My dad's Seiko 5 has been working fine since more than 30 years. If it breaks down, I'd go all out on servicing it no matter what the cost. It has earned it.

@ezeztztz

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely,still ticking after 30years is incredible.

@DaTryHardCamper

2 жыл бұрын

@@ezeztztz seiko has amazing long lasting moments the 7s is bullet proof. I took a chance on the 6r35 in Hope's it will last 25 years.

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

@@DaTryHardCamper It will. Most entry to mid range Seiko movements are made based on 7s26 with a couple of upgrades for hacking, handwinding, power reserve and thats it more or less. 🙂

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

Of course you should service it and not listen to these snobs who make videos like this while thinking Hamilton Hkaki Field with cheap ETA is worth servicing 😄

@mr.aleximer

Жыл бұрын

So it means i dont need to service my 10year old monster which goes +2 seconds per day?

If you are a collector of Seiko, it pays to learn to service your own watches, especially the less expensive ones. For the price of having one watch serviced, you can buy a basic set of Swiss made tools. Once you learn how to service a watch, you will look at fine watches very differently and appreciate your collection much more.

I have a Seiko 5 which is over 15 years old It has been worn everyday for work and still works well! I am a retired Landscape gardener these watches are bullet proof! Will keep it until one of us dies!

@MR.BUCK_MAN

2 жыл бұрын

hello friend, in the 15 years of time, how frequently did you send the watch for the service? and for the first time, i am planning to buy a seiko 5 limited edition "zoro" so please suggest.. thanks

@VulgarRage

2 жыл бұрын

Not even a Rolex or Patek can keep time accurately 15 years without service. You are either lying, exaggerating the situation or that watch only gives time correctly two times a day.

@DaTryHardCamper

2 жыл бұрын

@@VulgarRage those are higher end with faster movements 4hz 5hz even. The faster the more strain on parts. I've heard of 7s movements lasting 25 years no services if only worn occasionally.

@deanwaller8283

2 жыл бұрын

@@VulgarRage and you clearly know sod all about Seiko

@TheShlips

2 жыл бұрын

'until one of us dies'. thats a great one Steve!

The reason Seiko servicing costs more in proportion to the price of the watch is that the watch itself costs much less, compared with luxury brands. And if my SKX009, which I've had for about five years now, breaks down, I'll still have it serviced instead of buying a new one because its value for me is now much more than its purchase price. So using the term "disposable" is inappropriate (and snobbish) in this case -- it seems to imply the brand is of poor quality.

@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. Servicing a seiko is not any easier that servicing a rolex.

@borb3049

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed with snobbish part, he must be a collector not an enthusiast

@sinjon

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, John P apparently doesn’t know what sentimental value is, just looking at the actual numbers. Very snobbish. My dad got a Seiko for his retirement and you can be damn sure I’ll have that thing serviced. Truth be told, charges for a servicing are probably low because Seiko just slaps a fresh new movement in there. His company not servicing Seikos is forcing customers to pay that $50 shipping fee to Seiko, which raises the overall cost, so he’s just helping to screw the customer

@brownnoise357

2 жыл бұрын

You've actually missed a critically important Point, that is called a Cost Benefit Anakysis Ratio. You use that to see if you have a chance of a Win/Win Opportunity, and it can reveal shocking things if Enotion can be set aside. I'll give a disturbing Cost Benefit Ratio, where 1:1 is Breakeven point, and it came from a recent Cost Benefit analysis of Wind Turbine Generators, which closely matched my fi dings from living with Wind (and Solar) generators when living Off Grid (which ). is the only really useful niche they have, it turns out . Anyway, that Study revealed that the Wind Generator Ratio At Best and Most Optimum, is 0.6 to 1. That means the very best you can hope for, is to lose a Minimum of 40% on your investment. If you add in accelerated wear and Tear for Wind in Marine Environments, it's even Worse. The Best Solar Ratio, is a lot worse than Wind. It's a shocker, right, but it's a Realistic non emotional Real World Reality, that Sensible people are obliged to take into Consideration, especially when it is involving the "investment" of Colossal Amounts of Public Takpayer Funded Money. I must state, that in their proper place, and proper geographical location on the Planet, I am a very big fan of Wind and Solar, but you still need a diesel generator to back them up if you need to run Critical Systems reliably. Best Wishes. Bob. 👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇺🇲

@omegalamda3145

2 жыл бұрын

@@brownnoise357 sorry to say bro, you’re sounding a bit like Johnny P rambling on and on. Yet Johnny is referring to watch enthusiasts not snobbery. I’ve purchased a SEIKO watch in the seventies. It lasted for decades, as I am a Chef the watch never failed under extreme heat, repetitive knife use w/ asian cleavers etc. Your reference to “Cost Benefit Akanaysis Ratio” ?? Began on the wrong foot. Wind Turbines, solar!?? I agree w the person above Sin Jon in that repairing his Fathers retirement Seiko is act of love a point that supersedes all Cost Benefit Analysis Ratios on so many levels. Good luck and take care. I

If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Bring your watch to service when it is necessary, not when the suggested time period is over. And don't send the watch to Seiko, bring it to a local watchmaker.

