A 1970s Seiko 6119C Automatic Watch - SERVICE, RESTORATION & REPAIR

[@thesavagesoutherner]

I'm not a watch fixer, but I just find this stuff so interesting! And he explains everything so well and makes it look so easy.

[@tumian4k586]

Same

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you LSU FAN

[@bigfontbrandon]

He really makes me want to learn how to repair watches.

[@MikeAustin2012]

Agreed! Been watching for 1 or 2 years. I got a $40 watch that would not set. I got tools, opened it up... Now i got spare parts! It's not easy takes Steady a hand and good eyee. I don't have either. I'll keep watching. Maybe ill try again.

[@dattatrayariswadkar5371]

Some times we approach to a wrong service centre n there is not currently of good service.What a nice guidance for the watchmaker to learn the right way of overhauling! I'm not a watchmaker,but always wishing to learn something new about some or the other technical know-how.At this age of 79 I'm happy by your convincing method.Hatsoff to you!

[@MartinOcando]

You are not telling the truth. The requirement was not to spend any money on it, and you did spent a lot of your skills and work, not to mention lubricant and spare parts. So you did spent a lot of money, and I would have too. I'd give you any watch any day. I enjoy watching your restorations so much that I usually grab a glass of wine and spend an hour sitting in my computer watching you go through every step with so much detail. My God, is so relaxing. You have an amazing skill. Please never stop sharing.

[@gryfandjane]

I have a 6119C very similar to that one, bought new in 1973 while I was in high school, and already developing a taste for interesting watches. I wore it all through university and my early career before falling for a gold Seiko LCD model in 1979. I passed the 6119 on to my brother, who returned it some time later, dead as a hammer, with the second hand rattling around loose under the crystal. He was hard on watches. Not long back I finally gave it a service, finding that the “magic lever” was broken. Replaced that, cleaned everything up, and... it’s still on the workbench, as the train wheel bridge absolutely refuses to settle into place. So I’ll watch this episode with interest. Okay... having watched this one through, I’m impressed yet again at the elegance of your work. At no point did any component ping from your tweezers and go away, which seems to be one of my trademarks. You’ve inspired me to get my 6119 out of storage... and take it to our local watch repair shop. ;-) Not really. I think I’ll have another go myself. That’s a beautiful movement, and I’d love to see mine come to life again. Cheers -

[@ForestWoodworks]

That's a great story man! I'd love to have anything like that from decades past with a history behind it. My dad hawked or lost anything, especially nice watches, of value that would have been worthy of my reflection as my own adult now. But I get to turn things around for my own kids and, yeah, they're gonna have plenty of things to remember their tinker dad some day. I'm sure you've pulled that thing out and finished the job by now. I just finished my first complete "service" of a Timex Q from the late 70s my dad's lifelong friend (it belonged to his mum) sent me a couple weeks back when I told him I recently became interested in watchmaking. I honestly had no idea you could service a quartz (two months ago I had no idea you could service any watch), but I gave it a whirl for practice as it was a non-runner when I got it. I finally diagnosed the problem and fabricated the culprit part. Finished it last Saturday. Runs great, but it took me two days to seat the train wheel bridge. Anyway, I gave it to my daughter and now she can hopefully keep it for the next generation. I'm totally flabbergasted that a teenager would actually want to wear a standard watch these days (not a smart watch). Take care!

[@bonobobaby]

As a current Seiko 5 owner, this makes me happy. Also, this Channel is my go-to meditation :)

[@jmfa57]

Mine also!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks for the encouragement bonobobaby. And thanks for watching

[@atimothyl1]

I had this watch since 1974... I am still have it. A gift from my aunt.

[@drewby618]

I’m glad I found this video, I have a similar Seiko 5 that my grandfather bought while on a tour to Vietnam. It served him through his whole military career and well into the 80s or 90s until he bought a different little Seiko. My piece is still running, but I fear it’s never been serviced. It’ll be going to get a check up soon.

