The Seiko 8M26A is a robust and specialized analog-digital quartz movement engineered for yacht racing and regatta countdown timing. Building upon the success of previous digital regatta modules like the 8M25A and 8M18A, the 8M26A integrates both analog hands and a digital LCD interface, offering sailors the best of both worlds—classic legibility with digital precision. This hybrid movement was primarily used in Seiko Prospex Marine Master and Sportura Yacht Timer models during the 2000s.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber Number: 8M26A

• Movement Type: Quartz (Analog-Digital Hybrid)

• Display:

  • Analog: Hour, Minute, Central Seconds

  • Digital LCD: Timer, Chronograph, Time, Alarm

• Functions:

  • Standard timekeeping (analog and digital)

  • Yacht countdown timer (adjustable: 1 to 10 minutes)

  • Automatic chronograph start after countdown

  • Stopwatch (up to 99 minutes, 59 seconds)

  • Daily alarm

  • Hourly time signal (chime)

  • Backlight (model dependent)

• Battery Type: CR2025 lithium 3V coin cell

• Battery Life: Approximately 5 years

• Accuracy: ±20 seconds per month

• Reset Required After Battery Change: Yes – AC (All Clear) reset

• Water Resistance: Depends on case model (typically 100–200 meters)

Hybrid Display System

The Seiko 8M26A combines analog hands for quick time reference and digital readouts for sailing-specific functions:

Analog:

• Hour, minute, and second hands

• Operates independently from the digital system (though powered by the same battery)

Digital:

• LCD panel typically shows:

  • Current digital time

  • Countdown minutes/seconds

  • Stopwatch time

  • Alarm time

  • AM/PM or 24-hour mode

  • Active mode indicator (TMR, CHR, ALM, etc.)

This layout provides superior at-a-glance visibility for racing events and standard timekeeping.

Yacht Countdown Timer

The primary function of the 8M26A is its countdown timer, designed for use during pre-race sequences:

• Countdown time adjustable from 1 to 10 minutes

• Audible beeps occur:

  • Once per minute during the countdown

  • Every second during the final 10 seconds

• Once countdown reaches zero, the movement automatically enters stopwatch mode, measuring total race duration

The countdown is displayed digitally, while the analog hands continue to show the current time.

Stopwatch (Chronograph) Mode

• Measures elapsed time up to 99 minutes, 59 seconds

• Can be started manually or automatically post-countdown

• Displayed on the digital screen

• Independent of the analog time display

Alarm Function

• Daily alarm, programmable by hour and minute

• Loud piezoelectric buzzer

• Toggle ON/OFF via digital interface

• Hourly time signal (chime) optional in some models

Button Layout

Watches equipped with the 8M26A typically feature four buttons:

• A (Top Left) – Mode Select (Time → Timer → Chrono → Alarm)

• B (Bottom Left) – Set/Recall/Adjust

• C (Top Right) – Start/Stop (Timer or Chrono)

• D (Bottom Right) – Reset or Value Increase

All buttons are large and responsive, designed for operation while wearing gloves or in wet conditions.

Setting Instructions

Time (Analog and Digital)

1. Press A to enter Time Mode

2. Hold B until seconds start flashing

3. Use C and D to adjust hours, minutes, seconds

4. Press A to exit

In most models, analog time is synced with digital time, and adjusting digital time updates the hands.

Countdown Timer

1. Press A to enter Timer Mode

2. Hold B until minutes flash

3. Use D to adjust (1 to 10 minutes)

4. Press C to start countdown

5. Press C again to pause

6. Press B to reset to the programmed time

Stopwatch

1. Press A to enter Chronograph Mode

2. Press C to start or stop

3. Press B to reset

Alarm

1. Press A to enter Alarm Mode

2. Hold B to enter setting mode

3. Use D to adjust hour, then minute

4. Toggle ON/OFF with B

5. Confirm with A

Battery Replacement & AC Reset

Battery:

• CR2025 3V lithium coin cell

• Replace every ~5 years or if display dims or audio weakens

Reset After Battery Change:

1. Insert the new battery with proper polarity

2. Locate the AC terminal marked on the PCB

3. Use metal tweezers to short the AC terminal to the battery’s negative terminal (case)

4. Hold for 2–3 seconds

5. The screen should flash and hands may reset

6. Reprogram time and functions as needed

Failure to perform AC reset may lead to a blank or frozen display.

Maintenance Guidelines

• No lubrication needed – purely electronic movement

• Replace gaskets during battery service

• Pressure test water-resistant models after resealing

• Rinse after saltwater exposure

• Avoid magnetic interference and strong impacts

Watch Models Using 8M26A

The 8M26A was installed in Seiko Prospex Marine Timer and Sportura Yacht Timer watches. Common features include:

• Large analog hands

• LCD digital window at 6 or 12 o’clock

• Stainless steel or polyurethane cases

• Water resistance typically 100 m or more

• Resin or silicone straps for durability

Reference models include SNAE07, SNAE11, SNAE17, and similar regatta-specific variants.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The Seiko 8M26A is a feature-rich hybrid quartz movement designed specifically for yacht racing professionals. By integrating analog and digital timekeeping with a regatta-ready countdown system, it offers tactical precision, excellent readability, and rugged performance. Whether on deck or on land, the 8M26A stands out as a purpose-built tool for timing mastery in marine sports.