@user-wv1pj6wh4h

2 ай бұрын

good advise

@user-wv1pj6wh4h

Ай бұрын

yes local watchmaker its the best..

I will continue to service my Seiko automatic divers. They are treasures in my eyes.

@michaelriera6277

4 жыл бұрын

ABSOLUTELY!

@peterblomme2007

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed! Just getting rid of them is not at all ecologic and doesn't take into account the emotional value!

@pulpogigante

4 жыл бұрын

Agree 100% This Dude doesn't make a good point! Bad presentation lost me with the discountinous speech. Forgot to mention SEIKO watches made in the seventies that are now worth 6k US Dollars. Repair cost about 120 US Dollar.

@Kodesterrr

3 жыл бұрын

Where do you get your watch serviced? Directly through seiko?

@Mile-long-list

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry but you can do better. They are disposable 100%.

Yeap that is true, but I have to say they keep working and ticking. I have a Seiko 5 from 1976 and it is still ticking, I would service it with any cost as it has a sentimental value to me.

@AbdulRWatches

Жыл бұрын

@Clyde Johnson nope, never been serviced.

when we talk about this movement like 7S36, this movement can work 30 years without maintenance , from my own experience , what is the benefit of doing maintenance for this watch cost 100$, and work 30 years, i think we should thank seiko for this movenent

@Giuseppe_est.2008

4 жыл бұрын

@rose badran @John p watches that's right. I have a 7020 with 7020 movement for more than 30 years and never had a maintenance service since. It went to Seiko service center once as it was running very fast 5-8 mins a day, it got magnetized. Other than that still good and used it for leisure scuba diving too. Cheers! Awesome videos John P. Keep up the good work and more power to you. Ciao! Giuseppe

@mrp9498

4 жыл бұрын

Rose Badran Yes👍🏼

@scottferkovich8944

4 жыл бұрын

7S26 movement was introduced in 1996. That is 24 years ago, not 30.

@pechadeh

4 жыл бұрын

Scott Ferkovich he said 7s36 🤣

@scottferkovich8944

4 жыл бұрын

@@pechadeh The 7s36 was also introduced in 1996.

I have many Seikos one of which is a 35 year old Seiko 5 given to me by my father when I was 18. Never serviced and still works and keeps time like new, within a few seconds a day. None of my Omega’s, Rolex’s or Panerai even come close in reliability. I just serviced my 50 year old Bellmatic for $100 at my local watchmaker and it keeps great time and will likely last another 20 years with no service required. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Luxury Swiss watches but the Swiss manufacturers have something to learn from Seiko about value and reliability. Just my 2 cents.

@Todd.T

4 жыл бұрын

I have to admit, for reliability, I'm not going to grab any of my Omegas over my Seiko.

@JayB-lz6yd

4 жыл бұрын

BUUUULLSHIIIIT.

@woonfaseng8737

4 жыл бұрын

i dont know about USA , i m from singapore. i am sure that in many parts of east / south east asia and UK, there are many proficient enough watch shop owners/technicians qualified enough to service seiko mechanical watch without sending them back to seiko. they may also know how to buy or source for parts if necessary. for relatively newer seiko e.g. 7s / 4R movements, maybe it is easiest/ cheaper to just get the movement replace with equivalent replaceable model if exact ones cannot be found - instead of servicing them . any watch technician worth their salt can advise you on this

@AbdulMupit

4 жыл бұрын

@@JayB-lz6yd it's you

@mbciuso

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great price. Who’s your local guy?

Just buy a whole new movement and install yourself not that hard.

@zouki42

4 жыл бұрын

Yes 25-35 usd for a nh35 (4r35) on ebay or aliexpress

@mauanderuk

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly and some new seals and off you go.

@Sandman.68.

3 жыл бұрын

I bet that's what seiko do, launch the old movement and drop in a new one, regardless of model.

@Sandman.68.

3 жыл бұрын

Why employ expensive watchmakers to do service, when a few hrs training in removing and installation of a new movement. 😉Logic.

@Nothingtoya

3 жыл бұрын

@@Sandman.68. That's what I figured they did for a lot of the movements. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Grand Seiko do the samething

I’m guessing when Seiko receive lower end watch for servicing they just switch out the old movement and replace with completely new movement of the same type... This would keep labour costs lower.... ?

@marcocastagnetti7086

4 жыл бұрын

Hi there, i contacted Seiko UK a while ago and asked about serviceing a SKX & mm300, the SKX was £130 and yes they replace the movement, with the mm300 since its a jdm model it has to go back to Japan. I don't know about you but since the heart of the watch is the movement, replaceing with a new one doesn't sit well with me, however I know why they do that.