[@tholtan]

This is a timely video for me. I just scored a Seiko repair manual and I gave several old 6119 Seiko movements ready to practice on. Thank you Mark for your interesting, timely and compelling (to an admitted watch geek and fan) video.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Tim Holtan - Appreciate the comment

[@MyRetroWatches]

One of the first for this one. Love the 6119 my first ever movement I serviced . Really robust movement. I’ve since serviced many of these and some never with a service for 40 years yet still running. Give it a little polish on this one and it will be great

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Mike :)

[@garytilley3217]

A great movement. I've lost count of the amount I overhauled when working at the Seiko Service Centre back in the '70's

[@alsager777]

What's the average time loss/gain in year for such movement? I can't get over the fact that a watch may be more than 5 min off per year.

[@CarlosGallardoCandia]

I own this watch! Thank you for doing this. So glad to see the insides and how my Seiko works. Amazing video!

[@paulanthonyjohns]

Hi Mark, a fellow brit living stateside - Stunning work as always. I am an avid watch collector but honestly I am constantly in awe at your ability to pull apart this complex pieces (and more impressively - reassemble them).

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

I can see The Latest Lockdown in the UK being a godsend to watch all your Back Catalogue Mark Sir as I’ve no idea on Watch repairs/Servicing etc And rely on others for any work I need doing but watching your Videos is giving me true Insight into all things watch repair wise and what’s involved which is Amazing and A Huge Kudos to your good self and any other watch repairers for the Intricate and Awesome work you guys do.I’m officially Impressed👏👏👏👏👍⌚️

[@StayBlur]

Thanks for your content. Going through some tough times atm, but your videos help me find the relaxation I need. Thank you sir

[@jozsefizsak]

I somehow missed this video so now I've had the pleasure of watching it at last!

[@gohpaul3089]

Thanks for sharing,U done a wonderful job,this watch bring good memories of my dad,last week I just do some cleaning for this same piece of Seiko watch that my late father owned,It was keep in box more than twenty years,U are very right ,the sentimental value is more valuable than monetary value, Thanks again

[@williamjones9395]

I must say, the skill and dexterity you possess, and demonstrate, repairing watches is incredible! About 25 years ago I had considered watch repair as a career change. Unfortunately, and to my surprise, there were hardly any opportunities to learn the trade here in the States. The only formal school was the Bulova school on Long Island, NY, but they closed their doors not long after I discovered it. I put the idea of learning the trade on the back burner and went on with life. Presently, I am in my middle 60s and learning this is easier than ever before, but now it would just be as a hobby. So I may enroll in your course. I like your quiet, thoughtful approach. Very peaceful. Almost zen-like. Anyway, will keep watching, ( no pun intended ), and pehaps I will take the plunge in the future. God bless and stay well.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks William Jones - Appreciate the comment

[@williamjones9395]

@@WatchRepairChannel You are most welcome. As long as you enjoy it, keep on fixing those great watches.👍

[@chrisc475]

The magic lever device is just so simple and effective.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Very true

[@bobklumpp8698]

Mark! I know you said, "without spending any money" BUT a new crystal would have been magical for this restoration. Amazing job! I have five Seiko 5s if you include SKX007s and they are all rock solid. Love your videos.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Lovely old girl. I have two Seiko 5’s a 1980’s beater, and a 1990’s gold colour beater. Nether been opened or serviced, both still run. Well I had my Rolex Sea Dweller serviced when it was 15 just years old 😮

[@scotth6848]

Another classic vintage restoration....makes me smile. Another great lesson, Thank you Mark!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Scott H, really kind of you to say

[@omarordonez170]

teacher, your work is wonderful, I never get tired of watching your videos congratulations

[@PrometheusZandski]

This is the second video of yours I have watched. So enjoyable. Your descriptions and interjections are a pleasure to listen to. Your watch repair skills are amazing. Thanks for your content.

[@dennisc.1189]

I think the watch turned out great, it is amazing that the movements can run so long with just a little bit of care. Great job on this watch.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers Dennis C.. Really appreciate that.

