Do you have an eye for detail?

Can you see it? Of course you can. It's an escape wheel jewel from a Seiko 7S26 movement. Yes, it's tiny. In today's video, Andrew and I talk about different shock resistance devices in wrist watches - and why the function of these devices can not be assumed by how they look.  You should watch it - for no other reason than from an educational standpoint. The video is only 6 minutes long and I guarantee your appreciation of both horology and the work involved in the servicing of your watch will increase significantly. https://youtu.be/Gw8jLs3uUw0 Let me be clear: we are not making YouTube videos for entertainment purposes only. Our goal is to share with you what horology is all about. Every member of our small team is actively engaged in the production. The content that comes from independent watchmakers is unbiased and the result of decades of practical experience gained behind the bench - the only content you can trust.

Seiko DIY disassembly and reassembly tutorial: Chapter 3.

Pulling the watch mechanism apart is not difficult at all - especially if you handle the components with care. The most delicate of all is the balance wheel assembly which consists of 3 parts: the large and heavy balance cock, balance wheel and rather super delicate hair spring. This is the very heart of the watch - one slip of a screwdriver, sudden move or flip over and the heart is gone. Yet if you watch the video you will see how it's done. And yes, this delicate operation can be performed successfully even by a hobbyist as long as the instructions are followed and the process is understood. Again, there is a bit of a homework: sorting out and identifying the screws. There are 5 types of screws and while they are small, all of them are distinctively different. Easy. Even if you are not a part of the Seiko DIY group, you should really watch this short video. Educational, fast paced and to the point. https://youtu.be/pemubwobtjo

And if you do wish to join our Yahoo group, here is the link:  https://groups.io/g/7s26

Seiko Day / Date disc disassembly

 

Featuring: Why Seiko makes plastic wheels? How to pull apart calendar work and how to handle plastic parts. If you are a watch owner then you will love it. The watch mechanism is a miracle of mechanical engineering and precision. Watch parts are light, well made and not easy to handle so taking a good care of your watch is essential.  The bottom line is this: if you watch the video and conclude 'not a big deal, I can surely do it' than this mean our tutorial works. And yes, you should do it.  Watch here: https://youtu.be/-C9nSzN2Kak

Yes, you can do it!

 

There is no doubt that face to face gathering wont resume any time soon. Especially so, our Watchmaking classes. Yet strangely enough, 'thanks' to coronavirus, our classes are now moving to YouTube.  Yes, you can do it. Actually, any technically minded person willing to follow straightforward instructions will be able to complete our course. Once again, we are pulling apart a trustworthy Seiko 5 fitted with a 7S26 movement - the pride and joy of Japanese horology. A simple 'no frills ' watch which you will get to know inside and out. As we say, nothing beats that special feeling of being able to tell the world that YOU have pull a watch apart - and put it back together - yourself.  This instalment is just under 10 minutes and Andrew and myself are showing how to take the mechanism out of the case, then to remove stem, hands and dial. Your feedback is needed: feel free to let us know if the tutorial is easy to follow and are you able to see clearly what is going on. Of course, there are many 'pull apart' watch videos on YouTube, but our course is different: we are real watchmakers with unparalleled interest in helping you to complete the course.  Watch it here: https://youtu.be/sXh9DJ9aOlc

Watchmaking 2.0 – a unique opportunity to take your horology to the next level of sophistication!

How cool would it be to claim that the very watch you wear daily is the same watch you have personally disassembled, reassembled, modified  and  adjusted - all with your own two hands? Indeed, only a handful of watch collectors and enthusiasts that I know have taken their love for watches to this level.

Thanks to W2.0 you too can join the Hall of Fame - and tell/show everyone what you are made of!

I am prepared to help you reach this important milestone by offering a unique opportunity:  tools, assistance and all the necessary support to turn your project into a GUARANTEED success.

Watchmaking 2.0 is a group project, available to a maximum of 5 students. The watch:  Seiko Divers SKX007/009. Time: four x 2 hour sessions during the month of April.   At our premises.

I would be happy to provide the following:

- a brand new Seiko watch, original 'made in Japan' automatic day-date watch.   The cost of the watch is $490
- top quality Swiss tools, your investment of $498
- tutoring (4 x 2 hours) , access to specialist tools, lubricants, timing machine, cleaning machine, water pressure tester, and supervision at bench ( $490)
- guaranteed success:  at the end of the month, your Seiko will perform like a brand new watch again.                       



You are expected to :

-  set up your own work area at home and do the majority of disassembly/assembly on your own
-  be cooperative, enthusiastic and focused to complete the project
-  make a total investment of $1,478. Of course, the watch ($490) and tools ($498) are yours to keep.

A few years ago, I created an online disassembly tutorial for the Seiko 7S26 watch. Since then, hundreds of watch enthusiasts all over the world have successfully completed the project, but only 1 in 5 have completed the reassembly. Watchmaking is tricky: without the supervision and guidance, as well as access to expensive tools and professional environment, an online tutorial can only take you so far.

W2.0 takes a completely different approach:  it's time to get serious!  With all students working on  the very same calibre, using their own high quality tools, and guided by a third-generation watchmaker face to face, the chances of completing the project are 100%  guaranteed.

Seats are limited to 5 students. There are also a couple more pre-requisites:  good eyesight, a steady hand, and the willingness to learn. I am looking for students who will appreciate the opportunity to enter my private workshop space and spend time under my guidance - not merely a customer who will buy a watch or tools for the sake of acquisition.  If you are one of those online students who have previously attempted my 7S26 DIY course, then this is the time to get it right.

To book/reserve your spot, please email me directly, introducing yourself.   If we have a spot for you, Karin will take care of the rest.

Finally, a word of two about why a Seiko SKX divers watch is the perfect choice for intermediate students of horology.

- it is complex enough to work on, but in the case of loss or damage, parts are abundant
- it is a great value for money watch with huge base of online followers. Like no other Japanese watch out there, SKX has proven its relevance, adhered to Seiko’s strong reputation without mega-dollar Swiss-style marketing
- fully waterproof, very robust, a great looking sports watch recognisable not just by watch enthusiasts but real, everyday watch owners all over the world.
- possibly the only 100% in-house made watch in the world
- an excellent time keeper! While SKX models assembled all over Asia tend to be reasonably accurate, domestic Japanese pieces are absolutely fantastic. Here is the photo of a SKX out of the box , checked last night: +2 to +4 seconds per day, beautiful amplitude and zero beat error



- fully repairable: a complete brand new movement is available for under $100 . Brand new Japanese divers rubber strap: $19!



A photo of you , behind the workbenches,  with your watch disassembled down to the last bit, then reassembled and ticking like new? Priceless!