M.1 AGS of Seiko
In the AGS watches an eccentrically rotating mass drives the Lavet-type generator via a
multiple gear transmission, as is shown in figure 1. With the two-pole generator a
considerable rotor speed is required to obtain a sufficient voltage for charging the
supercapacitor. Therefore, Seiko had to employ a multistage gear transmission in
combination with a complicated electronic up-converter. Charging takes place only when
the generated voltage surmounts the voltages of the capacitor and the rectifier together.
For that reason slow motions of the rotating mass have no effect.
The maximum power reserve of the original AGS keeps the watch functioning for three days.
According to Seiko the latest AGS watch (Seiko Kinetic 5M23) incorporates three
improvements: the generator produces 44% more energy; the Lavet motor needs
35% less energy and a power reserve indication is a added as new feature. When the
button at the twelve o'clock position is pushed, the central second hand moves forward
5, 10, 20 or 30 seconds to indicate a reserve of a few hours or 1, 2, 3 days respectively.
Copyright © by Pieter Doensen
email: doensen@xs4all.nl
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