[@Spiderelectron]

I got a Seiko 5 from my dad for my 6th birthday, in 1975 - I loved it and still had it when I started high school at 11. I only replaced it when I got one of those new fankled 'digital' watches.

[@cambo1200]

This was so peaceful I fell asleep, until your commentary jolted me awake! 😄

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks cambo1200 - Appreciate the comment, sorry to wake you though 😀😀😀

[@davemck1887]

Wow! Impressive results. These pieces may not be worth great amounts but in the history of horology they are worthy foot notes.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

** THANKS FOR WATCHING - COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE *** q. DID YOU REPLACE THE CASE GASKET IN THE END? a. Yes, of course - my apologies for not mentioning it, if you freeze frame before the back goes on you will see the new gasket but again, sorry for missing that detail out. q. WAS THE MISSING SCREW REPLACED? a. Again, my bad - I forgot to mention, but of course the screw was replaced. But with a non-original. You can see this clearly at 38:40 Join me as I strip down, service, repair and restore this vintage 1970s Seiko 5 with the 6119c Caliber movement installed. Let's see what performance we can get out of a decades old watch which has only been repaired at once or twice in it's lifetime. Spoiler Alert - this movement is remarkable.

[@sanatkumarasharma3627]

My Goodness, you have done a marvelous work on this that was my very first serious adult watch that I've lost decades ago in my turbulent teen years (the watch did not survive my crazy stunts). Maybe as you say it's not a faultless case restoration under some dogmas, but I see a masterful act of love and care and I admire the soothing music track accompanying your exact and precise movements. Yes, the Seiko 5 has a great caliber and design, now in a shiny enclosure (!) at a very competitive price! Cheers and Congrats.

[@nunyabizness199]

Can I send you mine for repair...😁

[@XavierAncarno]

The day wheel is in French and English... nice. Greetings from Paris - France

[@joeskeptical4762]

Xavier Ancarno *_Oui, monsieur!_*

[@blacksmithbeta5337]

I've been watching your videos for two days now, and I gotta say. I was thinking about watch making as a hobby, or maybe a fall back if electrical doesn't work. I gotta say, your videos make me just wanna get into it full bore. You honestly come across to me like a MR. Rogers, or Bob Ross with time pieces. I appreciate you, and the work you do for these amazing little machines.

[@tonybalm1513]

I find your video's fascinating and relaxing. I bought my first Seiko 5 in January this year because of watching your videos. Love it.

[@nolanreed7090]

As a recent enrollee if your watch repair courses, I enjoy these videos even more now. I feel like I have a much better understanding of how a movement is put together and the role each part plays in the system. I'm building my tools shopping list slowly and hope to get hands on pretty soon. Thanks!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thats really good to hear Nolan Reed, thank you so much. And thanks for watching.

[@hydorah]

I'll tell you what's noteworthy here for me, is the way in your titles you've updated your use of apostrophes. I'm not taking the mick it's genuinely refreshing when somebody can be seen to consistently develop, move forward and up their game, whatever they are doing. This channel is amazing - I was inspired to fix my own watch by this channel and so I owe you a big thanks too!

[@haeryvlog7757]

It"s look like brandnew wristwatch after restoration. Great job 👍👍👍

[@nunyabizness199]

I found one laying in the street with a broken band back in the 60s. Had it repaired and used it for years. Still have it...🙂

[@Kittensandpuppies123]

What a beautiful mechanism, I had no idea an automatic watch was such a big deal until I laid my hands on a manual wind pocket watch. Good video!

[@djamesthree]

Like others here I also am not a fixer of watches, but I find it all very fascinating. One must take great satisfaction from this work, it is certainly gratifying to watch the process. In this project you made a point of saying the client did not want to spend any money on parts, which is understandable given the watch's age and limited monetary value. However, I would have been curious to know if there were parts and or repairs you would have suggested that would have likely improved its performance and or enhanced its longevity? A discussion on the costs vs benefits on watch projects would be interesting. Thanks very much for sharing these videos and your expertise.