@jamesshaw6363

4 жыл бұрын

Tag Heuer often do the same - I'm sure it's very common for mid budget and lower watches

@mikefusco7215

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. It only makes sense. Movements are disposable.

@michaelriera6277

4 жыл бұрын

This is correct. It's a fast, efficient, cost effective movement swap and new gaskets. Cheaper than a full tear down either cleaning. Not sure why anyone would object. These are inexpensive watches.

@aleximd9244

4 жыл бұрын

Yesyes perfectly right, changing gear. 30 minutes. Go!

I think it comes down to being a watch that when it stops functioning you decide if its sentimental enough to service. But servicing every three years regardless makes little sense

My Seiko 5 diver watch is working fine until now since i bought it 32 years ago, yes since 1992

I just paid to send in a four year old watch to Seiko in New Jersey for repair. This watch was purchased at a reputable jewelry store and had problems since purchasing. I had it back to jewelry store twice before he put in a new capacitor. Now, the calendar is broken and hands go back and forth while trying to set it. The jeweler is telling me he cannot get parts now for Seiko solar and has to be sent in. The repair is over $150.00 with their shipping/fees!!! We own probably six or seven Seiko watches and have never had one like this. We have vintage ones that still run so I feel that I just got a bad watch and no one wants to stand behind it. This watch is only four years old and has had all these issues. I think you’re correct saying what you’re saying because it’s true! After this experience, I will never be purchasing this brand again. I feel that the customer service is very poor and it feels like a cheap production line. Won’t even pay to ship it back after repairs! Unfortunately, this has really changed my opinion regarding Seiko. Go Swiss!!

Seriously was my reason to start learning how to service lower end watches myself. If I make a mistakes it’s never too pricey

Yes, as a Vintage Seiko collector, it’s no problem paying independent watch makers to do overhauls. For my newer ones I’m learning to do my own maintenance so the economics will work out. This is the same economy for entry level Swiss watches. Is it worth it to service a Hamilton Khaki field watch?

I have had 2 SKXs for over 20 years and they just keep going. Will never service them until they stop running, then I’ll just get new movements.

@bigshoe84

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, a new movement and a few tools are way cheaper than getting a service.

I believe this concept applies to other watches as well. Depending on the retail price point of your watch, in 7-10 years your watch will likely be worth less than the cost to service. For me, when it comes to low cost watches, I just replace the movement. I took a online course in basic watch repair and I have found movement replacement to be quite easy, you just have to buy the tools.

@tjlee9901

2 жыл бұрын

that would be something i would be interested in doing , swapping in new seiko mechanical movements for 20 or 30 bucks .

Seiko might very well be changing the entire assembled movement (mass production would make it low cost), therefore only casing and strap is retained.

I don't care if the cost is as much as the watch. My SKX cost $200 to purchase. I will pay that much and maybe a little more for a proper servicing. Especially since my SKX007 and SARB017 are now discontinued.

It's very odd that there are so many vintage Seikos. Especially considering "There is no way to service them". LoL

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

Guy talks BS.

Hello John P. i have worked on watches for 50 years and the biggest problem with Seiko mechanisms is that they never installed a removeable bushing for the upper or lower main spring arbor . When the watch gets dry it eats the upper and lower plates. As your watchmakers know that is the first place Seiko Autos wear out. The mainspring barrel tips and the power to the balance is diminished. Without a new main plate and barrel bridge the plates are shot. The holes can be closed like we would on an old pocket watch or the best way is to replace with jewels. A lot of work for $125.00 to $200.00 watch. That doesn't address the cheep mainspring barrel that is more than likely worn our as well. I guess a quick or more perfect fix would be for Seiko to manufacture a kit with Barrel complete with a new upper and lower replacement barrel arbor bushing. With a proper punch, reamer, and stump the job could be done. It would then last a long long time. Much like the Rolex 3035, fast easy repair to bring barrel back to center and transferring power to gear train and balance. Thanks in advance and look forward to your next video. David

@JohnPWatches

3 жыл бұрын

Great insight! Cheers !

@tjlee9901

2 жыл бұрын

bad design eh ?

I’ve never serviced my Seiko and I don’t plan on doing so. Even my local certified watch dealer and repair shop tells me I won’t need to but if I want to it’s a personal choice. Been going to the same place for years and have yet to have an issue.

Used Seiko USA twice. First for warranty work for SKX007, and service of a vintage 1978 6306 worth well over $1,000 at the time of service. I guarantee this watch wasn’t “worth” the service 20 years ago. So, let’s play: you have an SKX. You love it. It’s cheaper to have it serviced than to get a new one. Barely, but it is. It now has history, you keep a possible heirloom that is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable dive watches ever. You support local business instead of feeding the manufacturing machine, the throw away culture. Your SKX is now ready to live another 10 years for less than an new SKX, which by the way has been discontinued, therefore has been rising in price. My personal experience with SEIKO USA: Very pleased with the service, and their prices were unable to be beaten on the 6306 by any local watchmaker.

