Old Seiko 5 Sports Automatic Watch Running Fast

Mel-waukee on 13/07/2020 - 14:38

My old Seiko 5 sports watch fell on the floor once and since then runs fast. It seems fine except it gains 5-10 minutes every half hour or so. It has great sentimental value because it was a gift from a dear friend and so I haven't parted with it. Plus I don't like the styling of the new 5 sports models so don't want to buy a new one.

What are my options regarding repair and/or service? I'm ready to spend a reasonable amount to get it fixed. I've read other forum posts about Seiko but didn't find one that describes the same problem. Most people say their watches start slowing down but my watch's problem seems to be weird.

Fashion & Apparel Seiko Watch

Comments

  • kahn on 13/07/2020 - 14:46
    +7

    What are my options regarding repair and/or service?

    Wow, that's a tough one. I'm gonna go with…repair. Lock it in, Eddie.

    • subywagon on 13/07/2020 - 15:21

      lol

    • djones145 on 13/07/2020 - 15:45

      can i use a life lineeeeeeee

      post a friend, on ozbargain

    • Mel-waukee on 13/07/2020 - 15:57

      He he he. See my reply to josh676. Watch fixed ;-)

  • giu on 13/07/2020 - 14:46
    +1

    Give YouTube a go. I found this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCw4xX1_FdQ
    I have adjusted my own automatic (not Seiko). It takes a little bit of trial and error and very small adjustments.
    Make an adjustment and then synchronise with your iPhone. Check again in 24 hours and see how much it has gained or lost and adjust again. Rinse and repeat until you are happy.

  • josh676 on 13/07/2020 - 14:50
    +3

    The knock likely caused a stuck hairspring or similar. give it a really good rap on the case back with your knuckle, and it should go back to normal.

    • Mel-waukee on 13/07/2020 - 15:56
      +1

      Eureka! That worked mate! Two taps to the back stopped the watch and a gentle tap on the front restarted it with the right time. Accurate as it was. Much obliged.

      A big thank you to the Ozbargain community and all who replied for saving my service/repair dollars.

      • josh676 on 14/07/2020 - 20:33

        Awesome stuff! enjoy.

  • blitz on 13/07/2020 - 14:51

    I've been reading stuff from this place for years, they seem to do a good job on old Seikos:
    https://www.vintagetimeaustralia.com/VTA/

    • brad1-8tsi on 13/07/2020 - 15:00

      Adrian is good but slow. Not all his fault as parts can take a while and some stuff (I think the relumes) he sub-contracts.

  • mskeggs on 13/07/2020 - 14:57
    +1

    https://www.seiko.com.au/contact-us/after-sales-service
    Has a linked price list.

  • brad1-8tsi on 13/07/2020 - 14:58

    if it's old then adjustment is easy enough providing they don't try and fix other things.

    I had my old Seiko divers (the Apocalypse Now model) refurbished last year by Vintage Time Australia. It took almost 1 year and cost $676. he fixed up some bodgery by a previous "watchmaker" and also made some modifications so that it was better than what Seiko produced.
    Among other things:
    Relume face
    Service & clean
    Jewel top plate
    Jewel arbors
    Replace balance
    Replace case spring
    Polish balance pivots
    Relume hands ONLY
    Rebuild crown
    Repair click ball
    Replace crystal seal.

    Hopefully I will get another 40 years out of it.

    • blitz on 13/07/2020 - 15:03

      6105-8110 is a very nice watch indeed.

      • brad1-8tsi on 13/07/2020 - 15:11
        +1

        Yep. I've had it since new (present from Dad) and have given it absolute hell. Wore it the whole time I was mechanicing. Scratched, immersed in oil, knocked around.

        I decided to give it a 40th birthday present and had it cleaned up but kept the patina on the case and the bezel. The final price was about 50% more than the first (sight unseen) estimate but I told him to fix everything. I think it was a fair price for the job done and I can't put a figure on the sentimental value of this watch.

  • Mel-waukee on 13/07/2020 - 15:09

    Cheers all for the replies. It'll take about $150 for Seiko to look into it or something. Will explore options as suggested. BTW my watch is a 7S36-00Y0

  • GloveM8 on 13/07/2020 - 17:14

    When an automatic watch runs fast, quite often it is because the watch has become magnetised.

    easy way to test is to place your watch right next to a compass. If the needle moves when you put your watch near it, it is magnetised.

    You can buy a watch demagentiser off ebay for about $10, it looks like a little blue plastic box with a button on it. handy thing to keep in your toolbox anyway if you have a mechanical watch.

  • MTWallet on 13/07/2020 - 18:23

    IMHO, don't do any repairs to the movement.
    It will be uneconomical.
    Get another new movement from ebay
    Or buy another new watch that has the same one and have it swapped into your watch, then sell what is left over.

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