[@FV4030]

A pleasure to watch, as always. I have a 7019A powered Seiko 5 Series that I hope to do some work on one day when I'm confident enough. Cheers Mark.

[@DanielBerroteran]

... I congratulate you for the work ... beautiful machine! ... is a great example of how robust and efficient these watches are ... I attest to that, I have one with the same caliber ... it has been in my family for decades ... first it was my uncle, he is no longer with us ... but he left a great legacy that will last a few more decades ... without a doubt that vintage Seiko are extraordinary!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Daniel Berroteran - I agree, and thanks for watching

[@andrewpeterwhatsonmybench1383]

HI , LOVE THIS vid I am well into Seiko and I leaned a lot watching this breakdown and rebuild great . however the movement will have problems in the future . I see that it had the swiss wafer washer to retain the star wheel , the wheel may pop out and drag it will be dragging on dial as well , someone in the past has lost a part ' C clip ' which should be installed with the flat side facing up , this would have also played a part in the past with the running problems . the bit on the balance very very interesting , in fact I have a 1968 6119 in a monoblock case so this has come around at the right time and the detail on oiling , will watch more than once regards Andrew Goodman south wales

[@extremelydave]

I have one of the old "5" watches so it was fascinating to see this worked on. The attention to detail is almost painful.... awesomely so!!!

[@pederlindstrom3132]

Hello Mark. Funny thing just happened, I was watching on full screen and a friend stopped by for a coffee. He's a good guy but a bit rough around the edges so to say. He said,, spray on a bit of WD40 and giggle it a bit, that should work. I was wearing the SNK805 and showed him the backside,, that's what Mark is repairing I said. His answer,, not so much WD40 then. Great video as usal.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Peder Lindström - Appreciate the comment

[@therestoraddicted9082]

How can you stay so calm doing it...i nearly got crazy when i repaired a watch once, it's really hard work with those tiny parts!

[@adamgreene831]

I am very impressed with what you did to this watch. Youre incredible!

[@ari91629]

I liked the way this watch was restored

[@Horokiwibirb]

thanks for the videos man, Im planning to become a Watchmaker and repairer myself and this helps alot when I want to study up in advance

[@edwamser]

I just picked up a 6309 myself with a similar dial that also had a hard life. Similar timegrapher results as yours before the service. Will need some TLC as well. Plex crystal looked as bad as the one you have here but I was able to wetsand it smooth again by starting out with 220 grit, then 400, 600 and then finishing up with 1500 grit before hitting it with some Polywatch.

[@joeskeptical4762]

*_Beautiful job, I'd be proud to wear this watch._*

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Joe Skeptical

[@rokokoko123]

As always very interesting and helpful. I read somewhere that seiko has some of the best material engineers in the world, no wonder their movements show very little wear after years of work without service. Seiko epson is one of the pioneers in MEMS technology and in my opinion speaks for itself of their expertise and tradition

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Roko Žilić

[@mrbrisvegas2]

Seiko Epson has over 75,000 patents. They produce more patents every month than Rolex has in the past 50 years.

[@freequest]

Yeah sentimental value. Why I use my Dad's old Nelson Watches the company as far as I can tell died during the Quartz crisis but the watches after 40+ years still work and keep time and haven't needed a service. #alwayshasbeen

[@maxmodenessi314]

YOU'RE GREAT!

[@raycollington4310]

Funny when I think how easy this job would be if the scale was ten times bigger. Always admire the skills and ability to work on micro engineering like this!

[@stevewarren4292]

Watching this wearing my dad's 1965 Viet Nam PX Seiko 5. Still chugging after all these years.

[@TheGeezzer]

Seiko 5...The 5 points of excellence are: 1. Diashock. Shock Resistance. 2. Unbreakable Mainspring. 3. Water Resistance. 4. Day-Date. 5. Automatic. Nothing to do with a recessed crown or case durability (wtf) or its shape or its weight or the plethora of other things people have made up to state what Seiko 5 means! Anywho, fellah........Great video as always keep it up.

