The Seiko 8F32A is a high-precision quartz movement introduced by Seiko in the late 1990s as part of its elite 8F-series of thermo-compensated perpetual calendar movements. Designed for maximum accuracy and reliability, the 8F32A is a 3-hand analog quartz caliber with a perpetual calendar function that automatically adjusts for months of different lengths, including leap years, until February 28, 2100.

This movement is best known for combining ultra-high accuracy (±20 seconds per year) with low-maintenance performance, offering a 10-year battery life and an elegant date display. It was widely used in mid-to-high-end Seiko dress watches, especially in the Seiko Brightz, Credor, and Grand Seiko Quartz lines.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber Number: 8F32A

• Movement Type: Quartz (High-accuracy, thermo-compensated)

• Display Type: Analog – Hour, Minute, Central Second Hand, Date Window

• Calendar Type: Perpetual Calendar (Correct until 2100)

• Leap Year Calculation: Automatic

• Date Change: Instantaneous (midnight jump)

• Accuracy: ±20 seconds/year (Thermo-compensated quartz oscillator)

• Battery Type: CR2412 (3V lithium coin cell)

• Battery Life: Approximately 10 years

• Power Reserve Indicator: 2-second jump of second hand when battery is low

• Crown Positions:

  • Position 0: Normal (running)

  • Position 1: Date setting

  • Position 2: Time setting

Key Features

1. Perpetual Calendar

• Automatically accounts for:

  • 30- and 31-day months

  • Leap years (including Feb 29)

• No manual date correction needed until March 1, 2100

• Controlled by an internal calendar program with real-time year and month logic

2. Thermo-Compensation

• An internal sensor detects temperature fluctuations

• Adjusts oscillator frequency for stable performance

• Allows ±20 seconds/year accuracy (vs. ±15 seconds/month for standard quartz)

3. Long Battery Life

• Low-power CMOS design

• CR2412 lithium battery provides 10 years of operation

• Power-saving algorithms ensure long-term precision

4. Battery End-of-Life Indicator

• When voltage drops below threshold, second hand begins to move in 2-second intervals

• Watch continues to keep time accurately during this warning phase for several weeks

Setting Instructions

A. Setting the Time

1. Pull crown to second click (Position 2)

2. Rotate clockwise to set hour and minute hands

3. Watch will stop while setting and resume when crown is pushed back in

4. Ensure AM/PM is correct (watch uses 12-hour format)

B. Setting the Date (Manual override if needed)

1. Pull crown to first click (Position 1)

2. Rotate to advance the date

3. Only use if date is incorrect due to battery replacement or reset

4. Date will advance instantly at midnight under normal conditions

Do not set the date manually between 9 PM and 1 AM — this can damage the calendar gear.

Battery Replacement & AC Reset

After 10 years or when the 2-second jump appears, replace the CR2412 battery.

AC Reset Procedure:

1. Open the case back

2. Remove the old battery using plastic tweezers

3. Insert a fresh CR2412 battery (positive side up)

4. Locate the AC (All Clear) terminal on the circuit board

5. Use metal tweezers to short the AC terminal to the battery’s negative pole (case) for 2–3 seconds

6. LCD logic will reset and hands will realign

The perpetual calendar data may be retained briefly without power, but it’s best to recheck the time and date after reset.

Maintenance Notes

• No lubrication required – the movement is fully electronic

• Keep the crown and gaskets in good condition to maintain water resistance

• Avoid magnetic fields, which can affect hand alignment (though the quartz oscillator remains accurate)

• During service, ensure all calendar wheels are aligned correctly after reset

Watch Models Using 8F32A

This movement was used in a number of high-end Seiko quartz models, including:

• Seiko Brightz 8F32 series

• Seiko Grand Seiko SBGT models (early 9F replacements)

• Credor 8F32A dress watches

• Seiko Premier Perpetual Calendar models

Design characteristics often include:

• Clean, simple dials

• Date window at 3 or 6 o’clock

• Stainless steel, titanium, or gold-tone cases

• Sapphire crystal

• Screw-down case backs with “8F32-XXXX” reference

Conclusion

The Seiko 8F32A is one of the most respected high-accuracy quartz movements of its time. Its perpetual calendar, long battery life, and near-mechanical styling made it an ideal choice for watch enthusiasts who wanted precision with elegance. Though surpassed in some ways by Seiko’s 9F series, the 8F32A remains a landmark in quartz horology—still sought after today by collectors and precision-watch fans who appreciate maintenance-free performance with timeless design.