How to: Regulate Automatic Watch

how to regulate your automatic watch to improve it's time keeping accuracy. I have a Seiko SKX173 Auto and used simple tools i bought at a local hardware store and the free audio software Audacity. It's easy to do, just be careful! I'm not a watch maker so do this at your own risk.

[@PeresD]

Great video,I would never have thought of using audacity to check accuracy,thanks for the post.

[@aking610]

Works great on loads of movements. Many thanks for this.

[@bakar29]

Great video! I followed your guide and I tested it on a cheap automatic watch I bought online, which suddenly ran too fast. Now it is running quite well and on time. It took me a couple of tries to adjust and get the timing just right! Thanks!

[@raremonster728]

Using audacity? Not in a million years would I have thought about it! Thanks!!!

[@chrisrankine4422]

Your video gave me the confidence to open up my watch to reduce the ~16sec/day gain it has.

[@robertwoods4281]

Wow, I checked out all kinds of things on line but first being a watch lovers and having 6 watches with a 1980 Oris on the way this is really a cool idea. So far I have been blessed with highly accurate watches. Thanks

[@SuperBullyone]

2 seconds a day is outstanding. way to go

[@Cobwobbler]

My £12 Winner automatic watch was running 5 minutes an hour fast, so gaining 30 minutes in a morning (Yeah I know , get what you pay for ) BUT after following your instructions and using Audacity it's running super bang on. Thanks :o) Little tip, I used a headphone set from a phone with a built in mic and popped it and the watch in my glasses case to block out background noise if anyone has trouble getting a reading from an inbuilt laptop mic.

[@cloudzrest]

Martin Pope awesome !!

[@horstbronk7861]

Not to 32 meters ...i do have Seiko,Vostock and Arbutus....Vostock Blue Automatic perfekt ...Arbutus the them....

[@Tukun000]

Your video has been of great help. I had a couple of Omegas which no one was able to fix and I was able to fix it myself after seeing your video. Now I can wear them again. Many Many Thanks and great video.

[@yosefyitz]

This helped me get my watch giving me the real time. Thanks for posting such clear tutorial.

[@marksina-on4415]

I just bought a seiko 5 automatic watch and after 3 weeks of wearing it, its second hand has a small seconds difference compared to digital time settings from my ipad and laptop. I did adjustments on time without regulating it and after a week the problem is still the same. I read one article that before attempting to open the back of the watch and regulate it, you should try to wear the watch at least 8 hours per day. At night remove the watch from your hand and lay it vertically with the rotating crown facing upwards. I did it for about a week and thank God it worked! The accuracy is the same as the digital watch. But you have to maintain some digital time sources to monitor its accuracy. By just doing the things I mentioned, accuracy is the same as that of digital or even quartz watches. You don't have to wear the watch 24/7 to keep it running. Just wear it at least 8 hours a day and lay it vertically with rotating crown facing upwards when not in use.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Does your Seiko have hand-winding? From what you describe, it sounds like the watch doesn't stay accurate all the way through the power cycle and needs to be kept 'topped up'. Is that what's going on?

[@hukes]

I could manage to regulate my Orange Monster to +1 sec a day!!! I still can't believe it. It took me like 4 days of moving the lever up and down.

[@ll4ves457]

super helpful, got my dad's old watch running correctly again, thanks!

[@cloudzrest]

awesome!

[@zerocool1ist]

Very informative i have read many comments were people have said there watch moves to slow or fast! I had no clue there was a regulaor in the back to slow it down or speed it up found an opener its called Tweezers lol.

[@logwind]

Thank you for this! Just gave the 7S26C in my SKX009 a shot. Will find out how I did in a day or two.

[@mathewc]

Thanks for the video. Two things to note, one, change the audio to record in mono in case your laptop has stereo mics, and two, you don't need the back to be off to record, and in fact, you should very much limit the time the back is off to when you're adjusting it.

[@johanchandy6238]

+Mathew Copeland Thanks for the tips!

