be the hour wheel. Tech sheets were added to the caliber…
ALTO Caliber A01
Im usually not into micro-rotor movements but this one is nice. I just wonder if…
Active Caliber Listings
The info from Seiko near the top of this thread says parts not 'convertible' -…
More like saying, my Ferrari-which I had to get their permission to buy-has to be…
>Each beat is a hit at the positive or negative maximum Does this definition mean…
One beat is one tick or tock. Each beat is a hit at the positive…
Buy a 1969 King Seiko 5626-7000. Do so at your own peril because you'll discover…