I find this video and title very misleading. Of course it doesn't make sense to service a sub-$100 watch. What about a $1000, $2500 or $5000 Seiko watch though? The watches used as number examples are laughable and kinda make for a hit piece. The same with you trash talking Seiko US' service centre without ever having used it. Overall not impressed by this opinion piece, mate.

@wayneturner1336

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I’d go with that. Doesn’t seem very well informed for an expert, seiko has made and I think will probably continue to make solid watches. +\- 4 seconds for cosc, lots of swiss watches don’t make the grade, lots of del ray offerings don’t meet that standard either. I’m using the Seiko USA service Center right now for a monster. No issues. Chapter ring hasn’t been an issue on any of mine(lucky?)and I currently have a 71 seiko on my bench that has run for 49 years without service. I’m not sure what you bring to the table in the way of experience with Seiko to be fair, not Florian but the video host. What’s your history? What do you wear? What service Center’s have you used? What makes a watch disposable for you? Does it need to be less than a specific value? So many questions.

Kind of funny rant by someone who sells Swiss watches. Do the same with Swiss watches at a 3 year service interval with "overhaul" costs and those costs become equally ludicrous. Besides vintage watch enthusiasts who actually wear and use vintage watches, no one services watches every 3 years unless they are in the 1%, and vintage fans rather quickly learn either to do the servicing themselves, to find a local, reasonable watchmaker, or to put their vintage pieces on display rather than in daily use.

Def good info , I’m looking to get my first gen orange monster serviced . May not be worth it I know , but sentimental watch to me one that won’t leave the collection . It was recommend maybe ordering a new movement and have that put in it makes sense monetarily .

@florianhess

4 жыл бұрын

If you are attached to the watch and its history, get it serviced either way.

@jasonemanuel9070

4 жыл бұрын

Have a go yourself, you would be surprised how easy it is.

I have had Seiko watches for years, over 10, and no problems, if they break, they will go in the trash. Servicing is not worth it. I would say maybe higher tiers of Seiko might be worth fixing but not watches 500 and under. Just my opinion. With their price hikes, I will not buy anymore anyway. There are much better microbrands for the same money if not less.

@ZachBie

4 жыл бұрын

Scott SJ I have five Seikos, and feel the same way.

@KarimDeLakarim

4 жыл бұрын

The NH35 Microbrand.

@andyl2726

4 жыл бұрын

Yep

@dyslexicbien

3 жыл бұрын

True

@ranadenikhil07

3 жыл бұрын

@@KarimDeLakarim nailed it

I’ve owned my Seiko Sumo for 7 years & I’ve had a love hate relationship with it. It’s been a money pit to say the least. I’ve had it serviced numerous times, but finally decided to take out the old 6r15 movement and replace it with an N15 movement (same movement as the 6r15). So…. So far it’s running well within specs. In my opinion, after owning several Seikos over the years, if the movements take a dump, just put in another motor.

@tjlee9901

2 жыл бұрын

i have a quartz seiko that is running fine after 35 years , never been serviced except batteries .

I have a Seiko Third diver 6306-7001 watch from 1978 and it still runs great. The watch has many scratches, dents, paint has come off the bezel, and dings from the 40+ years that I have worn it! Never had it serviced. My first diving watch I got from my ships px.

I must admit, I sense a bit of a snob factor here … Seiko make great watches and worth servicing.

I love the Vostok service interval; 10 years. And, of course, you can replace the entire works for $23 or get a new Komandirskie for around $30.

@anteneupitra

9 ай бұрын

well the beat 18000 seiko 21600. it wont last--the wer is too much very agressive

Maybe they just replace the old movement with a new one as the "service"? I mean those 7s26 4r35 are dirt cheap and I'm sure Seiko has plenty of them laying around, explains the price too.

@mrp9498

4 жыл бұрын

Wesley Lu Yup

I have had my seiko SKX 173 for about twenty years because it has a sentimental value to me I sent it to the seiko service center in mawah New Jersey. It cost me about $120.00 to have it serviced. I got a service statement back. It’s like a new watch now. Good for the rest of my life. For many years this was my only watch.

Literally no one services 7s or 4R movements. My Seiko 5 is 20 years old and is still well within spec. You can buy these movements for 20-50 dollars John. You just pay your local guy to put an new movement in... 45 minutes of labor.

@michaelriera6277

4 жыл бұрын

Very true

@ivanmejia6843

Ай бұрын

I had my SKX781 Monster serviced with the 7s26. Well worth it for this discontinued classic to keep everything 100% original.

Serviced a Seiko yesterday, 1982 version, easy to work on, these watches last forever !

Unless it's under warranty I would take it to my local watch repair guy.

This applies to any mechanical watch that trades for under $600 pre-owned. Same general service cost for any movement in a watch in that price range. I get you’re using Seiko as an example but this applies not only to Seiko but also micro brands, Hamilton, etc.