[@TheGeezzer]

Ps: Diashock is Seikos own in-house shock-resistance system 25:36 similar to the Suisse Incablock found in Rolex, Gerard Perigaux, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet etc etc etc...

[@Supercruze]

Some serious wear on the upper and lower MS arbor ports on this movement as evident from the brass exposed under the ratchet wheel on the upper train bridge. Understand the need to keep cost down here. Jeweling those ports would have been ideal. Thanks for sharing your work with us.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Supercruze - Appreciate the comment

[@personapromedio5117]

Que hermoso ver todo ese trabajo de restauración

[@josecastronavarrete2971]

Seiko 5, The best.

[@jamessmith6402]

Excellent video I love these old Seiko watches 👍 thanks Mark

[@paulhelmuth6012]

Always a pleasure!

[@VenturiLife]

For the price the Seiko 5 is still one of the leaders for a quality automatic movement.

[@NoahFriedman]

I have a bunch of watches with this movement and I love working on them. More interesting than the 7S26 in more modern Seiko 5s.

[@TurkeyJoe]

About to rebuild and service one almost exactly the same in the next week or so, very timely :) Love your work!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks TurkeyJoe - Appreciate the comment

[@morini1956]

Super

[@karma247ajm]

Thanks for another great video Mark.

[@Animalkisser]

I love Seikos and the 6119 movement is great!

[@mattcameron9349]

Thank you for posting such interesting (and addictive) videos. I’ve been toying with the idea for months now of buying a ‘serious’ watch to last a lifetime, and your videos tell me FAR more about the quality and design of a watch than any visit to a jewellers ever could! Slightly off-topic, but do you happen to know if the Seiko 5 was ever offered with a glass caseback option? Seems like too nice a movement to keep hidden....

[@tickingWATCH]

The same lies in my drawer but with a very bad dial, nice video thanks 😀

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you ticking WATCH

[@ganimurat]

Very nice and joyful repairing. Excuse me but I didnt understand yet what for these purple and reflecting things were?

[@dodgydruid]

I have two 70's 7009's and 1 Citizen auto from 1975 and they work flawlessly, one of the 7009's I paid a pound for off ebay and its only flaw is it has a marked crystal and the rest of the watch is spotless otherwise. The Citizen is also in remarkable condition too. The only one not working as it should is an Orient Tri-star which is very temparamental and I do want to get that one serviced as it is in a most unusual letterbox case and have been told it seems to be a very early tri-star. One of my oldest watches is a 1947 Avia, it works beautifully and keeps extremely good time, I paid £4 for that one as the seller thought it needed a new battery... Has now been set as a family heirloom, to be treasured by my children and grandchildren.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Ian Watson - Appreciate the comment

[@albertmyers7176]

From Calif. thank you for this great vid

[@45rpm.]

I have a more modern seiko 5 and my friend has 2 of them. I never thought there would be so much stuff inside!

[@azertaieb442]

So wonderful.. thank you so muche

[@sam9242]

I remember when they first came out. Hard to remember when Made in Japan was junk. And I, for one, appreciate it when you mention the name of the part as you remove it. I say the name as you progress and you confirm if I got it right. Thanks.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Sam III

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

Nice job Mark. I have one of these, but relatively new still.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you THE SANT JORDI GOLF SOCIETY Adrian Cox, really kind of you to say

[@adrianbirkett594]

Nice work Mark, you're the man!, thank you. Adrian

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks for the encouragement Adrian Birkett. And thanks for watching

[@tedblack2415]

I'm sorry but i disagree.. what an absolutely cracking job ! such a complete transformation ,i'm sure the recipient will be over the moon as i would be, i love your channel & astounded by your skill & steady hand.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Ted black, really kind of you to say

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

23:58 I love that moment ... every video.

[@nelsonjoaquim5918]

Great to see you working mate. I really love watches. They are beautiful engenuity marvels. Keep it up. Cheers

[@jasonlax4112]

yes! great timing, was looking for a new video from you.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers jasonlax. Really appreciate that.