[@zorbathegreek841]

Thanks so much for posting this! Tried it out tonight, will check back in a few days for accuracy. The insides of my Seiko SKX173 look a little different from yours: both of my regulating bars have only one dot on them. Audacity's current version also looks a little different from the one in the video. Will keep my fingers crossed...

[@alan4cars]

Hope you are doing well. I just found your video and it was awesome. Thanks bro.

[@zorbathegreek841]

The watch tool I ordered from an Amazon seller was just six bucks shipped, worked flawlessly.

[@SaSa-fz4ik]

Zorba the Greek ถรไถนา

[@barrywolff4186]

Just a suggestion but if you are not going to change your rubber seal before you put the back on you might like to rub some silicon grease on the rubber ring. As well as improving the water resistance it will lubricate the rubber and stop it from drying out. The silicon grease can be found in dive shops and eBay, of course. I live in the tropics and everything here is affected by heat and humidity.

[@adzhx]

I high oh hhhh oh oyou o🎉

[@Wertsicherung]

Good tutorial. Thank you very much!! Greetings from Berlin, Germany!

[@JamesParus]

audacity tip was amazing. It's so fast to regulate it with it. No waiting. I had to open the rear cover to record it, or the mic would not hear it properly.(seiko skx007). At first I adjusted it always to wrong direction, as in audacity it seems slow, but actually it was beating already too fast(too many tics per minute) so I had to slow it down.

[@henro001]

I just got Seiko 5 SNZG11J1 with 7s36 movement losing 20s a day, I will definitely look into getting the tools and follow your instructions. I know that most watch shops wouldnt even bother with seiko 5 watches.

[@kariyasaumitra]

Thank you for taking the time out :p

[@ae70gts]

very nice walk through i think the best on the net.. well done..

[@tuberaider]

For everyone needing an app for clocking your movements, check out Twixt Time. It uses image timestamps to compare two points in the timeline. Very accurate.

[@PraxisPrepper]

thanks for this video. very helpful!

[@MustafaBaabad]

Thank you very much for such precious lesson. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@TristanPott]

thanks for the tips in this video! I can't wait to give it a try myself :-)

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Awesome video. Thx for the knowledge.

[@dielreis]

great video! I love seiko 5 and this video brought news to me.

[@nmfl100]

Thanks! This was really helpful!

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Great info, thank you!

[@rons7555]

Thanks man ! Good video. You are brilliant !

[@deepasawant8346]

Really a very nice and Informative video...Very Helpful indeed...Thanks a lott sir..

[@UnuDinRO]

Thank you ! A very good tutorial .

[@insaniyattv6523]

Bro mujhy b samjha do mujy english samaj ni aa ti

[@milankovacevic1483]

Great video. Thanks, man.

[@nair0bij0nes]

Good video mate, thanks for uploading.. Everyone (yourself included) would be well advised though, to use a dedicated piezoelectric microphone to record the mechanism (as there are no magnets in a crystal microphone).. Magnets are chronograph kryptonite and some/most dynamic microphones contain very powerful magnets ie neodymium & the like. Not to mention laptops & phones have speakers with even stronger magnets... Again though, thanks for the vid, was VERY helpful. You're a champ :)

[@shaneii1016]

Noticing a lot of comments on recording style and things about the case back, but one important thing to note is that not all watches tick at the same pace, so your 5 ticks per second from you seiko would for example be 7-10 ticks per second on a Rolex IE 28,000 BPH in a 2016 Submariner and 36,000 BPH in modern Daytona movements, but all around a good video either way!

[@andrewr521]

Awesome video, can't wait to try this. Thanks a lot man

[@cloudzrest]

its also pretty easy to just adjust it agaisnt a quartz watch, use a stopwatch and check the difference every hour or so and make small adjustments.

[@jonsmith4669]

If you look carefully there is a small extending pointer on the regulating ring,its possible to mark where it is with fine tip pen using a lope (eyeglass)so you can see exactly how much its moved on adjustment.I also use silicon grease on the o ring to ensure its water tight.....dont use Vaseline etc, as it will rot the rubber.