I have used them recently with a grand seiko. Excellent service, I had a really strange warranty issue they took care of it as it was under warranty and it was decently quick.

I had to send in my Grand Seiko Snowflake in for service. I dropped it and the date function stopped working. It took 4.5 months to get my watch back. Very, Very slow. This was sent to New Jersey. I had to call many times for updates. It came back working great, but the turnaround was terrible.

@fire_watch7735

4 жыл бұрын

Common experience

@florianhess

4 жыл бұрын

Was that at the Seiko US service centre?

@treblarefils

4 жыл бұрын

Took my GS 3 months and they scratched the case side

I get my Seiko serviced at my Rolex AD.

John, a great topic! I have thought of this my self. I do easily get a feeling that they are disposable watches due to the service costs. However, if it runs well for years I guess it is ok but if it does not then I have the dilemma facing me again. I rather buy battery powered watches for all their advantages. The cost of changing Grand Seiko battery at their service center is 25€, every 3 years. Much more appealing proposition what you have with a meachanical movement.

Great topic John, just change the battery on an Invicta and it was an absolute PITA, in any event went to advance the date wheel after setting the time and the date wheel broke. Love the watch and had it a long time but WTF? I am cursed and will no longer change any date wheels, its not like I can see them anyway. I digress, back to Seiko big fan and blessed to have several GS's but I do get what your talking about.

@banjopete

4 жыл бұрын

Al Moscola , you’re talking about.

One could gather all the tools they have and attempt to service their watch themselves... No matter what happens, it's a learning experience.

My 20 plus year old Seiko Kinetic had stopped keeping good time, needed a new crystal, the titanium band and case was heavily scratched and the clasp was broken. I sent it in to Seiko US and received an estimate back that was basically equivalent to the price of buying a replacement piece, new old stock or one that at least appeared to be the same identical piece. In other words for $169 I could either restore or replace the piece. For the same money I decided to have the work done. It had never been serviced and was old but having had it so many years it was perhaps a sentimental decision more than anything else? I gave the go ahead and when I got my watch back I was thrilled with the results. The majority of the scratches were gone, I had to look closely to recognize this as my piece. No regrets, I would do it again. Seriously, I suppose this makes me a sentimental fool but I love the fact that this piece has been with me so long and now looks so very good! A new piece would not mean as much to me and for the same money I'm in!

If l had an attachment to the watch, had it on wrist through many life events I would have it serviced , if not I would use it until it wasnt keeping good time then sell it to recoup some of the purchase price.

I have an old Pulsar quartz watch that Seiko now owns. I sent it out and it came back in a reasonable time. Whether I should have cost wise is debatable, it was about $100 to service but the watch had some sentimental value. Probably cost about $150 when I got it, but that’s a while back.

Just subscribed, thanks for your honesty! I have a circa 1989? seiko divers 5H26-7A10 that sat in a drawer for the past 20 years. I opened the back to look and it looks pristine! I'm going to just change the battery. Question: Do you think it will run good with a new battery without ever being serviced but sitting in storage for 20 years? I popped off the frozen bezel and cleaned it. The bezel spring was busted but I don't care, I'll let it free spin. Again, the inside looks brand new. Does it really need lubrication being a quartz movement? Thanks! Steve

I don't service my watches until the break. It's just not cost effective to do it periodically as a preventative measure.

Would you guys service something like an Orient Triton/Neptune? Can you provide an estimate of what a regular clean/lube service (i.e. no damage needing fixing, etc) would cost? Thanks!

Agreed. Same for sub $300 watches using ETA or Sellita movements. Just R&R the movement. Labor is expensive

They are probably just replacing the movements in the lower end watches. I was able to pick up a brand new 4R movement for $35US

I agree with you 100%, John! I suppose that many have emotional connections to their seikos too thereby justifying the spent/wasted cash on service. 3 year service intervals is ridiculous though!

I have bought 4 Seiko watches my daughter and my wife’s broke luckily still under warranty them I bought the Seiko Padi SBDC055 great watch and 2 years ago I got the Seiko Presage brown dial still under warranty but have sent it in twice one time it stopped working and the second time the date setting was loose. Love some of their watches but can’t buy again.

So what is the minimum price a watch should cost before it's worth paying for a service? What do you all think?

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

He has no idea either because he talks BS.

I got a Seiko 5 purchased in Asia for about $150 and about 15 years has already passed without any service. For the last 6 years I've been using it like 5 days a week. It's only 1 minute fast per week. The watch has sentimental value for me now so I'm willing to pay for a service if ever needed.

My watchmaker said the same thing, I won’t have to service my SKX unless I just want to.

does this apply to Grand Seikos?

Interesting topic and brand choice. I am not a Seiko fanatic but I do own two in my collection - a 90's era kinetic and 2005 spring drive. Never serviced the spring drive as it still runs around +3s per month. Not worth the heartache to send to Japan. The kinetic was a gift from my wife in 1997 and required service in 2005 and 2019; around $105 and $160 all in, respectively. Service was quick. NJ call center terrible both times. Could have bought clean pieces of the same watch each time, but it was all about the memory and emotion. I suspect most Seiko owners who pay for Seiko service have an emotional tie.

