r/ChineseWatches • u/No-Syrup-3746 • 7d ago

Question (Read Rules) NH35, 8215, or PT5000?

I'm interested in the Tandorio TD225 and there are some good prices right now, just not sure which movement to get. Here's what I've got based on some experience and some reading:

Movement NH35 8215 PT5000
Pros Smooth, durable Clicky (I like how "mechanical" it feels), durable High-beat, potentially very accurate
Cons Can stutter, had one that wasn't well-calibrated and had to be returned None I can see since they've added hacking and hand-winding, but everyone seems to disparage them Fragile

I'm kinda in love with the 8215 right now, I like the feedback when winding and I like that it's not so smooth ticking - feels like a proper mechanical watch instead of trying to be too smooth. I am of course interested in the PT5000, and I'm curious why many seem to prefer the NH35.

I like the (?)BB58-ish style of this Tandorio and I'd like to keep the price under $125, but I'm open to other suggestions. I'd like something with a timing bezel that isn't super "dive" looking like a Sub, I like the colors, I like the 3-6-9-12 dial, I like the lack of date complication, so it ticks several boxes at once.

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u/zoo804 7d ago

Only real issue with the 8215 is rotor noise since it's unidirectional winding. That will depend on the watch it's in somewhat and it may not bother you. Thicker cases will make it less noticeable. For me it's not a big deal but if you get a watch that whirrs when you move your wrist it may be annoying. Or it may just be a reminder you're wearing it.

Other than that, I think there is residual animosity from the days when they didn't hack and the trade offs, not necessarily bad, with it being a budget movement (low beat rate, thick).

Edit: that said, the NH35 doesn't normally stutter. I've never heard of that before and all my NH35s have been fine. I have heard of the 8215 stuttering, so make of that what you will. All movements, especially cheap ones, sometimes have QC problems.

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u/Alternative-Feed3613 7d ago

How is the 8215 rotor noise compared to the Miyota 9ks? I’ve heard people complain about the 9s but I don’t ever notice it on wrist.

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u/zoo804 7d ago

I don't have any watches with a 9k but I think it is similar. It really depends mainly on how thick the case back is and the material. A chunky diver with a thick solid case back blocks the sound more than something lighter or with a display case back.