[@chuck2222]

I am impressed! Seriously my friend...highly impressed! I have a few that I am going to adjust. One is a Miyota 8215 though, but I can get it figured out and still utilize your method. The Audacity thing is absolutely brilliant! I have had Audacity on my computer for a while (for my guitar playing), but still to this day have never created a single Audacity file, LOL. I am fixing to now though, only never in my wildest dreams did I realize (connect the dots) you could use Audacity in this fashion. I am wondering, who realized you could use Audacity as a Timegrapher?

[@tonywharton5220]

Thanks so much for this video 😀

[@studisme]

That's really good. Thankyou. Very well explained. On a ETA 2836 watch movement, which beats at 28,800 beats per hour, that would be 8 ticks per second (instead of the six) on the Audacity Software wouldn't it.. Thanks again. Great stuff!

[@Saruman1000]

Awesome video!

[@davidwstorrs]

Awesome video. I may give this a whirl for my Seiko SKX007.

[@josmty9]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@rickfleckner2088]

Thanks very much. Very good info.

[@rickfleckner2088]

Also, I made an unscrew tool with two nails, the correct distance apart, through a piece of wood. In other words, just any 'prongs' attached to a handle.

[@bpemsandgroper]

Excellent tutorial. I prefer using a digital watch to check the accuracy.

[@MA-oz1hd]

Love this 😂

[@Hamzak786]

@@MA-oz1hd init the guy did use a digital watch

[@emredemir4627]

And I have jewel 21 and firstly it was slow 4 min/month and I had demount it (for curiosity) and it had been 30 min/day and I had gave to Seiko repairman and he was adjusted with adjust machine and said ok. and it had been slowed 10 min/ 2-3 days. I work now again now thanks... And Audacity is good idea I will use to it next time like you...

[@antoniomarinelli4356]

emre

[@danielrutkowski838]

Using this method, I've reduced the delay of my Hamilton Jazzmaster watch from 20s to only 2s per day, but you have to be patient.

[@muhdhadi91]

How long did you take to regulate your watch? How did you check for accuracy?

[@johanchandy6238]

+Daniel Rutkowski That's impressive, any tips?

[@theoneaboveall1455]

2 seconds per day??? Just make it completely accurate

Thank you!!! specially for the software too ;)

[@kevinbetter4741]

Awesome thanks man!

[@davidcoleman2463]

My vintage Bulova automatic is running about 1 mi. Fast a day . I should try this . Thanks .

[@maple-leafs13]

I'd rather have it slower than than faster on watch with time and date complication. I don't like to adjust the time using anticlockwise which can damage the movement. I'm new to mechanical watches. Hope its the right statement.

[@georgelalama8154]

That was a great video it’s nice to know that you could use simple tools like this just to save you money. I have a question though I have seen professionals measure the watch’s timing by putting the watch on its side, face down or even holding it on an upside down. Because according to the professionals gravity can take affect on the movement of the watch. What then?

[@georgeargyris7834]

from my experience using many seiko 5s of my collection, before you adjust an entry level automatic watch you should ware it every day for long time lets say 6 months or more.Then if it is necessary you may adjust it in a watchmakers.

[@paulrawes]

Thank-you so much!

[@lordkayx]

thanks a ton. helps alot

[@pentachronic]

There is another way of dong this. If you have a Camera strobe such as the Canon Speedlight 550EX you can set it to strobe at 5Hz or any multiple of 5. This will allow you to see if the flywheel is stationary (if so you're dialed in). The speedlights use a crystal for the CPU so they are pretty darn accurate. Use a different strobe frequency for different watches. However I would not trust the waterproof-ness of the watch after taking the back off.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

That's a great tip. As to the waterproofness, there's no need to worry if you lightly coat the o-ring with a little silicone grease and tighten the back with a good tool.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Depends on the watch. The Seiko SKX173 actually runs at 21,600 beats per hour or 6 ticks per second or 6 Hz.