Really for most lower end Seiko you can just by a replacement movement and have your watchmaker install it. I had a bum 6R15 movement in a watch I really liked and ended up buying a NE15 (the same movement), switched out the date wheel and it's been fine since. For an SKX you could just buy a cheap Seiko 5 with the same movement and switch it out.

@De_Goeij

4 жыл бұрын

Or just buy the movement they cost about $30 to $40.

LOL you're not wrong. Just one or two services you've bought the watch again. They make some great watches and if you LOVE it then it's worth it. If it's a beater then no..it doesnt make sense to service it.

@michaelriera6277

4 жыл бұрын

You really don't need to service every 3 years. That's overkill. 20 years before I finally service my seiko with new movement swap and gaskets for under $200. Seemed fair since it's a watch I want to keep forever.

@JeremiahHartmanPhotography

4 жыл бұрын

@@michaelriera6277 thats totally reasonable

I wouldn't say their servicing costs are high, but just that they are selling their watches at too low price.

The Seiko in your vault is a bellmatic. I have one exactly like it bought in 1973. It has only been serviced twice since then and is currently running ±20 secs per day.

Jon, I wouldn't be surprised if they are simply just dropping in new complete movements in the common lower end watches. I have a vintage manual wound GS that operates just fine but does run fast about +50 seconds a day. I actually e-mailed you guys for service but you guys told me that you don't even touch Grand Seiko. I would like to get it overhauled to get it running as close to spec as possible... any recommendations?

Does seiko just replace the movement instead of overhauling it at the service centre?

The standard rule of thumb for repair vs replacement for most anything is; if the cost to repair something is close to 50% of its value. You don't service it, you replace it. It seems like a pretty good rule of thumb even for watches.

That's the disadvantage of west. We have here watchmakers who repair seikos for peanuts. Full overhaul for skx 007, 80euro all inclusive. The engines are very very easy to service. Spare parts hanging on fences. So, you are measuring with a different metric

@Hve801

4 жыл бұрын

In Mexico it costs around 20 to 60 usd to fix most issues with basic seiko-eta-etc movements. Maybe its just USA/Switzerland problem.

@sergezerkin

4 жыл бұрын

Where do you live

@aleximd9244

4 жыл бұрын

@@sergezerkin bucharest

Just recently used Seiko USA in Mahwah, NJ to resurrect a 2007 vintage Kinetic diver. I had left it laying in a drawer over an overseas deployment for a couple years. Bad idea for the Kinetic, I found out. Anyway, shipped it USPS insured, got a notification of its intake at Mahwah three or four days later. Something right at two weeks later I got notified the repair was complete and my total, minus shipping both ways came out to $171 so just over $200 with shipping for a servicing, new crystal and new capacitor for a piece that had performed well while I wore it and was still in nice shape and has some sentimental value. I'm happy. I have a Gen I Orange Monster that just stopped running after something like 10 or 12 years of use. Am seriously considering sending it in as well. But for running more slowly over the years, it's been a great watch. Terrific Seiko lume! I suspect that maybe the technicians in Mahwah are receiving company funds from other operations. The rates really are reasonable for what gets done to the watches.

It depends on your country status on Philippines you can find a good watch repair man that can do and tear down all the seiko 7s26 and replace the particular parts that needed to change. On your place that seiko divers are considered cheap so you dont mind of throwing it on a bin but for us its kind of gem

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. A full strip down, cleaning, oiling anr re-assembling of a 7s26 in my country costs about 30-40€.

Hey John, what is the gold clock usually behind you with the plane sweep seconds hand?

@PepeDeezNutz

3 жыл бұрын

He got burglarized

My darling wife gave me a SEIKO SPB155-1J "Baby Alpinist" as a Christmas gift about a year and a half ago. Out of the box, it was losing about 16 seconds per day, according to my iPhone. As it was under warranty, there was no charge, just one-way shipping (about $16). It took a few weeks, but I got it back, and the first da of checking, it lost one second. The second day, it lost 22 seconds and has been in that ball park ever since. I have heard that the 6R35 is a temperamental movement, but I have never dropped it or given it a sharp shock of any kind. The serial number matches the one on the box, so I don't think they swapped it out. Anyway, SEIKO USA was very polite over the phone and they were as timely as any other company. Most of the time, I wear a Hamilton Khaki Field (gains about 2-3 seconds per day), but I still wear that SEIKO now and again. It's beautiful, and I'm trying to train myself not to be so anal-retentive. I carry an iPhone around, for cryin' out loud!!

Thanks for the pricing list. Now I know the MM300 with the 8L35movement is at least $400 for servicing.

