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.
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
@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
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.
@@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. 🙂
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 😄
thas you funkin problem,, for sure it didnt worked for 30 years,, he had it kept in anyplace for further repair cause thsoe watches loose precision. They are cheap watches kept by poor people, that never have money for the profissionals services ! Ima profissional watchemaker.seikos are garbage. unless they ahve a professional revision, they kee+p with their precison,, oit cost 100 to do it.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
I tied to grow up in the 60's and 70's when watch accuracy was a real challenge. I remember calling a phone number a couple of times per week to set my watch and the wall clock in case the person who was assigned to the winding task forgot. Coordinated Universal Time on short wave radio was an awesome discovery for me. Along came Seiko Quartz and now I had a tool that worked. I tried a couple of mechanical watches after quartz and meh, top drawer dresser after a few weeks. I have never had a seiko or citizen Quartz watch that crapped the bed on me, outside of a battery or a strap failure. I need a watch in order to feel fully dressed. Sorry, Quartz or better yet PCAT watches are where it is at for me, But I still love these videos, keep up the good work!
Me i had a 40 years old seiko 5 gave by my father its still working ..when time comes that it will stop working ill bring it on the repair shop .and im planning to gave it on my child on future
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
I have a 5 year old seiko on which the automatic charging feature broke, they wanted to charge me 450 euros to fix just the automatic charging system on a 1200 euro watch, btw the thing still works when you manually charge it. Like honestly I might have had a particularly bad experience but I am not buying anything expensive from this brand again, to me it seems you need to just accept that they are unserviceable.
If you get a Grand Seiko quartz 9F, you can forget about serving for 50yrs on these all metal movements, that can be regulated if you get quartz drift. Grand Seiko have never needed to do that in 25yrs since the movement was released. Or just buy a spring drive Grand Seiko?
Lol he has a point!!! I bought a seiko sarb033 and it needs a service and it will cost half of the price of the watch price!!! Probably not going to bother.
Absolutely, you're right. But of us watchenthusiasts own a Weishi n regulate themselves. I do this with Seiko, Citizen, Vostock, even Sinn. Its vry interesting, how accurate y can regulate cheap watches. Should they stop working throw, buy new... Rolex, Omega, of course belong into service.
Sending a watch to the manufacturer for service is a big mistake. If you find a good watchmaker which is difficult to find these days, service is much cheaper. No way does the Seiko SKX require service every 3 years. More like every 10 years or more.
It's not that the high service costs make Seikos disposable, its just that Seikos are really affordable, it costs a bit more than a service just to get one new! Unlike G-Shocks, Seikos are meant to be passed on to the next generation regardless of cost.
As someone stated below just buy a new movement, if say you can’t get a good price on a genuine seiko 4r35 just get the non branded version (nh35) and tell your customers you’ll replace the whole movement (explain the non branded thing if that’s route you took) giving them them basically a brand new watch and then have them come back after some time for a free (or discounted) regulation😁
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.
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 :)
My father always had Seiko 5 watches and alot of his family had Seiko watches , he never had any issues with them I have a few Seiko watches they are reliable , good value for the money and the quality is very good.
Bad 4r36 movement in my Seiko Turtle. I’ve already been out quite a bit on repair of this timepiece, still not running right. I just ordered a NH36 that my friend will be dropping in to replace the 4r13. I paid $36.00 US. Should be back to normal after this!
To pay $200 for service on a 30 yr old watch and have it last another 30 yrs which is probably not produced anymore and probably no where to be found and purchased. I’ll take it.
Even if you took Seiko at their word at needing a service every 3 years, most people have a collection where the majority are "at rest" while they cycle through the collection, so they're probably not going to get 3 years of running. Interesting to hear how they charge a low labour charge if the're doing things correctly. Maybe they just get a few watches that are simply magnetised / quick fix, and it all averages out?
I had a Seiko SLA021J1. I sent it to NJ Seiko Service Center. The beat error had increased dramatically with losing time. When I got the watch back it was dirty and damaged. Terrible since I was a true diehard Seiko fan. I dumped the brand in a whole.
Seiko service center in Mahwah NJ is mediocre at best. Why service a Seiko? My mother gave me a Seiko as a highschool graduation gift. I plan to keep the watch forever so it needs servicing. After 20 years sent to Seiko for a movement swap and new gaskets for under $200. Slow as snail but the work was acceptable and cheap. hoping to keep for another 20 years before servicing again. Don't see why anyone would object to a new movement swap instead of a costly time consuming overhaul. These are inexpensive watches.
