Seiko Kinetic Watches

The Kinetic watch mechanism is an innovation created by Seiko in an attempt to merge the best features of electronic quartz watches with the mechanical self winding mechanism. The result is a watch with the accuracy of quartz that doesn't need batteries. No batteries means less maintenance and less environmental pollution.

In the kinetic watch the movement of the wearer's arm is turned into electricity. This electricity is stored in an electrical storage unit (ESU) and used to power the quartz heart of the watch. The ESU is designed to hold a considerable charge so that even if not worn for som time the watch won't run out of power.

History

Seiko first introduced the technology in 1988 (as "Auto-Quartz") and began using the "Kinetic" name in the 1990s. Over the years they have improved the mechanism to make it smaller and allow it to store more energy. However the mechanisms are still relatively large and Seiko Kinetics are usually sold in men's sizes only.

In 1999 Seiko introdued the Kinetic "Auto Relay". This allows the watch to conserve even more power by putting it into "sleep mode" when not worn. In this mode it continues to keep time but the hands don't move - when the watch is picked up, a few shakes result in the hands setting themselves to the current time then beginning to move again. Since the hand movement takes something like 85% of the watch's power this can extend the life of the power reserve considerably.

The Kinetic watch is not without its critics. Although it doesn't need a battery, it does use an accumulator which itself needs changing occasionally. Some people argue that the need to change the accumulator might counteract much of the environmental benefits and convenience gain promised by the technology.

Seiko Kinetic watches available to buy today include Chronograph and Perpetual calendar models.

This site is not associated with or endorsed by Seiko
Contact an authorised dealer for prices and availability
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners

	All About Clocks, Watches and Time
Seiko Kinetic Watches The Kinetic watch mechanism is an innovation created by Seiko in an attempt to merge the best features of electronic quartz watches with the mechanical self winding mechanism. The result is a watch with the accuracy of quartz that doesn't need batteries. No batteries means less maintenance and less environmental pollution. In the kinetic watch the movement of the wearer's arm is turned into electricity. This electricity is stored in an electrical storage unit (ESU) and used to power the quartz heart of the watch. The ESU is designed to hold a considerable charge so that even if not worn for som time the watch won't run out of power. History Seiko first introduced the technology in 1988 (as "Auto-Quartz") and began using the "Kinetic" name in the 1990s. Over the years they have improved the mechanism to make it smaller and allow it to store more energy. However the mechanisms are still relatively large and Seiko Kinetics are usually sold in men's sizes only. In 1999 Seiko introdued the Kinetic "Auto Relay". This allows the watch to conserve even more power by putting it into "sleep mode" when not worn. In this mode it continues to keep time but the hands don't move - when the watch is picked up, a few shakes result in the hands setting themselves to the current time then beginning to move again. Since the hand movement takes something like 85% of the watch's power this can extend the life of the power reserve considerably. The Kinetic watch is not without its critics. Although it doesn't need a battery, it does use an accumulator which itself needs changing occasionally. Some people argue that the need to change the accumulator might counteract much of the environmental benefits and convenience gain promised by the technology. Seiko Kinetic watches available to buy today include Chronograph and Perpetual calendar models. This site is not associated with or endorsed by Seiko Contact an authorised dealer for prices and availability All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Clocks-Watches-Time / Watches / Makes I-Z / Seiko / Kinetic / All original material copyright © Trevor Mendham 2005-2008. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Please read the site terms of use		Clocks Watches Celebrity Famous Makes A-H Makes I-Z Invicta JLC Longines Luminox Mondaine Oris Panerai Patek Philippe Poljot Rado Rolex Seiko Kinetic Coutura Skagen Tag Heuer Timex Tissot Toywatch Vacheron C. Mechanics Types Store Time Time & Motion More...