@marcocastagnetti7086

4 жыл бұрын

I bought the mm300 a few years ago mint for £1000. To have it sent back to Japan for service you wount get much change back from £500 so basically half the watches worth and thats from a £2000 watch new, so not just the dilemma with the skx.

Seiko service center in UAE can be able to service a high end seiko movement such as 8l35, 8l55, 6l35 etc. They can also do a service for GS mechanical and even high beat movements except for the spring drive movement and zaratsu polishing which they still need to send to japan.

Hi, mate. You're right at some points, for sure. But no one at any moment would send a 80 bucks retail watch to the manufacturer to service or fix it!!! these low coast watches have, most of the time, an easy service that could be made for your regular watch service... Don't have to send it to the factory for that!!!! I have several seikos and orients... All they were serviced at my trusted fellow watchmaker service... Makes no sense to me... Ragards...

Question: can I send my watch to seiko and just request a new movement??

Hmmm okay I get your point. I have never had to service my SKX it has been 6 years and it keeps perfect time still. I would like you to do this service price comparison with other watch brands and some higher end watches. I bet you will find examples of this even with the higher end models.

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

Yep...but why touch a precious "swiss made" when you can bash it against Seiko? This applies to all entry level Swiss watches too.

Can I just service the Seiko myself and buy the tools for it? I have a SKX007J. It seems to lose time. I bought it about 8 years ago and haven't had it serviced before.

Ever think that they sercicing the movement and just slapping in a new 7s26 at cost under the hood and shipping it back to you? What is their cost on the movement? 20 something?

@JohnPWatches

4 жыл бұрын

They state they do a disassemble, cleaning, and assemble.

@itstime5390

4 жыл бұрын

@@JohnPWatches i stand corrected. I would think unit cost would be way lower than labor cost.

@michaelriera6277

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, they "disassemble " to remove the old movement , "reassemble " to install the new movement, "clean" the watch so it looks Shiney and new.

I own the Seiko Ananta Spring Drive which cost me around $7500 but I am not sure where to service if I ever need to .

Servicing a 7s26 will always and has alwas come along the same prices as the watch itself. I personally would have a watchmaker service it as Im a collector - but you could also buy a new Seiko 5 from Hongkong for around 100$ and just have the movement replaced at the watchmaker. The 7S series shouldnt be a collection base maybe, but I can only say good about this movements after around 30 of them temporarily in use by me, my daily beater made 7 years before a service was needed (stopped while splitting wood). Manual labor costs and to be honest - no problem with that. One just have to face the follow up cost on these items before purchase, that goes for any mechanical timepiece. Would be interested to know, does someone know a watchmaker for Springdrive in Europe? I don´t like the Seiko service center in my region..

I'm not a watch guy. At all. I have a Seiko Kinetic that my late mother gave me as a gift, and I treasure it the most of all my possessions. That being said, there were no watch repairmen in my area that wanted to touch my watch because "kinetic watches don't have a battery," despite me asking them to replace the *capacitor.* Finally did it myself out of sheer frustration. Had never opened a watch before.

I have had my Seiko 5 Sports serviced twice at Seiko USA. I understand it’s becoming more expensive than just buying a new watch but I love the look of it and I’m fine with paying for the service.

it also depends were you buy the seiko retail stores are at least dubble the price than in the USA or other places iv seen. thats why i got mine serviced not so cheap to buy in Australia

I really like my lowest of the line seiko 5 diver ... bought 2022 in feb for 230 dollars brand new and that is nothing for what you get. it´s not anything special, but it´s my first automatic and im gonna use it as a beater daily just for the fun of it. i recently got a more dressy seiko five from 2010 supercheap and i doubt it ever was serviced...and it works perfectly. Am i going to service my diver ??? well im not gonna spend any money on it and i dont think ill ever be able to do it myself ...but i really like it...sits very well on my wrist and i think i has some nice heft to it.

Sending a skx to an authorised service. Which universe you live in? 🤣 You made a 17 minute video about it. It's even funnier. 🤣🤣🤣

So I sent my 007 to Seiko USA, was going crazy and not keeping time. I ship it to them, they contacted me and said it would cost $200. I said screw it. They explained that they would have to pay to send it back, how about $80. I said OK, and done and done....... I think it's negotiable......

Thank you for your advice, my 40 year old 7A28-7029 was serviced once over 20 years ago. It was $275 new in 1986, a lot of money back then for me. I hardly ever use it now, but I looked at it today and it was not working well. I changed the battery and all is well. It was not listed on the Seiko site, so $154 + shipping and tx. As I have watched some U-Tubers fixing and restoring watches, it would have to take hours to just clean and lube. it would be cheaper to just open the case, trash the movement and put in a new one. I will not be servicing this watch. Time for a new one.

I repaired a Seiko 6432A movement that had the issue of the seconds hand moved but the minute and hour did not. It turns out it was the center wheel pinion slipping. It's supposed to slip when manually setting the time but it had lost any grip at all. I found the part on eBay for $12 delivered from Spain but I ended up finessing the offending part to get it to grip again. It took hours and it was a total strip down to get to it. I'm retired and it's like putting a puzzle together for me.