I own 3 Seiko Autos, 2 of which I've had serviced for, let's just say, too much. I dropped one & the other gained a minute a day. Now, I've vowed to myself, I will not spend another penny to have them serviced again. Hopefully they will run steady long after I'm dead & can be handed down to kids and grandkids. I also own a Quartz Kinetic, a Quartz Solar & a 30 y/o standard Quartz. These, on the other hand, should run many years without servicing, except for an occasional battery changes on the latter.
They probably just swap the movement out and/or have it serviced in a place where they can pay the wat h makers $3-5/h, for the 7S35 and SR35 range stuff.
I disagree. Any automatic or decent Seiko quartz can be saved and not “disposable” however, you need to factor in the service cost. I would only replace the moment or service once they stop. The reason I wouldn’t “dispose” of them is because these watches most likely you have an attachment to them. They’ve been with you through thick and thin. It’s worth it but anything more than $200 no thanks.
I think it depends on the timepiece? I have a beautiful 6t63-00b0 which only retailed for $200 or so, it cost about $150 including shipping to get it serviced at a dealership in NJ. They replaced the battery and did a beautiful job polishing up the crystal and all the stainless steel. Now, my Tudor Prince Date Tiger is going to cost me about $1,000 to get fully serviced and I'm not even sure if that covers the in-house movements. That I am absolutely dreading.
I’m wearing my SKX007 right now! I have much much nicer watches that keep way better time, but it’s my lucky watch since it was my only watch in university. Need all the luck I can get these days...
Nonsense. Cheap Seikos use low cost mass produced movements. They cost around 40 USD. All you have to do is to buy a movement and replace it yourself. I guess a watchmaker would not charge a lot to do it since is is way less labor than an actual movement service.
I know people that have had Seikos for 20 years without a service and they are fine...if anything happened to one of my Seikos I would just swap the movement...mind you I am the process of doing the same thing with my BB ETA.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
@@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.
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.
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
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. 👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇲
@@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
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 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.
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.
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
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.... ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hamilton? How you dare to call "swiss made" DISPOSABLE? Thats blasphemy! Only Seiko and other non "Swiss made" are disposable!.....i am sick of it. Sold my hamilton just because I got sick of "swiss made" BS. Long live Japan!!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
So,In your opinion which low/ mid tier watch doesn't have the problems that you say Seiko has? Instead of deconstructing SEIKO,How about some Positive Information! You are all negative here and We don't need this negativity!Recommend a watch in this price range that does NOT have these problems! Please answer?
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.
I haven't serviced my seiko in 15 years, yeah it runs a bit fast at 20 sec a day. A big fucking deal! I dont have the time to care about something so trivial as long as the daily deviation is too much to the point that renders the watch unusable which it currently isnt.
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.
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.
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 $200. Seemed fair since it's a watch I want to keep forever.
Hi, mate. You're right at some points, for sure. But no one at any moment would send a 80 bucks retail watch to the manufacturer to service or fix it!!! these low coast watches have, most of the time, an easy service that could be made for your regular watch service... Don't have to send it to the factory for that!!!! I have several seikos and orients... All they were serviced at my trusted fellow watchmaker service... Makes no sense to me... Ragards...
Yeap that is true, but I have to say they keep working and ticking. I have a Seiko 5 from 1976 and it is still ticking, I would service it with any cost as it has a sentimental value to me.
@Clyde Johnson nope, never been serviced.
when we talk about this movement like 7S36, this movement can work 30 years without maintenance , from my own experience , what is the benefit of doing maintenance for this watch cost 100$, and work 30 years, i think we should thank seiko for this movenent
@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
Rose Badran Yes👍🏼
7S26 movement was introduced in 1996. That is 24 years ago, not 30.
Scott Ferkovich he said 7s36 🤣
@@pechadeh The 7s36 was also introduced in 1996.
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.
@@ezeztztztz 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.
@@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. 🙂
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 😄
So it means i dont need to service my 10year old monster which goes +2 seconds per day?
thas you funkin problem,, for sure it didnt worked for 30 years,, he had it kept in anyplace for further repair cause thsoe watches loose precision.
They are cheap watches kept by poor people, that never have money for the profissionals services !
