Seiko Repair Truth - Disposable ?!

Here I cover the costs of servicing some Seiko watches and whether or not it makes sense to have the watch service performed or to purchase a new Seiko watch.

While there are some higher end Seiko watches at price points where it makes sense, many Seiko watches do have servicing costs that outweigh the cost of the watch or the present day value of the watch. Also, there are some Seiko watches that the service price may be around half of the retail price.

Am I talking negatively or in a hateful way toward Seiko watches ? No. I enjoy some of the Seiko designs and the watches generally are rugged. Though, I am just showing the Seiko service prices and providing additional commentary with experience of having a watch service center. It is up to everyone to decide whether or not they will service the watch or purchase another.

Thanks for all the support!

-John P

#seiko #johnp

[supriyomajumder]

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.

[jackwakeman]

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.

[stevesmith]

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!

[Nikioko]

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.

[gang]

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.

[rosebadran]

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

[AbdulRWatches]

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.

[jefferyneu]

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

[simonwood]

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.... ?

[danielribeiro]

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

[ThisIsDavesGarage]

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.

[ronenash]

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.

[AmericanPaisa]

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.

[hatemabughabin]

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 .

[tods.]

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?

[paikiah]

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

[jboggs]

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.

[dustinsweeney]

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

[nounosskarouzos]

Hi, my friend i have a quartz breitling.they want to service it every 2 years.and a complete service every 4-6 years.

[florianhess]

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.