You just have to justify your $2000-3000 luxury watches over $200-$300 seikos to make yourself believe it's worth it. Military grade field watches are not usually expensive but they lasts.

Fair assessment. Seiko fans must become watchmakers themselves and source a few spare movements to keep their watches alive if they plan on wearing them a lot. Better yet, grab the cheapest possible discounted models that use the same movements, especially the 7S26. The economics of servicing can’t work on “disposable” watches, as well-designed as they may be.

I've had bad luck with a new Orange Monster that ran perfectly for ~6 months then one day decided to stop while advancing the day or date. No shock, not magnetized, still ran fine outside the day/date change interval. I'd say that these are quality fashion watches in a way, if you're lucky to get a good one. Like you said, I haven't even considered returning it under warranty, I'd be an exercise in frustration at this price point as I'm not even sure they won't find excuses for rejecting it. Instead I decided to use it as learning material. Still a very nice beginner's watch, if it runs :)

@Alfa_Holic

Жыл бұрын

Always change the date with the hour hands down the bottom of the dial..ie 6.30

Seikos are disposable...The damn things keep on ticking though. I have had a SKX009 since 2006. Although wowadays it lives mostly in my nightstand drawer, if I'm getting in the pool with the kids, mowing my lawn or wrenching on my car I still grab it...

I just change to a new movement and it's way cheaper. Recently I decided to tinkering the movement and i broke a screw due to over tighten on that 7S26. And what I did was just change it to new movent. And now I'm happy about it because i got hack and handwind. And it only cost me about USD30.

I just sent an old 7s26 watch to seiko USA and it was returned after one month. $161 later I found upon receipt of the watch that it runs for a few seconds then stops. Needless to say I was very disappointed and called them back immediately. They suggested sending it back for re service. I’m only waiting for a shipping label cause I don’t want to pay for shipping again.

For lower end seikos, I would prefer to seek out a local watch maker with a good reputation and walk it in for service or repair. Way more economical and Seiko movements are so common they have plenty of experience with them.

@vaclav_fejt

2 жыл бұрын

How about an Alpinist, though?

I've had 3 Seiko 5s with the 7s26 movement and paid less than $100 for each of them. All 3 stopped running overnight after 4-6 months. You hear people say this is a good movement that will run properly for years but it hasn't been my experience. I switched to Orient and have had no problems with them and they're the same price.

@michaelscott356

2 жыл бұрын

When you say "stopped running overnight after 4-6 months", were you offended because they all stopped when you weren't looking? I don't get it.

@robertbrandywine

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelscott356 Uh, an automatic watch should have enough reserve to keep going over night.

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

@@robertbrandywine This is thr 1st time in my life I hear something like this tbh 😄 My grandpa has almost 30 years old Seiko 5 and never had any issues. I have one with 7s26 and 2 with 4R36, never had issues either even tho i work in the office and my hands are pretty much still for 8 hours typing in a computer. Not a skngle ine stopped on me.

@robertbrandywine

Жыл бұрын

@@predragjo5977 I don't know what to say. Maybe they've changed some parts. Anyway, if you google you'll find many people complaining about them. I went to Orient and have never looked back.

@predragjo5977

Жыл бұрын

@@robertbrandywine I am not denying that a watch can have a problem but I personally have yet to meet someone who had a problem with 7s27. That is a workhorse movement, nothing much can go wrong there. And Btw Orient also belongs to Seiko and their movements share many parts. They are literally the same quality wise.

Instead of servicing a seiko skx, if one wanted to keep your watches case , dial and bezel would buying a donor movement be a way around this? I doubt a 7s26 movement would be that expensive

@JohnPWatches

4 жыл бұрын

The major cost is the labor. So, you could buy a movement for $60 and put it in yourself, though it wont keep great time because it will need a regulation. So, if someone was bored and wanted to learn watchmaking, sure they could save themselves $50.

I have a Seiko Chronograph that my wife gave to me as an engagement gift back in 2002 and it stopped working in 2018, I took it in to get fixed and they told me they would have to replace the entire movement. They tried to get parts and unfortunately they could no longer get parts and now I have at Seiko that I can't get fixed and can no longer use. I love the watch and it looks great, I just wished it was able to be fixed.

Over here a load of Seiko's once turned up at a scrapyard, and it did cause a bit of a hoo-hah at Seiko. I'm not sure if they were warranty claims or watches for repairs/service.. in any case, I saw a bunch of them were in quite tidy condition. It makes me wonder if Seiko just sends a new one rather than service or repair.. so that might make this video about an arguable point.

But of course... Same as servicing a 10 year old Toyota is a high proportion of the residual value. Any Seiko is a watch that will last a lifetime and maybe need servicing every ten years. We should be marvelling at how low the initial cost is. Seems worth it to me.