The Seiko 4N01B is a miniature quartz movement designed for two-hand analog time display (hour and minute only). It belongs to the 4N-series of thin, low-power, non-complicated movements, often found in women’s watches and slim men’s dress models.
Thanks to its compact dimensions, reliable quartz timekeeping, and low maintenance, the 4N01B has become a long-standing choice in the Seiko lineup for elegant, affordable time-only watches.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Seiko 4N01B |
| Movement Type | Quartz (analog) |
| Functions | Hour and minute hands |
| Calendar | None |
| Jewels | 0 (dry-running) |
| Accuracy | ±15 seconds per month |
| Battery Type | SR521SW (1.55V silver oxide) |
| Battery Life | ~2 years |
| Hacking Seconds | No |
| Reset Capability | Yes (via AC reset pin) |
| Movement Diameter | ~15.3 mm (6¾ lignes) |
| Movement Height | ~1.95 mm |
Two-hand layout: hour and minute
No seconds hand — reduces power consumption and contributes to a minimal design
Used in fashion-forward or professional slim watch designs
No date or day display
No power reserve indicator
Keeps overall size and parts count minimal, improving durability and serviceability
| Crown Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Position 0 | Normal operation (running mode) |
| Position 1 | Time setting (hour and minute hands) |
No quickset functions required
Hands rotate smoothly in time-setting mode
Non-hacking: movement continues operating during setting
| Battery | SR521SW (1.55V silver oxide) |
|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | ~2 years |
| Operating Voltage | 1.2–1.6V |
| Power Consumption | Very low (no second or calendar drive) |
After inserting a new battery:
Locate the AC (All Clear) reset contact near the battery well
Use non-metallic tweezers or plastic-tipped probe
Short the AC pin to the battery’s positive terminal (+)
Hold for 2–3 seconds
Movement will resume ticking (if applicable) or hands will move on next setting
Failure to reset may result in the watch appearing “dead” even with a good battery.
The 4N01B is a sealed, dry-running movement with no jewels and no lubrication requirements.
Every 2–3 years (battery change and contact cleaning)
Replace movement if there are motor or circuit faults
| Component | Care Tip |
|---|---|
| Battery contacts | Clean with isopropyl alcohol or a fiberglass pen |
| Movement cavity | Blow out with dry air; avoid moisture |
| Hands | Use non-magnetic tweezers during removal/install |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Watch stops suddenly | Dead or incorrectly seated battery | Replace battery and ensure firm contact |
| Hands don’t move | AC reset not performed | Perform AC reset as outlined above |
| Time inaccurate (drift) | Age-related oscillator deviation | Replace entire movement |
| Hands loose or misaligned | Improper hand setting | Reinstall hands using correct tools |
The Seiko 4N01B is used in:
Slim Seiko Quartz dress watches
Women’s models with small case diameters
Entry-level Seiko fashion watches (often JDM or export lines)
Watches marked 4N01-xxxx on the caseback
28–32 mm case sizes
No seconds hand or date window
Polished or sunburst dials
Clean, classic styling
Water resistance usually minimal (30m or none)
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Movement | Seiko 4N01B |
| Display | Two-hand (hour and minute) |
| Calendar | None |
| Battery | SR521SW (1.55V) |
| Battery Life | ~2 years |
| Accuracy | ±15 seconds/month |
| Jewels | 0 (dry-running) |
| Thickness | ~1.95 mm |
| Reset Required | Yes (via AC pin after battery change) |
| Used In | Slim Seiko dress watches and ladies' models |
The Seiko 4N01B is a straightforward and highly efficient movement, perfect for slim, minimalist timepieces. Though simple in design, it is durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. For watchmakers and collectors, it represents Seiko’s commitment to reliable quartz engineering even in the most compact formats.
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