Learn about Seiko with Repair Specialist Spencer Klein

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Back in the day I brought over 20 Seiko's to watch repair Jewelers and each and every one told me it was not worth the money to repair the Seiko Quartz and automatic's. So I have always trashed my Seiko's when they Broke and a lot of them Broke back in the day. Loved this video and Thanks for sharing.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Eddie and thanks for watching! I wonder if any of those seikos would have been the few that are now vintage classics!

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Really some were Automatic's around the years 69 to 76. The Automatic Seiko's I would drop them and they would break. That's why the plastic movement retainers are much better today. When I was a kid they were metal with No shock resistance at all. Just because something is old doesn't mean it was built well. I do miss my Seiko's and wish one would have survived from my Dad. The 4 Quartz's back in the day were crap. I spent Hundreds like 300 for to many Seiko Quartz's. The pen calculator and a few dress watches. Today the Seiko movements are amazing. Love your channel.

[@skipper_mtb6644]

Love these interviews, with such a great guest too!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, thanks and I didnt get chance to send an advance copy it was too the wire this one!

[@skipper_mtb6644]

The Casual Watch Reviewer no worries, you asked some great questions so I'm not sure I'd change anything anyway!

[@ansont1824]

Good job securing this interview, very great addition to your collection of vids, enjoyed it!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Anson, thanks so much and thanks for watching. I'm hoping to to be doing some more interesting interviews coming up soon.

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you Sam. That was an incredibly informative video, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your interview and seeing the old Seikos :)

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, thanks! yes it was a really cool interview to do. It was actually really hard to cut town nearly 50 mins to 30 but I think I managed to capture all the best bits!

[@larrybouligny4352]

Great interview, Sam! Interesting about Spencer's past hobbies with cars and scooters. It makes sense that he would find his calling rebuilding.... something!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Larry. Yes another very fascinating story I was lucky enough to capture. We had a much longer discussion about british cars that ended up on the cutting room floor. Until I set up a ‘The Casual Car Reviewer’ channel... maybe!

[@dhc4ever]

Someone took the power away from the designers and engineers and inserted an MBA and a bean counter. The combination of those two disaplines means prices goes up, quality goes down. They make their bonuses over a few short years and leave, usually after trashing a companies good name and product.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I hope this is not right but after recent experience with a brand new Seiko I fear there may be some truth here.

[@MrJamesDuffy]

Great interview! Spencer is rad. I always feel a little more knowledgeable after hearing him talk. After this video, I am even more enamored with my Seiko SKX001 with a 7S26A inside!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi James, yes that was news to me about the type-A movement. He didn't hesitate when I asked about what seiko would be the next classic! so you got yourself a good watch there!

[@arimyllymaki3248]

One thing when talking about these old Seiko prices that gets overlooked is inflation. 1970s dollar is around 8 dollars these days, so 139 dollar Pogue's watch in back in the day is 1100 dollars in today's money. Not exactly dirt cheap, but sure more affordable than similar model would be today :)

[@blaketaylor9317]

Loving these interviews. Keep them coming!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Blake. I uploaded one yesterday that has proved to be very lively in the comments section so check it out and see what you think!

[@AlexanderGosselin]

This is a really awesome interview!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks and thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@cedarcanoe]

great interview. Wonderful guy!!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Cedar, glad you enjoyed it!

[@honestycounts8720]

How to refresh the lume would have been a great question. A lot of watches with dead lume would look great now if we all could do this. Cheers

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Do you just want to know if you can get lume reapplied… because you can do that? You just need to find someone who does it.

[@honestycounts8720]

@@CasualWatchReviews no Spencer has a way of getting rid of the lume rot seen on many vintage seikos

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh right, well thats the first I’m hearing of it so thats probably why I didn’t ask when I made this one. Maybe you could email him!

[@Gla5g0wDaddy0]

Great interview to snag Mr. Klein! Nice synergy...glad to see Spencer is actively encouraging folks to contact him...a few videos ago he seemed burdened by his success...i just bought a 7002-7001 with his method and will need him to give it a diagnosis {|:^)

[@CasualWatchReviews]

He was very open with me, the same with Larry at Uncle Seiko. We even did the interview twice. He was great to interview and very selfless with his time. I would love to do another one as I think there are a lot more questions to explore about Seiko and the current state of the watch industry in general.

[@camarocarl7130]

Good luck with that.

[@ClubmanGT1971]

Absolutely brilliant to listen to.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I have a great face for radio 😂

[@duncanb1981]

This is only the second vid of yours I've seen (this anx the uncle seiko one) but wow these are some interesting and quality interviews. Keep it up.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Demoney. Thanks I’m glad you liked them, I also recently did a really interesting one with a Naval Flight officer. How he uses a watch in combat

[@shipmate3577]

Does he have any watch credentials or certifications (ie WOSTEP, CW21, etc)?

[@sergiosaenz8008]

Great video! Thank u.

