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Miyota 8215 vs 9015

Both are Citizen Miyota automatics of about 11.5 lignes, but the 8215 is the older workhorse and the 9015 the thinner, higher-grade, hacking movement.

The 8215 workhorse

The Miyota 8215 is a long-serving automatic of roughly 11.5 lignes. It runs at 21,600 beats per hour, stands around 5.67mm high, and does not hack, meaning the seconds hand keeps sweeping when you pull the crown rather than stopping for precise time-setting. It carries a date and has a distinctive slightly wobbling rotor. Its appeal is ruggedness and low cost, which is why it turns up in so many affordable watches.

The lack of hacking and the taller profile are its defining traits when you compare it against newer designs.

The 9015 upgrade

The Miyota 9015 is the higher-grade movement. It hacks, runs at 28,800 beats per hour for a smoother sweep, and is notably thinner at around 4.35mm. That reduced height is a large part of its popularity, because it lets a maker build a slimmer watch. It is a more refined movement than the 8215 in finish and running.

The higher beat rate and hacking make it the better choice where accuracy of time-setting and a smoother seconds hand matter.

Not a free swap between them

Although both are Miyota automatics of a similar diameter, the roughly 1.3mm difference in height alone changes the case depth each suits, and the stem position and hand-hole sizes must still be checked. Do not assume one drops into a watch built for the other. Confirm height, stem and hand sizes against the datasheet before treating one as a replacement for the other.

Choose the 8215 for cost and toughness, the 9015 for a thinner build, hacking and the faster beat, then verify the physical fit for your case.

Related

Sources: ETA/Sellita/Miyota/Seiko Instruments manufacturer technical sheets · Ranfft movement archive