Ima profissional watchemaker.seikos are garbage. unless they ahve a professional revision, they kee+p with their precison,, oit cost 100 to do it.
I will continue to service my Seiko automatic divers. They are treasures in my eyes.
ABSOLUTELY!
Agreed! Just getting rid of them is not at all ecologic and doesn't take into account the emotional value!
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.
Where do you get your watch serviced? Directly through seiko?
Sorry but you can do better. They are disposable 100%.
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.
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’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.
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 .
If you are attached to the watch and its history, get it serviced either way.
Have a go yourself, you would be surprised how easy it is.
I tied to grow up in the 60's and 70's when watch accuracy was a real challenge. I remember calling a phone number a couple of times per week to set my watch and the wall clock in case the person who was assigned to the winding task forgot. Coordinated Universal Time on short wave radio was an awesome discovery for me.
Along came Seiko Quartz and now I had a tool that worked. I tried a couple of mechanical watches after quartz and meh, top drawer dresser after a few weeks.
I have never had a seiko or citizen Quartz watch that crapped the bed on me, outside of a battery or a strap failure.
I need a watch in order to feel fully dressed. Sorry, Quartz or better yet PCAT watches are where it is at for me,
But I still love these videos, keep up the good work!
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.
well the beat 18000 seiko 21600. it wont last--the wer is too much very agressive
Serviced a Seiko yesterday, 1982 version, easy to work on, these watches last forever !
Me i had a 40 years old seiko 5 gave by my father its still working ..when time comes that it will stop working ill bring it on the repair shop .and im planning to gave it on my child on future
Hi,my friend i have a quartz breitling.they want to service it every 2 years.and a complete service every 4-6 years.
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
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.
Where do you live
@@sergezerkin bucharest
I have a 5 year old seiko on which the automatic charging feature broke, they wanted to charge me 450 euros to fix just the automatic charging system on a 1200 euro watch, btw the thing still works when you manually charge it. Like honestly I might have had a particularly bad experience but I am not buying anything expensive from this brand again, to me it seems you need to just accept that they are unserviceable.
If you get a Grand Seiko quartz 9F, you can forget about serving for 50yrs on these all metal movements, that can be regulated if you get quartz drift. Grand Seiko have never needed to do that in 25yrs since the movement was released. Or just buy a spring drive Grand Seiko?
You done an excellent job of presenting Seiko. It sounds like they are the Timex of the Orient. I am glad I am a Omega watch person.
Lol he has a point!!! I bought a seiko sarb033 and it needs a service and it will cost half of the price of the watch price!!! Probably not going to bother.
Absolutely, you're right. But of us watchenthusiasts own a Weishi n regulate themselves. I do this with Seiko, Citizen, Vostock, even Sinn. Its vry interesting, how accurate y can regulate cheap watches. Should they stop working throw, buy new... Rolex, Omega, of course belong into service.
Sending a watch to the manufacturer for service is a big mistake. If you find a good watchmaker which is difficult to find these days, service is much cheaper. No way does the Seiko SKX require service every 3 years. More like every 10 years or more.
It's not that the high service costs make Seikos disposable, its just that Seikos are really affordable, it costs a bit more than a service just to get one new! Unlike G-Shocks, Seikos are meant to be passed on to the next generation regardless of cost.
Bravo!
As someone stated below just buy a new movement, if say you can’t get a good price on a genuine seiko 4r35 just get the non branded version (nh35) and tell your customers you’ll replace the whole movement (explain the non branded thing if that’s route you took) giving them them basically a brand new watch and then have them come back after some time for a free (or discounted) regulation😁
Thanks for the pricing list. Now I know the MM300 with the 8L35movement is at least $400 for servicing.
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.
I have two 35yrs Seiko quartz watches, perfectly working, just need to replace batteries, HaHa!
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 :)
Always change the date with the hour hands down the bottom of the dial..ie 6.30
I love SEIKO Automatic Watches, but I did find this video very interesting.
My father always had Seiko 5 watches and alot of his family had Seiko watches , he never had any issues with them I have a few Seiko watches they are reliable , good value for the money and the quality is very good.
Bad 4r36 movement in my Seiko Turtle. I’ve already been out quite a bit on repair of this timepiece, still not running right. I just ordered a NH36 that my friend will be dropping in to replace the 4r13. I paid $36.00 US. Should be back to normal after this!
