Seiko Dolce

cal. 5S21

Factory Spec. 20 SPM

This is a fairly unremarkable watch with a 20 SPM accuracy rating. It does, however, have one feature that makes it unusual. The movement ticks four times per second and a dampener device sits between the stepper motor and the second hand, smoothing out the ticks so that the hand appears to glide smoothly around the dial. One side effect of the dampening mechanism is that when you hack the seconds to set the time, there follows a build-up of energy that is released when the crown is reset. This causes the second hand to fast forward around the dial and the time ends up about 20 seconds ahead of where it should be.

Cal. 5S42 is the HAQ version (20 SPY) of this movement.

Dolce 5S

Some details for this watch may be missing because the watch is not subject to all the same tests as other watches in my collection.

Parent Company Seiko Holdings Corporation
Brand Seiko
Model Series Dolce
Model Name Dolce
Model Number unknown
Case Number 5A2O
Serial Number 208942
Approx. Date of Manufacture October 1992
Calibre (mvt maker) 5S21
Calibre (brand) 5S21
Factory SPY 20 SPM
TC Appproach none
Frequency (XO 1) 32 kHz
Frequency (XO 2) n/a
Rate Adjustment none
Major Inhibition Period n/a
Minor Inhibition Period unknown
Power Disposable cell
Cell Number SR927SW
Case Back Press (no tool needed for closing)
Water Resistance unknown
Features 3-hand, Roman numerals at 12
  Smooth gliding second hand
Timing Results Basic data  &  Further details
Images Photos - Large File Sizes!
Documents Technical Guide