Miyota Watch Movement: A Complete Guide for Watch Enthusiasts

The Miyota watch movement is one of the most popular and reliable Japanese movements used in both affordable and mid-range timepieces. Renowned for its durability, accuracy, and affordability, Miyota has become a favorite among watchmakers and collectors around the world. In this guide, we will explore the different types of Miyota movements, how they compare with other brands, and why they are a top choice in the watch industry.

What is a Miyota Movement?

Miyota is a movement manufacturer owned by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. It was established in 1959 and has since become a trusted source for quartz and mechanical movements. Miyota supplies movements not only to Citizen watches but also to various microbrands and independent watchmakers.

Why Choose Miyota?

Durability: Miyota movements are known for their strong construction and long lifespan.

Accuracy: Especially in their quartz movements, Miyota provides reliable timekeeping.

Affordability: Compared to Swiss movements, Miyota offers excellent quality at a more accessible price.

Types of Miyota Watch Movements

1. Miyota Quartz Movements

The Miyota quartz movement is a battery-powered movement that provides exceptional accuracy and minimal maintenance. One of the most commonly used models is the Miyota 2035, widely used in fashion and casual watches.

2. Miyota Automatic Movements

The Miyota 8215 and Miyota 9015 are two of the most popular automatic movements produced by Miyota. The 8215 is known for its affordability and basic performance, while the 9015 is a higher-grade movement often compared to Swiss ETA 2824.

3. Miyota Mechanical Movements

Mechanical movements by Miyota are hand-wound and are often found in more premium microbrand models. These are favored by traditionalists who prefer a manual winding experience.

Comparison: Miyota vs. Swiss Movements

Miyota movements are often compared with Swiss movements like ETA and Sellita. While Swiss movements are associated with heritage and prestige, Miyota offers similar reliability at a lower cost. Many microbrand watches use Miyota to offer competitive pricing without compromising on performance.

Watches That Use Miyota Movements

Many respected brands use Miyota movements including:

• Citizen
• MVMT
• Invicta
• Lum-Tec
• Undone

Additionally, countless independent and Kickstarter brands rely on Miyota for their affordability and dependability.

What is the difference between Miyota 8215 and 9015?

The Miyota 8215 is a basic automatic movement that is widely used in affordable watches. It has a beat rate of 21,600 bph and does not hack. In contrast, the Miyota 9015 has a higher beat rate of 28,800 bph, includes hacking and hand-winding features, and is considered a premium alternative that competes with Swiss ETA 2824.

Is Miyota better than Seiko movements?

Both Miyota and Seiko offer reliable Japanese watch movements, but they serve slightly different markets. Miyota movements are more commonly used by microbrands due to their availability and ease of sourcing. Seiko movements, on the other hand, are often reserved for Seiko watches and tend to have a stronger brand association. Performance-wise, both are solid options with minimal differences in accuracy and durability at similar price points.

How long do Miyota movements last?

With proper care and maintenance, Miyota movements can last over 10–20 years. Quartz movements tend to have fewer mechanical issues, while automatic movements may require servicing every 3–5 years to ensure longevity.

Is Miyota Movement Good?

In short: yes. Whether you’re new to watches or a seasoned collector, a watch with a Miyota movement offers excellent value. The high availability of spare parts, consistency in quality, and wide industry use make it a reliable choice.