Friendo, got that right, Seiko is eating your lunch.
To pay $200 for service on a 30 yr old watch and have it last another 30 yrs which is probably not produced anymore and probably no where to be found and purchased. I’ll take it.
seiko is in a class by itself iconic, reliable and gets the job done!
So what is the minimum price a watch should cost before it's worth paying for a service? What do you all think?
He has no idea either because he talks BS.
Seiko 4R movements major service in India at SEIKO AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTER is just USD 20 😅…. Just come over here
Even if you took Seiko at their word at needing a service every 3 years, most people have a collection where the majority are "at rest" while they cycle through the collection, so they're probably not going to get 3 years of running. Interesting to hear how they charge a low labour charge if the're doing things correctly. Maybe they just get a few watches that are simply magnetised / quick fix, and it all averages out?
Depends on the Seiko.
It may not be economical to service a seiko, but as its Japanese made it will never stop running anyway.
I had a Seiko SLA021J1. I sent it to NJ Seiko Service Center. The beat error had increased dramatically with losing time. When I got the watch back it was dirty and damaged. Terrible since I was a true diehard Seiko fan. I dumped the brand in a whole.
Seiko service center in Mahwah NJ is mediocre at best. Why service a Seiko? My mother gave me a Seiko as a highschool graduation gift. I plan to keep the watch forever so it needs servicing. After 20 years sent to Seiko for a movement swap and new gaskets for under $200. Slow as snail but the work was acceptable and cheap. hoping to keep for another 20 years before servicing again. Don't see why anyone would object to a new movement swap instead of a costly time consuming overhaul. These are inexpensive watches.
Cheaper to buy new ones unless you have a credor, grand Seiko, spring drive Seikos, some presage models, and discontinued non replaceable items.
Question: can I send my watch to seiko and just request a new movement??
I own 3 Seiko Autos, 2 of which I've had serviced for, let's just say, too much. I dropped one & the other gained a minute a day. Now, I've vowed to myself, I will not spend another penny to have them serviced again. Hopefully they will run steady long after I'm dead & can be handed down to kids and grandkids. I also own a Quartz Kinetic, a Quartz Solar & a 30 y/o standard Quartz. These, on the other hand, should run many years without servicing, except for an occasional battery changes on the latter.
If you want accuracy and an upgrade on your SKX, buy the Islander watches.
I used to work with a guy who thought $600 watches were the sweet spot... and would service them like this. I never understood it...
Yup I left my Seiko 5 at Seiko the estimate was more expensive
You told them to keep it?
John P Watches they asked credit card information to send it to me I didn’t answer
They probably just swap the movement out and/or have it serviced in a place where they can pay the wat h makers $3-5/h, for the 7S35 and SR35 range stuff.
You don't service Seiko's once they are off warranty. They are disposable watches. Grand Seiko is a different story.
I disagree. Any automatic or decent Seiko quartz can be saved and not “disposable” however, you need to factor in the service cost. I would only replace the moment or service once they stop. The reason I wouldn’t “dispose” of them is because these watches most likely you have an attachment to them. They’ve been with you through thick and thin. It’s worth it but anything more than $200 no thanks.
I think it depends on the timepiece? I have a beautiful 6t63-00b0 which only retailed for $200 or so, it cost about $150 including shipping to get it serviced at a dealership in NJ. They replaced the battery and did a beautiful job polishing up the crystal and all the stainless steel. Now, my Tudor Prince Date Tiger is going to cost me about $1,000 to get fully serviced and I'm not even sure if that covers the in-house movements. That I am absolutely dreading.
I’m wearing my SKX007 right now! I have much much nicer watches that keep way better time, but it’s my lucky watch since it was my only watch in university. Need all the luck I can get these days...
You’ll be OK
Nonsense. Cheap Seikos use low cost mass produced movements. They cost around 40 USD.
All you have to do is to buy a movement and replace it yourself. I guess a watchmaker would not charge a lot to do it since is is way less labor than an actual movement service.
Like I would bring my old BMW to a BMW dealership for repairs! Either do it yoursellf or take it to a non brand mechanic after the warranty.
Any watch under 500 is pretty much a nonservice disposable item.
i love marinmaster 200
I know people that have had Seikos for 20 years without a service and they are fine...if anything happened to one of my Seikos I would just swap the movement...mind you I am the process of doing the same thing with my BB ETA.