[@Limou551]

like tuning an engine, however i dont have that strobe and i dont want to buy it just for tunne a fukin wacth

[@sauljewhebrewberg3147]

Steven Wymor : I think that 6 beats per-second would equal out to 3HZ, but I may be wrong.

[@MEKKANNOID]

No that"s correct, as 1 Hz is one complete cycle @@sauljewhebrewberg3147

[@TheTJM]

Great video. Have you needed to regulate this watch again after this video or is this a case of getting it right once and you're set?

[@tripsadelica]

Good video but I would recommend that anyone trying this with a mechanical watch first make some effort to demagnetise their watch. Acquired magnetism is the chief cause of time variations. You can buy a cheap AC-powered watch demagnetiser on Ebay for around ten bucks. Follow the directions (and their are how-to videos on KZbin) and demagnetise your watch BEFORE you make any adjustments.

[@willyisaac3955]

Thank you very much 👌🤙

[@NickFromBeith]

Select the audio and you can get the spectrum using an FFT. The lowest push will be the repetition rate in Hz... Hover the mouse over it and it'll tell you exactly. I want to go and try that now!

[@wiseman7326]

thank you so much brother

[@danny100ization]

i have an old seiko watch i bought from india ,running 5 mins fast a day ,goina try this fix ,,thanks,,

[@TheLovinMinecraft]

Lol, I'm over here with my watch running +21.7s per minute, might be magnetized. Thanks for the information.

[@pavaot3858]

if it wasnt recently cleaned start with that. than try demagnetising it and if nothing else works take it to a watchmaker to have it checked in detail, bcause something might be damaged

[@djbarnes51]

good video thanks.

[@iliasmyson6388]

Very nice video

[@mikethepomme]

Thanks, worked

[@bijiqbaliklagi6342]

This method is usefull thaks dude is slowing my Seiko SNXJ94 (The old one)

[@insaniyattv6523]

Bro mujhy b samjha do plz

[@insaniyattv6523]

Mujhy in ki english samj ni aai

[@oledcrt]

I have a Seiko Bell-Matic that literally gains 3 seconds every 2 seconds that go by. I'll have to try this on it, but I think I'll also have to demagnetize it as it does throw off a compass considerably.

[@beenyroy]

Hey there. Great clip. Could you put a link to Audacity in your description please, I'm having trouble finding it.

[@stillededge]

"Kello" is the iPhone app for watch regulation; difficult to make it work though. I think finding a mic sensitive enough is the issue. Got it to work on my small German clock...but cant get it to "pic up" a watch...even my monster ETA7750 style movement. Anyway, enjoyed this vid, will see if the Audacity program works.

[@tuberaider]

Twixt Time works with image timestamps instead of ticking sounds. Very clever

[@kedocom]

thanks for the tips .... but lol, I can't get my external mic to pick up the ticking sound in audacity ..... guess I'll use my laptop and record what it records :)

[@johanchandy6238]

+kedocom Same here :(

[@MohamedIsmail3838]

Thanks, nice vdo u made there. However my Seiko 5 is now my museum piece, My I tap your expertise if its possible to get an "adapter" so I can use the strap on a watch that came with a leather strap that takes a spring bar 20mm width between the "horns". I cannot trust the shop that gv me a straight 'NO' answer.

[@kala9292]

Hi very nice video thank you much.. But tried to find that software to check accuracy. Could you please help me how can i find .. Thank you

[@ch3fxexcell3nce]

Just got a new watch a few days ago, always sits upright in box when not worn. I set the time with a quartz watch 24 hours ago, by 1:40pm today it was 2 seconds behind, but now it is 1 second ahead.

[@17thefuzz]

How often do you have to adjust the time on your mechanical watch? I have Seiko Solar and I look for some mechanical alternative but I feel like daily adjustments would make me crazy..

[@cloudzrest]

it depends how accurate you need your watch to be. after regulating my SKX's I will reset them every couple weeks, since they are keeping about +/- 5 per day. a mechanical watch will never beat the accuracy of an electric quartz watch.

