Vaucher Fleurier Caliber SEED VMF 5401 Watch Movement

Caliber Manufacturer	Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A.
Caliber Number	SEED VMH 5401
Movement Type	Automatic
Jewels	29
Vibrations Per Hour	21,600 bph
Power Reserve	50 hours
Diameter	13 1/4”’ (30mm)
Thickness	2.6mm
Number of components	160-250 (depending on variation)
Balance	Variable inertia with gold inertia blocks
Balance Spring	Flat
Winding Direction	Clockwise
Rotor Type	Micro with ceramic ball bearings
Crown Location	3:00
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6:00
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland
Known Models	Carl Suchy & Söhne Waltz N°1

This caliber SEED VHM 5401 is a high-end ebauche manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A., a high-end private label movement company based in Fleurier, Switzerland. Every movement made by Vaucher Fleurier is 100% Swiss made.

Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:

Ultra Thin

The SEED VMF 5401 is an ultra thin movement at only 2.6mm. To achieve this, it makes use of micro-rotor technology.

Private Labeling

Vaucher Fleurier specializes in private label movements made-to-order. In an brief interview with the manufacturer, they said:

“We offer all our calibers to third parties from 10 or 25 units depending on the caliber. From 150-250 units depending on the caliber it is possible to get deeper personalization such as the bridges.”

Basically that means they can handle full customization of the rotor with a minimum order of 10-25 pieces. Full customization and hand-finishing of the bridges for a minimum of 150-250 pieces per order. They can even go as far as adding additional complications for your project.

Watch companies using this movement can technically rename the caliber to their liking or own branding.

Variations

At the time of this post, there are six variations of the SEED VHM 5401 including:

SEED VMF 5401 H,M (hours/minutes)
SEED VMF 5401 H,M/S6H (hours/minutes/small seconds at 6:00)
SEED VMF 5401/180 (skeleton)
SEED VMF 5401/190 (skeleton with moon phase)
SEED VMF 5401/40 (hours/minutes/big date at 12)
SEED VMF 5401/50 (perpetual calendar)

Does SEED have a special meaning?

We contacted Vaucher Fleurier to find out what “SEED” meant before each caliber number:

Yes, the seed as the core and the first step which helps a new brand to blossom. 😉

Carl Suchy & Söhne Waltz N°1

The photo below is of a caliber SEED VHM 5401 found in a Carl Suchy & Söhne Waltz N°1 timepiece. This version is a highly customized VMH 5401/H,M,S6H. Carl Suchy is the only luxury watch brand from Vienna with brand name that has history since 1822.

The extra-thin movement allows the watch to measure at only 9.3mm thick.

“Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, Waltz N°1 is equipped with an adjusted self-winding mechanical VMF 5401 movement by VAUCHER FLEURIER. It offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, and reliability. The extra-thin skeleton movement with gold-plated micro-rotor allows for the Waltz N°1’s slender form, light weight and great wearing comfort.” -Carl Suchy & Söhne

Carl Suchy has chosen not to rename the caliber to their own number, and in fact seem very proud to let the world know their movement was manufactured by Vaucher Fleurier.