[@Leo-Crespi]

amazing

[@bullet_bg]

Great

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

The Legend.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thank you I will let Spencer Know!

[@pwsod]

Very helpful and informative about the Seiko divers. I have seen the 6105 8110 with a Pepsi which seems much cheaper than the black bezel. Shark model I think it was called.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh I will have to keep a look out. I had not really looked in to them before this video and now I cant stop. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@pwsod]

The Casual Watch Reviewer me too I have been searching and finding many made up 62mas Most of the vintage divers are triple or more in cost than a newer model. That was a lesson to me.

[@EvilUnderTone]

I had a few of the dive watches from 62mas to 6105-8110 and 8000. I found the 8000 was a real nice watch. It makes a nicer dress watch that the wider 8110. I thought the 62mas was overrated.

[@carlopatriarca5896]

Your opinion on the 6139-6010 would be very much appreciated tanks

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I really don’t know vintage seiko that well honestly.

[@keithlavallie6968]

I just purchased an SRP 777 turtle re-issue with the 4R36 movement. I own several Seikos. My first was the SKX007 with 7S26 movement. which in my eyes is bulletproof. Never had an issue with it. I Bought it in 96. I guess my question is, what’s your opinion on the 4R36? I’ve heard conflicting reviews.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Keith, I only have experience with the seiko TMI version the NH36. And had no problems at all with that. Spencer and I made a series on a PADI seiko using the 6R15 and that was not a great experience honestly. You could ask Spencer directly over at his channel. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@robertbeaty8744]

High. I am a new viewer and enjoy your program. I have a 1980 “golden tuna” hat I would like to get working again. It is in good condition and needs someone like you to bring it back to life. How do I get in contact with you? I would love to send you my watch for a restoration.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Robert, I don't actually repair them, I just interviewed Spencer who does. Your best to email him [e-mail]

[@EvilUnderTone]

The 701x series of chrono's are very overlooked. A superior movement to the 613X calibres.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Tony, if you like Seiko Chronographs, check out the podcast liked to this show. I did a full episode with a collector of chronograph. If you search on iTunes or your podcast app of choice for ‘Casual Watch Talk’ you will see the channel logo

[@willowklein8045]

Spencer is actually my father (which is actually true)

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Well thats pretty cool! Welcome to the channel Willow! We did a few uploads together, Spencer is always welcome on my channel and livestreams.

[@RiffDevin]

really interesting video!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Riff, thank you and thanks for watching. If you like this one you may also like the one I did with Uncle Seiko on vintage seiko watch straps

[@nawangdorjee1338]

Seiko 7T62-OCVO model what is price for used one n not working ???

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Im not sure honestly, have you looked on Chrono24, Ebay or the seiko forums on Reddit, Watch Recon or Watchuseek.

[@davidocchiuzzo1802]

How do I send him my seiko for repair

[@CasualWatchReviews]

His link is in the description of the video

[@solstar4778]

What do you feel about the King Seiko or Snowflake Seiko ! Are they good enough for you !

[@tods.9947]

Great interview! Spencer is an artisan. I have five of his watches in my collection. If you want to have fun look up “fire watch” on his KZbin channel. I also think that I saw a photo of his dad under the hood of a Jag XK-150. I for sure saw a Coventry DOHC 6 valve cover. One of the finest engines ever.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Tod, you may know more than me on that one. It was a Jag though I'm sure. Thanks so much for watching and adding that extra detail.

[@shipmate3577]

Seiko has lost their touch. The bezel and chapter ring alignments, especially in the Turtles, is horrible... I've only seen 1 out of 4 Turtles with chapter rings aligned with the indices.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Shipmate, unfortunately my recent experience with Seiko would be similar to yours. I will be doing another video soon on it.

[@tonyl7286]

To be honest, the Suwa-Daini competition was the best thing that could've happened to Seiko. With the exception of Spring Drive movements, most if not all other notable Seiko accomplishments happened during that era. Also, Seiko watches experienced a decline in innovation and overall quality after the 80s (after the Suwa-Daini dissolution). Coincidence?

[@letssuperfuntime]

you can remedy that pretty easily.

[@rivetgunner]

My jaw dropped when I found out that Seiko guarantees to procure its replacement parts for only a decade - even for their GS-line. No wonder they have low resale value.

[@shipmate3577]

@@letssuperfuntime I shouldn't have to though.

[@cassiocameron]

Incredible interview. One doupt, what are the best years to buy one skx007? With that better specification on the moviment?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I asked Spencer and he advised... The Type A was the standard 7xxx family movement more or less from the beginning in the 1960s up until the 7626B came out. all of the movements made during that time use the same exact balance. Also, the B isn't bad, actually. They're a little more tweakable than both the A and C. The C is where things really started getting wonky.