[@Mattyboy88979]

thank you so so much

[@roguefive512]

This is a great video but Can you make a video on how to reseal to make it waterproof again for scuba divers

[@ThepDenNgoaiBien]

+Rogue Five ..Easy.! with another $10 dollars, you can SUPER GLUE to seal the back of your waterproof for Scuba Divers ( SKX007) Maybe work? kkk

[@cloudzrest]

i'm not a watch maker or repair guy so i don't know. it should be waterproof enough to swim with . if you are going diving i would have it tested by a watch shop .

[@OscarT9011]

How much would a jeweler charge me..? A reasonable price. Either if it's magnetized or a spring its out of place ?

[@silverghost4206]

More of the likes the spring needs adjustment.... I highly doubt your watch was magnetized .. Magnetized watches dont happen that highly...

[@Coney01]

I just solved the microphone problem. Audacity had turned it off and I found I could go to my iMac's Sound and get the microphone working again, but iMac users should be warned of the problem.

[@goldeneggduck]

Clever with Audacity!

[@joaoantonio5931]

the clock is better delaying than advancing, because it is easier to advance it. My seiko 7002 delays 2 seconds a day.

[@flake-guy]

Lifesaver

[@GreeniarisGP]

I noticed in the video and in my watch that there are to levers there.. The one with the two dots, which we move up or doen and a slightly bigger one with one dot. What's the purpose of that because i think i moved it accidentally. Thankssss

[@carmelinarosinski8953]

ScreenVariety it's the best to watch all I need

[@massri1992]

really good job ;)

[@insaniyattv6523]

Bro mujhy b samja do

[@bellatorresbruh7900]

I have 2 automatic watches, one was 70 and the other was 200 (wow ikr). It continues to count time or continue with my arm movement, if it doesn't move after a while it will stop. Do you know how to make it continue forever or something? I hate having to redo the time every morning , it takes me forever, because when I grab it and try to adjust the time, the seconds still continues so if it's not accurate, it is hard to get it perfect.

[@7040qrp]

Use WWV at 5 10 15 20 MHZ. Atomic clock in Ft. Collins Co.

[@RonBrydge]

where do i get the audacity program to do this?, My watch is 5 minutes fast every hour. Worked great for 3 months then it sped up......

[@silverghost4206]

5 minutes faster every hour ???... What kind of watch do you have.. You probably mean 5 second.... NOT hour Do you have a seiko long horn ?? Reference # nty3468..... I have one in gray an white dial .. Absolutely breath taking of a watch...

[@axl9530]

Hello. I have a Fossil automatic and sometimes when i try to manual wind it, the wind feels lighter and the wheel that shoud tension the spring is not moving. If I shake it a bit and then I try to wind it , it works just fine for about 10 turns of the crown , then it makes the same thing again. Do you know what can it be? Thank you!

[@cloudzrest]

I'm just a guy not a watch Maker sorry

[@haivu4970]

Ty

[@Sean-hg1fc]

How often do you regulate the watch?

[@alfredomelendez7698]

hello Nice vid. my watch is going forward 6 minutes per hour. Would like to know how much do I have to move the bar. thanks

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

6 *minutes* per hour? Time to get a new watch there buddy.

[@silverghost4206]

Sure it nots 6 seconds ??????

[@raeeskhan6450]

By which liquid we can wash our watch machine seiko 5 by which chemical plz tell

[@richardsinclair9449]

you can get a stop watch function on google

[@russelledwards43]

After taking the back of my Seiko 009 Pepsi to repair it, how likely is it that it will still be water proof just for regular swimming? The seal seemed to be ok

[@cloudzrest]

I've never had any issues with the water tightness of watches that I have regulated myself, just put some silicone grease on The gasket area and screw it down nice and tight It should be adequate for swimming

[@russelledwards43]

Thanks for the advice, I'll try some silicone grease before I go swimming

[@BullCrapZak]

What are the name of the apps that can do this?