[@1pilotsteve]

I just love this video.. you are a master...I love mechanical things

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thats really good to hear 1pilotsteve, thank you so much. And thanks for watching.

[@randynovick7972]

Lovely work as always -- a pleasure to watch. Didn't catch it at the end... did you throw on a new caseback gasket or re-use the manky old "set"? Many thanks.

[@joeskeptical4762]

Randy Novick: *_Great question because I wondered that myself._*

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Yes, of course - my apologies for not mentioning it, if you freeze frame before the back goes on you will see the new gasket but again, sorry for missing that detail out.

[@AntonioRodriguez-ot4dh]

THIS A PERFECT JOB FOR ME

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thats really good to hear Antonio Rodriguez, thank you so much. And thanks for watching.

[@MJHiteshew]

Looks awesome!

[@xiomixiomi-hf4su]

Veri Veri good job 🙏🙏🙏

[@mrsaizo0000]

I own a Seiko 5 Automatic. It is 25 years old today, and still haven't let me down. Does need a servcice however.. And a new bracelet.. And a new crystal..

[@juancarlossusincanal852]

Superb work like always.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you JUAN CARLOS SUSIN CANAL, really kind of you to say

[@thisisshaun1]

great job

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers Shaun Davis. Really appreciate that.

[@kathykolcun6791]

Very impressive 👍

[@TomTom-up1kz]

Very good job Mark 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Tom Tom, really kind of you to say

[@kdochcevidi2511]

Thank You.

[@robertbrandow]

Great work Mark.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Robert Brandow - Appreciate the comment

[@jasonhowes75]

loved watching this video.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you jasonhowes75, really kind of you to say

[@rombios2379]

Спасибо! Без Вас время остановится!

[@joeskeptical4762]

RomBios: *_Eu não consegui entender nada daquilo que você escreveu_* Pode fazer o favor de traduzi-lo para a gente, de preferência ao português?

[@gabrielfpi3046]

I love that caliber. They don't do it like that anymore.

[@CrazyPetez]

I just like to watch you tear down and reassemble watches. I think the case looks fine. Very nice work.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you CrazyPetez, really kind of you to say

[@49txhunter]

Great job!

[@taytzuleong5584]

That is a very lovely Seiko 5 restoration! :D Do you have any chance to do a restoration video of the good ol King Seiko 45 & 56 series?

[@TxChexmix]

Just recently got into watches, (under 3 mo) seen quite a few of your great videos as well as some other channels. I do find it interesting when you install the balance wheel it seems from what I've seen so far that you install it and then twist it at the end to line up with screw holes. I know there's names for what I'm speaking of but I don't know what all that is called. Just wondering if there was a specific reason as to why. I have some watchmaking books on order as I find this all extremely fascinating. Keep up the great videos entertaining and informative.

[@carlosv.m2818]

I did not notice that you put the rubber gasket before putting the bottom cover on.

[@joeskeptical4762]

Carlos V. M: *_Many of us noticed this_*

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Yes, of course - my apologies for not mentioning it, if you freeze frame before the back goes on you will see the new gasket but again, sorry for missing that detail out

[@willywgb]

Hi Mark In regards to the first time on the Time Grapher and the high gaining of time why is this? I would have thought that the old oils and greases would be stiff and tend to drag things down? Getting ready to start third part of your course "fault finding of watch movements". Really enjoy your course and all your videos. Cheers Willy

[@jamiekim3663]

I wish I can send my wedding watches to him to fix it.

[@richardtreem1992]

Ive serviced this movement quite a few times now and still learned a lot by watching your video. Most importantly I must get an auto oil injector! Which size oiler are you using, or was it multiple sizes depending on the size of the jewel hole? Thanks!

[@mrz80]

I just can't get past that 4 o-clock stem/crown location. The asymmetry just grates against me :D :D

[@jco1298]

It looks brand new!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you J Co, really kind of you to say