[@cassiocameron]

The Casual Watch Reviewer thanks a lot for the attention!!! 😉😉😉

[@ForbinColossus]

@14:02 "There's never been anything like it since" How about the current Seiko turtle SRP773/SRPA21 etc? @24:42 7S26 interesting but disappointing abot the 4R and 6R movements! How to find an "a" type movement without opening the back? Close ups here: forums.watchuseek.com/f365/visual-comparison-7s26a-7s26b-movements-178630.html Love the details about the 6139-6005 (Xlnt vid - learned to wrench on a '70 Volks and '65 Ford Falcon). I dont get the appeal of the Seiko Golden 'tuna can' divers for daily wear when theyre clearly made over-sized to fit over wetsuits

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi, thanks so much for that additional detail and taking the time to analyse the video.

[@a97b18b]

Well, I broke one of his rules. Bought some Seiko from the Philippines. They’re cheap enough that I don’t really care and since I’m new and want to mod them it’ll be ok if I destroy em

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes i would say give it a go if you want a go at modding them. I just modded an Invicta!

[@a97b18b]

The Casual Watch Reviewer I just need to decide how I want it to look. There’s so many options out there! But I’m starting to really dig the yellow after market dial! Watch is from 1996, model 7002-7000. Wish it was a factory dial instead of a copy but I love the square style indices.

[@user-ik8ij3mo5x]

ラーメン

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Im sorry I’m having trouble translating that.

[@wongbryson]

The Casual Watch Reviewer literally meant ramen. Nonsensical comment tho? 😂

[@MackieX]

Hi Sam, Love your videos especially with interviews like this one, Riff and Uncle Seiko. It will be interesting if you can interview the Watch Repair Channel. Learnt alot on watch repairs from these guys. kzbin.info Total respect. R/ Mackie

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh yes he does a great job, I will certainly ask him if he would like to come on the channel!

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

:)

[@camarocarl7130]

So is this guy a self described watchmaker? " I love Seiko and I love fixing things" does not qualify as an answer . Apprenticeship ? Watchmaking school ? I suspect a clean and lubrication then put the watch on a Timegrapher and charge double so you don't have to work as much. Notice he does not except any watches for service anymore because he is " so far behind ". I don't know about this guy, Something seems fishy as he is reluctant to speak about specific watchmaking training.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Carl, Spencer is one of the most respected independent seiko watch repairers out there. There are probably only a handful in the world that repair vintage Seiko watches, without him and a few others most of the vintage Seiko watches would be left to the history books. Seiko couldn’t care less about them... unless they can get a limited edition version out of one and charge $5-6k for it.

[@camarocarl7130]

@@CasualWatchReviewsHi . Enjoy your you tubes. I know of several trained watchmakers that service and repair Seiko and vintage Seiko. I am not being argumentative but just because he is on you tube does not make one instantly "One the most respected independent Seiko watch repairers out there". Installing a jewel to a worn arbor port is nothing special. Other than that all I see is disassembly, cleaning, lucubration, reassembly and regulation. Any respectable watch maker can do that to a Seiko vintage, or not. Where specifically did he acquire his self stated expertise ? I suspect he fell upon a repair manual and low and behold, in the day of the internet and non brick and mortar watch repair shops, he is an instant expert Seiko watchmaker. Can you convince me otherwise?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Carl, I probably can’t convince you otherwise, it seem like your mind is made up. If you want to research Spencer just search online. He is the owner of a seiko subreddit and other people who have had work done by him will be able to tell you. He features in several of my uploads, even taking apart a new seiko I had to show what a crap job they do of quality control these days. I’m not arguing either, I know the research I have done and experience I have had with Spencer and I’m happy to have him on my channel and recommend him. Appreciate you watching and sharing your view as always, my channel is a open forum

[@camarocarl7130]

@@CasualWatchReviews I believe he gave good service and I also agree Seiko QC is off. But you do realize he will not except any watches for repair ....unless of course you host a watch you tube channel apparently. Diagnosing a lubrication issue, and cleaning, re lubrication and observing performance is commendable however hardly noteworthy. Where, what watchmaking school and for how long did he apprentice? I have asked him directly on his you tube site. Nothing received. Glad he fixed your watch but again, I believe any good watchmaker would have done the same. Since you hosted him on your You tube I thought perhaps you might know of his background. Just as well and happy your watch was repaired. My turtle runs great BTW....until you drop it. They are not shock proof!

[@camarocarl7130]

@@CasualWatchReviews He is a hobbyist that fixed his own watches, then his friends asked him to repair their watches. He repairs watches from his home and has a web site. That does not make him a " Professional Watch maker" in my eyes. Unless you know more about him then he posts- which is nothing about his watch making background. His web site states he is not accepting any work so how is it that he came to repair yours? See what I mean ? He seems to only do work to further his You tube posts. He has a prolific you tube presence yes...but that seems to be it. Suggest you interview some real watchmakers and high light the background and training needed to become one. Practically anyone can say they are "Professional Watch makers" on you tube.