Seiko S026A – Technical Guide

The Seiko S026A is a digital-only quartz LCD movement developed in the early 2000s for use in slim, rectangular Seiko digital watches. As a continuation of Seiko’s minimalist digital movement line (following modules like S021A through S025A), the S026A was designed with a focus on core functionality, battery efficiency, and refined styling—making it ideal for everyday use, especially in formal or business-oriented digital timepieces.

Movement Overview

The S026A is a compact, low-power digital quartz movement, offering all essential timekeeping functions in a small and elegant form.

Key Functions:

• Time display (12-hour format)

• Full calendar (day, date, month)

• Daily alarm

• Hourly time signal (chime)

• Stopwatch (1/100 second, up to 60 minutes)

• Backlight (electroluminescent or micro-LED, depending on model)

Battery Type: CR2016 lithium coin cell
Estimated Battery Life: 2–3 years (depending on backlight/alarm usage)

Display and Watch Design

The S026A movement is most often found in rectangular and ultra-thin digital watches. These timepieces were marketed toward users who wanted clean design, simple operation, and no unnecessary bulk.

Display Features:

• Large numeric digits for hours and minutes

• Smaller segments for seconds, AM/PM, and day of the week

• Visual indicators for alarm and chime status

• Soft-glow backlight for low-light use

Watch Characteristics:

• Case width: 30–36 mm

• Thickness: 6–8 mm

• Crystal: Mineral glass or acrylic

• Materials: Stainless steel or chrome-plated brass

• Caseback: Snap-on or screw-down (typically marked S026-xxxx)

• Water Resistance: Usually 30 meters

• Strap: Leather strap or integrated metal bracelet

These watches are lightweight, understated, and ideal for both men and women looking for a subtle digital timepiece.

Button Configuration and Use

The S026A operates with 3 or 4 side buttons, depending on the specific model design:

• Mode (bottom-left): Switches between Time → Alarm → Stopwatch → Calendar

• Set (bottom-right): Enters setting mode and confirms adjustments

• Start/Advance (top-right): Adjusts values or starts/stops the stopwatch

• Light (top-left, if present): Activates the backlight

Setting Instructions

Set the Time and Calendar:

1. Press Mode to enter time mode.

2. Hold Set until the hour digits flash.

3. Use Start/Advance to change the hour.

4. Press Mode to cycle through minutes, seconds, month, date, and day.

5. Press Set again to save and exit.

Set the Alarm:

1. Press Mode to enter alarm mode.

2. Hold Set until the alarm hour flashes.

3. Adjust hour and minute using Start/Advance.

4. Confirm with Set.

5. Toggle alarm/chime ON/OFF by pressing Start/Advance or using a combo button press (model-dependent).

Use the Stopwatch:

• Enter stopwatch mode via Mode.

• Press Start to begin or pause.

• Press or hold Set to reset.

Maintenance and Servicing

The S026A is a dependable movement, but like all digital modules, it requires periodic attention:

Service Tips:

• Use a CR2016 battery and replace every 2–3 years

• Perform an AC reset after battery change if display appears blank (short AC pad to battery with tweezers)

• Replace gaskets when servicing to retain water resistance

• Handle LCD carefully—avoid pressure or static discharge

• Backlight performance may fade with time and cannot usually be replaced

Notable Models Featuring S026A

Seiko used the S026A in several refined digital watches, particularly models like:

• S026-5000 / S026-5009 / S026-5010

• Clean rectangular or curved steel cases

• Minimal dial markings with integrated or leather straps

• Marketed under Seiko’s standard Quartz Digital series

These models are now recognized among vintage collectors for their slim design and daily practicality.

Final Thoughts

The Seiko S026A is a fine representation of Seiko’s dedication to functional minimalism in digital timekeeping. It delivers everything a digital wearer needs—time, calendar, alarm, stopwatch—in a sleek and stylish package. Whether you're an enthusiast of retro digital designs or simply looking for a reliable and elegant quartz watch, the S026A-powered models remain a timeless choice.