No watch leaves Aying untested, and no component is here just because it looks good. This page shows what is inside the F38 ND and why.
Seiko NH38
We consciously decided against the more commonly used NH35. The NH38 completely omits a date function. No date window, no quick-set mechanism, no additional crown position for it. Fewer moving parts, a cleaner dial layout, a movement that only does what it needs to do.
| Caliber | Seiko NH38 / NH38A |
|---|---|
| Movement type | Automatic with manual winding |
| Hacking seconds | Yes |
| Date function | No, pure 3-hand movement |
| Vibrations | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Jewels | 24 |
| Power reserve | approx. 41 hours |
| Movement diameter | 27.40 mm |
| Movement height | 5.32 mm |
| Winding | Rotor, bidirectional (Magic Lever winding system) |
| Shock protection | Diashock |
Case
| Case material | Stainless steel, brushed with polished chamfer |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 38 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Crown diameter | 7.5 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 47 mm |
| Case height | 12 mm |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on the inside |
| Case weight | 47 g |
| Watch weight (without strap) | 63 g |
| Weight with strap | 78 g |
Why sapphire crystal
The crystal is one of the few areas of a mechanical watch where a functional material advantage is immediately noticeable in everyday life. Sapphire crystal is virtually impossible to scratch under normal wear, unlike mineral glass, which shows visible scratches after months. Despite the higher cost compared to mineral glass, it is not an option for us, but a requirement.
Regulation: Each watch, individually
Factory-standard movements are designed for mass production, not precision. Seiko specifies the NH38, unadjusted, with a timekeeping deviation of up to −20 to +40 seconds per day. Manufacturer specification, measured in one position.
Before an F38 ND leaves our facility, we regulate every single watch by hand in 5 positions instead of the one usual in mass production: dial up, crown up, crown down, crown left, crown right, the positions that actually occur on the wrist in everyday life. Only then does the watch go to shipping.
Unadjusted (factory spec)
After regulation, Baumann Aying
Design, assembly, and quality control in Aying
Design, assembly, as well as quality control and regulation of every watch take place here with us in Aying, not externally, not outsourced. Each F38 ND is individually checked before shipping: rate check, visual inspection, and functional test of the crown and clasp.