What happened to your BB that it already needs a service? I know it's over 5 years old, but it still seems a bit soon.
for me the vintages are worth the service cost
Too hard to just get a new movement, was it...
An NH35 can be bought for $50
And you don't need ro service every 3 years.
This is why I stick to AFFORDABLE QUARTZ watches like G-Shock.
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.
In many cases you can affordably swap the movement.
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.
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!
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
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.
@@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.
@@VulgarRage and you clearly know sod all about Seiko
'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.
Indeed. Servicing a seiko is not any easier that servicing a rolex.
Agreed with snobbish part, he must be a collector not an enthusiast
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
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. 👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇲
@@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
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.
Agreed, a new movement and a few tools are way cheaper than getting a service.
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?
Just buy a whole new movement and install yourself not that hard.
Yes 25-35 usd for a nh35 (4r35) on ebay or aliexpress
Exactly and some new seals and off you go.
I bet that's what seiko do, launch the old movement and drop in a new one, regardless of model.
Why employ expensive watchmakers to do service, when a few hrs training in removing and installation of a new movement. 😉Logic.
@@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 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.
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.
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
It's very odd that there are so many vintage Seikos. Especially considering "There is no way to service them". LoL
Guy talks BS.
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.... ?
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.
Tag Heuer often do the same - I'm sure it's very common for mid budget and lower watches
I agree. It only makes sense. Movements are disposable.
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.
Yesyes perfectly right, changing gear. 30 minutes. Go!
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.
that would be something i would be interested in doing , swapping in new seiko mechanical movements for 20 or 30 bucks .
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.
Scott SJ I have five Seikos, and feel the same way.
The NH35 Microbrand.
Yep
True
@@KarimDeLakarim nailed it
Disposable?! 😂
I had a Hamilton Khaki field. That was DISPOSABLE! 😂
PS- the most emotional, opinionated watch brand collectors are Rolex collectors. 😂
Hamilton? How you dare to call "swiss made" DISPOSABLE? Thats blasphemy! Only Seiko and other non "Swiss made" are disposable!.....i am sick of it. Sold my hamilton just because I got sick of "swiss made" BS. Long live Japan!!!
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.
I have to admit, for reliability, I'm not going to grab any of my Omegas over my Seiko.
BUUUULLSHIIIIT.
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
@@JayB-lz6yd it's you
That’s a great price. Who’s your local guy?
Sending a skx to an authorised service. Which universe you live in? 🤣 You made a 17 minute video about it. It's even funnier. 🤣🤣🤣
Seriously was my reason to start learning how to service lower end watches myself. If I make a mistakes it’s never too pricey
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.
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.
Wesley Lu Yup
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.
i have a quartz seiko that is running fine after 35 years , never been serviced except batteries .
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
Great insight! Cheers !
bad design eh ?
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.
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.
Very true
I had my SKX781 Monster serviced with the 7s26. Well worth it for this discontinued classic to keep everything 100% original.
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!!
At those prices I wouldn't be surprised if Seiko didn't just replace the movement instead of servicing them. They'd save a lot on labor.
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.
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.
Al Moscola , you’re talking about.
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 must admit, I sense a bit of a snob factor here … Seiko make great watches and worth servicing.
So,In your opinion which low/ mid tier watch doesn't have the problems that you say Seiko has? Instead of deconstructing SEIKO,How about some Positive Information! You are all negative here and We don't need this negativity!Recommend a watch in this price range that does NOT have these problems! Please answer?
I don't service my watches until the break. It's just not cost effective to do it periodically as a preventative measure.
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 .
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.
You can't "buy a new one" Seiko stoped making the SKX in 2019. This why opinionated videos DON'T work!
Unless it's under warranty I would take it to my local watch repair guy.
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
Don't you think Seiko service is just dropping in a replacement movement? Cheap and easy. Why bother doing anything more?
I haven't serviced my seiko in 15 years, yeah it runs a bit fast at 20 sec a day. A big fucking deal! I dont have the time to care about something so trivial as long as the daily deviation is too much to the point that renders the watch unusable which it currently isnt.
I wouldn't say their servicing costs are high, but just that they are selling their watches at too low price.
sounds like a colossal rip off , to me . i prefer to do my own battery changes , on quartz watches that last 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 years .
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.
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.
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.
@@michaelriera6277 thats totally reasonable
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...
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